Russel Tutoring

I am currently booking in-home tutoring sessions throughout the Santa Clarita area, with daytime, evening and weekend availability. I can also meet students at a local library or another convenient public location. I work with students in grades 1–10 as well as college students, with particular expertise in math. My goal is to make each session positive, productive and as stress-free as possible while helping students build the skills and confidence they need to work independently. I especially enjoy helping students understand why a math method works rather than simply memorizing steps. I use visual explanations, examples and different approaches to help students see numbers and relationships more clearly. I have worked with students who needed help catching up, students who lacked confidence, and students with ADHD or 504 plans who benefited from a patient, structured approach. For college students, including adults returning to school after many years, I can help rebuild the high school math skills needed for courses such as algebra, geometry, finite math and business math. I am often able to identify gaps in a student's foundation quickly and then focus on the specific skills preventing progress. My approach is simple: help students figure it out. I want students to understand the reasoning behind what they are doing so they can eventually solve problems independently rather than relying on a tutor. Before we begin, I like to speak with parents about their concerns and review whatever information is available, including report cards, teacher comments, recent tests, assignments and homework. During the first session, I also ask the student what feels difficult, what comes easily and what frustrates them. Whenever possible, I begin with current classwork or homework. That allows me to see how the student approaches a problem while also helping them make immediate progress on material they are actually being asked to learn. From there, I identify the underlying skills that need strengthening. In math, that may mean stepping back to reinforce an earlier concept before moving forward. I use different explanations and visual approaches until we find the method that makes sense to that particular student. My tutoring and education background I worked with elementary-school students for five years throughout the Los Angeles area as “Jupiter John” with the Mad Science after-school enrichment program, leading hands-on science activities and demonstrations for students in grades K–6. I later joined Club Z Tutoring, tutoring elementary- and middle-school students in a variety of subjects, with an emphasis on mathematics. My tutoring experience has since expanded through 10th grade and into introductory college mathematics. While my son attended Helmers Elementary School in Santa Clarita, I volunteered in the classroom as an art instructor for grades 1, 2 and 4 and taught computer keyboarding to second graders. I am familiar with the California Common Core curriculum and have experience working with students with ADHD and California 504 plans. A career spent communicating with young audiences Before becoming a tutor, I spent many years as an entertainment publicity executive, including more than 20 years working with children's television programs, characters and products. Among the properties I represented or promoted were Pokémon, Pac-Man, Yu-Gi-Oh!, My Little Pony, Jem and the Holograms, Transformers and G.I. Joe. At one point I even appeared as Optimus Prime at promotional events. I also served as a publicist for Carson-Dellosa Publishing, a major provider of supplemental educational materials. That career taught me something that applies directly to tutoring: presenting information effectively means understanding your audience. Students do not all process information the same way. Sometimes changing the explanation, drawing a picture, using a number line or approaching a problem from another direction is all it takes for something to click. Education and qualifications I earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, majoring in Marketing and Management. I graduated at the top of my class and received the class award for earning the highest GPA among students completing a double major. I am also: DOJ Live Scan Registered — Acton-Agua Dulce Unified School District Virtus Trained — Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Church, Saugus, CA References available upon request Subject knowledge matters, but so does personality. I try to bring a firm approach with a light touch—clear expectations, patience, encouragement and enough flexibility to adjust each session to the student's needs. There is no better reward for me than watching a student struggle with something, work through it and suddenly realize: I get it. I would be happy to discuss your student's needs and determine whether I am the right tutor to help.