Marissa M.
Private tutor in Portland, OR
Education
Bachelor's of Science in Math and Physics in 2010. Master's degree in Mathematics (abstract algebra and topology) at Portland State University (2016). Math instructor at PSU (2014-2016). Teaching my own classes was wonderful, but I also appreciate the impact I can have while tutoring one on one. In between my degrees, I was both a freelance math tutor while also working for various tutoring agencies including Sylvan Learning Center (in both New York City and Portland) and the Center for Quantitive and Symbolic Reasoning in Olympia, WA.
Experience
Hello! I have been tutoring math for most of the past 10 years. I have experience tutoring everything from 4th grade math through algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus, advanced calculus (vector calc, differential equations, sequences and series, etc) and beyond to 300-400 level material in abstract algebra, linear algebra, real analysis and topology. I was an instructor at Portland State University (2014-2016) where I taught classes in algebra, trigonometry and calculus. Teaching has always come naturally to me and with my experience I am able to present problems and concepts in many different lights so I can find the one best suited to the person I am working with. I have been highly successful over the years, often working with failing students to bring them to finish with an A or a B. The point is to guide the student to come to the understanding on their own. That is the way one's mind best retains information. Moreover, it will contribute to the client's general logic and reasoning abilities, which will assist them not only in their studies but throughout life's challenges. I also understand that math can be a very stressful topic to study and is accompanied by emotional and mental barriers. For that reason, I try to take a holistic approach to tutoring. I provide a safe and comfortable space free of distractions for us to work and I address self doubt and limiting beliefs as they arise. If we are doing a longer session I provide drinks and snacks halfway through to give them a chance to rest and reset; this helps to maximize productivity. Moreover, every student has moments where they are intensely frustrated and this clouds the mind. One way that I address these moments is to have a 3 minute music break where I will put on their favorite song and we will rock out. To help calm those with extreme math anxiety, there is an (optional) mindfulness practice at the beginning of each session (which the student can choose to arrive early for). I want my clients to be relaxed as possible and maybe even have some fun. At the same time, we are very focused and use our time wisely, often addressing multiple concepts that need work in the same problem. I also can be an optimal tutor for the student that may already be excelling, but wants to go further. In particular, I specialize in teaching proof writing. My goal is for my clients to experience the joy in exploring mathematics and develop their confidence and logical reasoning skills all while reaching their particular study goals! My rate is $40/ hour. Contact me now to reap your logical reasoning awards! Your Friendly Neighborhood Math Tutor, Marissa Major
Subject Expertise
9th Grade mathNewtonian MechanicsOtherPre-CalculusProbabilityQuantitative Reasoning12th Grade math10th Grade math11th Grade mathMultivariable CalculusApplied MathematicsGRE Subject Test in MathematicsSAT Subject Test in Mathematics Level 1SAT Subject Test in Mathematics Level 2Mathematical Foundations for Computer ScienceSAT MathematicsDifferential EquationsAlgorithmsCalculus 1Calculus 2Calculus 3CLEP PrecalculusCollege AlgebraCompetition MathComputational Problem SolvingAdvanced PlacementFinite MathematicsGeometryIB Further Mathematics HLIB Mathematical Studies SLIB Mathematics HLIB Mathematics SLIntermediate AlgebraLinear Algebra
Availability
Any day at any time
Can Meet
Up to 15 minutes away for no additional charge
Hobbies
I love the outdoors! I love hiking, backpacking, cycling and swimming. I am a surfer and have surfed up and down the west coast as well as in Central and South America. Incidentally, travelling is also a passion of mine; I recently completed a 3 month trip in Central America where I lived and worked at various hostels, including a yoga ashram in Belize. I also enjoy writing, mostly short stories, and am an avid reader (Tom Robbins is one of my favorites).
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