About LJ
After teaching in private and public schools, high schools and colleges, I started noticing where students fell between the cracks in the classroom and started tutoring. I love working one-on-one with students and getting to know them.
Along with my knowledge of all things math and science and my years of building teaching skills, I bring lots of enthusiasm and energy to everything I do. I'm a natural optimist and I believe people learn more when it's a relaxed and fun environment. When I'm not teaching, I'm likely to be outside, running marathons, in the mountains or guiding people through river rapids! I also cook a lot - all of that activity means I like to eat!
Experience
I've taught math and science in Massachusetts, Costa Rica and Switzerland and currently teach math and chemistry at two of Connecticut's state colleges and universities. The students I tutor come from public and private schools. I generally work with high schools and college students, including adults returning to school. I will occasionally work with mature and motivated middle school students.
Certifications
I have been certified to teach the following at the high school level, at times holding certifications in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Vermont:
Mathematics (grades 5-12)
Biology (grades 8-12)
Chemistry (grades 8-12)
Physics (grades 8-12)
There is no certification for teaching at the college level. Instead, instructors are qualified based on the subject and amount of advanced coursework and graduate degrees.
Education
I'm truly passionate about teaching and learning science and mathematics! I have two master's degrees - one in Chemistry Education and a second in Physics Education. I also completed a full year of graduate courses in Mathematics Education. I have completed over 230 college credits. For reference, the average bachelor's degree requires 120 credits and a master's requires 30.
Where I have taught
Eastern Connecticut State University (adjunct, math)
Three Rivers Community College (adjunct, chemistry and math)
University of Massachusetts (graduate TA, taught courses to aspiring teachers)
Goodwin University (Assistant Professor, math + statistics)
Somerset-Berkeley Regional High School (physics)
Old Rochester Regional High School (chemistry + environmental science)
Swiss Semester, Switzerland (math)
New Summit Academy, Costa Rica (math + physics)
