Teaching and tutoring math is my current (last fifteen years) joy. A little bit about how I got here:
The first evidence was when, back in college, I assisted a fellow student in calculus. That was satisfying. However, no new tutoring came my way after helping my classmate; I used my math to study engineering. I graduated in chemical engineering from UC Berkeley, worked 16 years as a field-engineer supporting ship repairs, then spent two years as an engineering consultant for environmental site remediation. I earned my license as a Professional Mechanical Engineer in California.
My wife and I chose I would be the stay-at-home parent to our first child. She continued in her career; I changed diapers. We eventually had three children. A neighbor introduced our family to homeschooling. Within the network of homeschool families, as a parent with a Science, Technolgy, Engineering, and Math (STEM) background, I became a go-to guy for mathematics.
Through many opportunities in the homeschool community to coach, teach, and then tutor math, I learned ways to improve the math skills of my students and lead them to success. After sixteen years of homeschooling, my youngest child headed off to college. I considered returning to engineering work, but realized my heart is in teaching and tutoring math.
MY TEACHING/TUTORING PHILOSOPHY FOR MATH
Four aspects I think of as I work with my students:
Assess -- I assess for gaps in precursor math skills that are critical to my student grasping the current material.
Approaches -- much of teaching is drawing on what is known and applying that to the new. I combine knowing my student with creative thinking to provide appropriate analogies that resonate with the student's experiences.
Archetype -- as students progress in their math studies, besides an increase in the difficulty of the concepts, problems become longer. To provide clarity for lengthier problems, I model and teach good organizational habits for their written math work.
Algorithms -- math may be thought of as choosing and following a procedure. I like to chunk and name these procedural algorithms. As problems become more complex, solutions typically consist of multiple algorithms chained together. Chunking the math algorithms into reasonable size pieces and naming them helps my students to (1) see the map for the entire problem, and (2) keep track of where they are in executing the solution.
What I want my students to experience is:
Spiral review -- I want my student to recognize that, as in any skill-based activity, repetition and practice is needed. When the requisite skills are called for in solving a problem, my student can immediately perform those skills -- a springboard to their math success! The alternative is that weak skills are a stumbling block to their progress.
Success -- I review with my students a record of their work, then they see the increasing difficulty of the problems they are able to handle. Success builds their confidence.
Interactions with my students blend (1) providing directives -- for example, to progress the student through a problem, and (2) asking questions -- such as to inquire which technique to use, or to look back at a problem and consider "what if"s.
I am motivated to teach and tutor by the great satisfaction I feel when my students succeed.
SUMMARY
I possess a solid math background through my studies and professional work. I have taught a wide range of math topics to a variety of students. Subject mastery and tutoring experience positions me to offer excellent tutoring, tailored to the student's current skill level. Contact me -- we can arrange for a math success story!
About Me
Subjects
Upper Elementary Math
PreAlgebra
Algebra 1
Geometry
Algebra 2
Trigonometry
PreCalculus
Calculus
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Math Test Prep -- SAT, ACT, GRE
Tutoring
Rate: $55 for 55 minutes on-line or at my home in Concord, CA
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Tutoring at alternate locations available. Rate on a sliding scale depending on distance and time of day.
Classes for 2023-24
Algebra 1 This will be an in-person course held at my home in Concord, CA.
Geometry This will be a classroom course held in conjunction with the Classical Homeschool Day (CHD) organization.
Algebra 2 I will run this course if there is sufficient interest.
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Pricing. For Algebra 1 and Algebra 2 the yearly tuition depends on the enrollment:
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2 students: $2,900 per student
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3 students: $2,100 per student
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4 students: $1,730 per student
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5 or more students: $1,500 per student
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Pricing details for the Geometry class can be obtained from the CHD organization. Contact me and I'll connect you with them.
Charter Schools
Approved vendor with: Compass Charter School, Visions in Education
What Happy Students
and Parents Say
From a student who used Teaching Textbooks Algebra 2:
I definitely recommend taking math with Mr. Chin! Teaching Textbooks is great, but Mr. Chin provides real world examples for the material. It is also impossible to ask Teaching Textbooks quick questions. However, with Mr. Chin, questions are encouraged and are always answered fully. As a visual learner, Mr. Chin provided ways for me to fully understand the material. He also challenged me with word problems and other material I was not comfortable with. I can honestly say that without the help of Mr. Chin, I would not be nearly as confident in Algebra.
--Ellie, Algebra 2 student
Math can be daunting and overwhelming for both the child and the parents. Assessing the child’s proficiency level is essential to constructing a learning plan to support the student’s comprehension and critical thinking skills. Mr. Chin evaluates each student’s level and constructs the lessons to the student. He implements a personalized approach, which allows the student to assemble a solid foundation of skills. He is patient, calm, and encouraging. These characteristics are not only needed by the student, but the parents, as well.
--Juan Carlos and Kelly, parents of student moving from Covid-19 impacted public middle school to private high school
After one full year of working with Gary, our two middle-schoolers are just plain better at math and, more importantly, more interested and motivated to learn more. Gary’s personality is perfect for this role, as he gently explains, challenges, encourages and explains again. We arranged our school schedule around Gary’s availability for the second year, and are grateful for how he enriches our children’s academic life.
--Eric and Anna, homeschool parents
Gary took on our unique tutoring situation and developed a custom group of lessons to meet the need perfectly. It was so much more than what I expected and I appreciate his help tremendously. He takes his commitment seriously, is very responsive, and communicates progress thoroughly. I would highly recommend him!
--Cindy, mom of Vocational Math student
Gary was responsive and proactive from our first interaction. He listened carefully to our concerns and objectives before starting tutoring sessions with our son. From the first time they got together, it was clear that Gary understood the material thoroughly and had talent for conveying concepts in a way that made them easier to understand. He made good use of the time by staying on task, but also adjusted the pace as needed to make sure our son understood everything. We wouldn't hesitate to recommend Gary, and expect we will work with him again.
--Elise, mom of Algebra 2 student
I recommend Mr. Chin highly. My daughter enjoyed taking his Algebra 2 course. Even though she was challenged at times because math is not her favorite subject, Mr. Chin encouraged her and she learned so much in a school year. Mr. Chin is an excellent and dedicated teacher and his love for teaching clearly shines. I appreciated that Mr. Chin always made sure my daughter understood each step before going on to the next, even giving my daughter some extra practice to make sure she grasped the subject. We couldn't have completed the course as confident as we have without Mr. Chin's class. Thank you, Mr. Chin for a great year!
--Liz, mom of Algebra 2 student
Gary has been an outstanding math teacher for my kids. Both my son and daughter took Algebra I from him in eighth grade. My son just finished geometry as a freshman in a traditional high school. Gary’s algebra class prepared him well for the class, and he consistently scored high marks, ending up with an A in the class. I anticipate the same for my daughter this coming year.
--Carrie, homeschool parent
Gary was able to assess my daughter's knowledge level, ability, and pacing; that really helped her learn the material. His patience and perception of my daughter's aptitude was spot-on and greatly helpful toward several "light-bulb" moments.
--Kim, mom of Geometry student