Hello, and welcome to the Highly Qualified (HQ) and Certified Teacher/Tutor 6th-12th grades, you have been looking for who has been teaching all levels of Mathematics from the basics thru Calculus, including even an experience working with adult learners.  

Ever since earning my BS degree in Secondary Education - Mathematics in 1988 from a Pennsylvania State Teachers College East Stroudsburg University, I have developed a reputation as a Highly Effective teacher with various students, fellow Math teachers, parents, administrators, and students over the years...with an emphasis on explaining Algebraic Equations visually using Desmos.com.

I personally have various 504 & IEP diagnoses, including ASD, Dyslexia, and a specific LD in both reading & writing, which has given me the gift of developing unique insights and empathy for my students who struggle with their own challenges. 

Now, during the 2024-2025 school year, after 30+ years within the educational system in 4 states, (PA, NJ, AZ, and CA), I have since realized that having these "disabilities" has been a blessing to provide me with the inside scoop of why students who struggle with school, and real solutions to help assist them along the way, that I personally have used myself, with a level of empathy not gained by reading about it, or being "trained" in a teacher program.

One of my proudest accomplishments was working with Blind and Visually Impaired students for 3 years in Tucson, AZ, where the students who took the state exams required at that time (AZMerit Alg1, Geom., and Alg2) passed for the 1st time in that school's 100 year history.  We did this together, with many hours of after school tutoring, with my guidance and direction, including teaching them how to use the approved tools of Desmos online & talking handheld TI-84 graphing calculators.

I am confident that I can help your student(s) see the beauty of mathematics and achieve their goals, by providing a personalized approach that caters to their unique needs and learning style.  My goal is to guide them to build up their own inner confidence to the point where eventually they will no longer need my services, which is the best feeling on the planet, watching one of my students say "No, I don't need your help Miss S, I got this now!!"

I will be placing a high degree of emphasis on Mastery Based Teaching vs just getting through the assignment to get it done to a 60% passing.  If you have that "I just want them to pass" expectation, please find another Math Teacher/Tutor for your child(ren).  There are plenty of schools that even require us as teachers to use 50% as the lowest grade instead of a 0%.  I never liked using 0% either, because it simply dooms that student to perpetual failure due to the nature of how Pure Math Class are progressive in nature.  I would always make certain that student was attended to even if I had to give up my own planning or eating time.

Depending on their age & their own realization of personal & professional goals, they can either be staying on the "Pre-Calculus" track of Pure Math that our current schools are structured with state standards, or choose to jump off of that track.  I have recently been working with a family who decided to jump onto the Financial Math track, and have access to a program that has a Budget and Investment simulation where they can invest in the stock market with current pricing, and it's fun too.

Interests/Hobbies

Hiking and Mountain Biking both with and without significant elevation gain in the communities in Central Arizona where I am currently living has taken a recent backseat due to a knee condition, hopefully will get back to this soon.

I have played little league baseball since 1974, pitched a no hitter with 13 strike outs during my last year at 13 years old & won the MVP at the Philadelphia Phillies major league Baseball Phantasy camp in Clearwater, FL in 2002 at the age of 35.  Google my name & Phillies for more on this story.

I love prayer, meditation, and as silly as it sounds doing Math problems with other Math teachers in online chats.

I love my rescue puppy Elsa, who was left abandoned in the cold winter during a snowstorm and was FROZEN and unresponsive when she was discovered by a forest ranger, who helped bring her and her sister back to life.

I enjoy camping in the cold seasons, next to a hot springs with fellow friends who feel like family every month that we meet back up over the past 10+ years.

I plan to eventually write a book about how the educational system as it currently exists needs to be changed into more of an individual & personalized process driven by the students desires & strengths.