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Fundacational Math Tutor
Brian D.

80 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Hourly Rate: $60
Brian D.'s Photo

Fundacational Math Tutor
Fundacational Math Tutor
Brian D.

80 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

80 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

About Brian


Bio

One of my students described my teaching style as "fundacational," and that was one of the best compliments I've ever received. It confirmed what I've always tried to do: Make learning as creative, fun, and connected to life as possible. That has been my aim for over 10 years as a math tutor and the past two years as a math consultant for LDA. I've also scored thousands of math proficiency tests (mainly algebra, geometry, and some trig) required for graduation from several states at...

One of my students described my teaching style as "fundacational," and that was one of the best compliments I've ever received. It confirmed what I've always tried to do: Make learning as creative, fun, and connected to life as possible. That has been my aim for over 10 years as a math tutor and the past two years as a math consultant for LDA. I've also scored thousands of math proficiency tests (mainly algebra, geometry, and some trig) required for graduation from several states at Questar Assessment. I've seen so many different ways to solve the same problem, and that creativity never ceases to amaze me. I've field-tested potential problems as well to meet common core standards.

Teaching for me is not transactional but transformational. A more Socratic method encourages students to take responsibility for their learning. We figure out together what best helps him or her learn. My goal is to help kids "own" their learning.

I've also been teaching kids how to drive for 15 years now, and while it may be more dangerous, it's virtually the same thing I've been doing as a tutor: work the problem, diagnose the problem, and either solve the problem or continue to work the problem.

Driving and math also have at least one thing in common: they can both be scary. I believe my success as a teacher is not only driven (no pun intended :) by a transformational philosophy but a sensitivity towards each student. I’m easy-going, able to laugh at myself, and in this safe environment, they LEARN it's o.k. to make mistakes. We'll just keep practicing until we get it right. You'll find me very patient with your son or daughter; all I ask is that he/she tries. Homer Simpson once said,"Trying is the first step towards failure." Well, of course, he had it wrong: it's the not trying.

I consider myself to be a life-long learner (my students teach me so much!). I have a BA in Political Science (minor Psychology, emphasis Family and Child Development), and an MA in Philosophy of Religion.


Education

Bethel University
Political Science
Bethel Seminary
Masters

Policies

  • Tutor’s lessons: In-person
  • Hourly Rate: $60
  • Travel policy: Within 25 miles of Saint Paul, MN 55119
  • Lesson cancellation: 0 hours notice required
  • Background check passed on 10/7/2014

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

Brian hasn’t set a schedule.


Approved Subjects

Elementary Education

Elementary Math

Homeschool

Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry, Prealgebra

Math

Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry, Prealgebra

Most Popular

Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry, Prealgebra

Summer

Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry

Ratings and Reviews


Rating

4.8 (28 ratings)
5 star
(23)
4 star
(3)
3 star
(2)
2 star
(0)
1 star
(0)

Reviews

Patient with Students!

At the beginning of the year my daughter was having a hard time with math. Brian took the time to listen to all of my daughter's questions and in answering them in a way that she understood. Her grade was not good, once we hired Brian her grades improved. She went from staying up until 12 or 1 am to going to bed at 10pm. She was always the last one to finish a test, she no longer is. When she began understanding the math better (she was doing a math two grades above her grade) her confidence got better. She is now looking forward to math knowing that she knows how to do it. She had a two part final for this year, she got an A on both of them. I have never been so proud of her. As a parent when your child is having a hard time all you want to do fix things for them, I couldn't fix this. But with Brian, she was able to fix it herself. As a mother, I highly recommend Brian. You will not be disappointed!!

Kristy, 11 lessons with Brian

Professional, Patient and Personable :)

Brian was great! My daughter felt much more confident after working with him. He put her at ease and broke down the problems in ways that she understood. He was great at communicating, professional, on time, and friendly.

Deanna, 15 lessons with Brian

great teacher!

Brian was great with my son. My son really understood what was going on and felt good about what he learned.

Jenny , 4 lessons with Brian
Hourly Rate: $60
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