Why trust me, Judi Newman, to help you with your math?
I have been teaching and tutoring all of my life, even before I made teaching my career. In school, I tutored my friends. In my work as an engineer for 20 plus years, much of my work involved teaching. My volunteer activities have often included teaching and tutoring. In 1999, I launched my career in teaching. I taught Math at Naperville Central High School's Central Academy and did several other long-term subbing assignments. I taught Math (Algebra) at the College of DuPage for over ten years. I had also been a tutor at COD's Math Assistance Areas for many years. I have done private tutoring for over 20 years. I love tutoring, and my students tell me that I am very good at it.
Both MATH and TEACHING are in my blood!
Read on to learn more about me: my qualifications, my style, and more.
Qualifications
In my high school class of 600 students, I graduated 3rd. Then I went on to graduate in the top 3% of the College of Engineering at the University of Illinois. I have a Master of Science Degree in Engineering from Stanford University (where I am proud to say my two sons have also graduated, each with Math as one of their majors.) I took the ACT, SAT, and SAT II over 45 years ago, with math scores in the 99th percentile. My IQ also tested in the 99th percentile. However, my own abilities do not get in the way of my understanding the struggles that other people have with math.
Let's talk about style
My manner is very down to earth. I communicate openly. People always know where I stand and what I am thinking.
That being said, my style adapts to the needs of the student.
When I run into students who are not doing their homework well, I present a very firm tone about the consequences of not doing homework. I stay on that subject until they realize what needs to be done. I teach them all the aspects of doing homework effectively. No matter how productive our sessions might be, a student who is not doing their work regularly is not going to succeed. I make sure they understand that. I try to use straight talk, humor, asking them questions, whatever it takes.
When I have a student who is afraid of math, I can be very gentle and reassuring. I help them learn to trust me so that they can venture out and really try a problem. They know I "have their back" and I will not let them be frustrated for long. Only by being willing to try a problem can they learn how to do it.
For some students, it is enough for me to sit with them while they go through their homework. In doing that, we come across many of the concepts that are giving them trouble and I fill in the gaps. For others, they are already “doing everything right” (doing homework, asking questions, paying attention in class) and are still not having as much success as they would like. For those students, I become a detective, working with them to uncover what is causing their trouble. I treat them with respect and "get onto their team" against whatever is standing in their way. Other students come to me to stay ahead of the class by letting me preview topics before they are presented in class. This is a specialty of mine.
Occasionally a student comes along who is not a good match for me. The student is not wrong and I am not wrong, but something is just not working for us. If that happens, I recommend other tutors to help that student.
What else would you like to know?
I have lived in Naperville with my husband for almost 40 years. Our two sons went through the District 203 schools, and we were very pleased with the schools here!
Having done years of tutoring in the local schools, I have become very familiar with the high school math curriculum. Through being a parent and a long term substitute teacher in the public schools, I have learned a lot about getting along with the teachers, so one of the services I offer to my clients is to be in touch with your teacher. With your permission, I can interact with the teacher and learn more about your student’s situation, to be better able to help effectively.
I just wanted to say thanks so much for all of your help! I wound up getting a B+ on the final, which means an A for the semester!!! ...i'm exceedingly happy, and owe my success to you! Thank you so much for all of your help, this year, and last. I really liked getting to work with you again!