Quick Facts
1,600 hours tutoring
Started tutoring in 1986
Tutoring since 2014
Graduated Magna Cum Laude
7,680 hours tutoring
Math mentor & tutor since 1992
2,124 hours tutoring
Masters Degree - 4.0
10,000 + hours tutoring
Math Student of the Year, Albertson College of Idaho, 1992
2,000 hours tutoring
Teacher since 2007
5,000 hours tutoring
Physics PhD Candidate
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Detroit is home to a rich array of museums, libraries, and other institutions that offer valuable math-related and STEM-related resources and exhibits. Whether you are interested in exploring the wonders of the universe, learning about the history of American innovation, or fostering a love of learning in children, there is something for everyone. From the Michigan Science Center to the Detroit Public Library, these venues provide opportunities for people of all ages to engage with math and science in interactive and educational ways. So, if you're looking to expand your knowledge or simply have fun while learning, be sure to check out these fantastic resources in Detroit!
mi-sci.orgThe Michigan Science Center features a variety of interactive exhibits and programs that focus on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
thehenryford.orgThe Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation features a wide range of exhibits that explore the history of American innovation, including developments in science, technology, and engineering.
planetarium.wayne.eduThe Wayne State University Planetarium offers public shows that explore the wonders of the universe, with a focus on astronomy and physics.
science.cranbrook.eduThe Cranbrook Institute of Science features a variety of exhibits and programs that focus on natural history, anthropology, and other STEM-related topics.
aahom.orgThe Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum offers a wide range of interactive exhibits and programs that are designed to foster a love of learning in children, with a focus on STEM subjects.
In 2010, the state of Michigan began to implement the Common Core State Standards, aligning them with its curricula. The goal of these Common Core State Standards is not to tell teachers what or how to teach, as that is a state decision. Rather, the goal of the CCSS is to clearly define what students need to know—expectations for what they need to master in each level of math to be ready for the next level.
But each state gets to decide how to implement that through curriculum development. And for Michigan’s State Board of Education, that also meant adopting their Michigan K-12 Standards for Mathematics in 2010. These were inspired by the renewal of the 2001 Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), often referred to as No Child Left Behind (NCLB).
These standards include Grade Level Content Expectations (GLCE) and High School Content Expectations (HSCE) to give educators a reference point to guide their teaching. With a focus on encouraging rigor, relevance, and relationship in the math classroom, the state’s academic K-12 standards help guide curriculum development and test creation. Michigan continues to revise these standards as needed, collaborating with other states to refine them.
According to Bridge Michigan, 55% of Detroit’s children live in poverty, which is correlated with lower test scores in school. Test scores for Detroit students consistently rank last among other large cities throughout the country. They also fall below the average scores for the overall state of Michigan. These scores reveal that very few students have been proficient in math.
However, in 2019, a ray of hope shed light on the situation. When a new superintendent took over the Detroit Public Schools Community District in 2017, the district began implementing intense educational reforms. Two years later, students in the district improved their average math and reading test scores across all grades. Though those scores still fell below the state averages, the improvements were a sure sign that the district was moving in the right direction.
Unfortunately, beginning in 2020, these scores have begun to drop again—as they have in many regions throughout the country—due to the school closures and remote learning associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Women of Color STEM Conference is an annual event aimed at improving the education and career opportunities of women in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The conference, hosted in Detroit, facilitates networking and learning among attendees from diverse backgrounds, and provides a platform for both aspirants and established professionals in the STEM fields to connect and share knowledge.
On the other hand, the Mind Trekkers event, is aimed at stimulating the interest of students in STEM fields. This event is designed to provide a hands-on experience where students can explore their future in STEM. They bring together industry and community partners to celebrate STEM and careers associated with it. The event intends to excite thousands of students and provide them a glimpse of what a future in STEM might entail.
One grassroots initiative aiming at educational improvement in Detroit is 482Forward. This is a coalition striving to create a Detroit where every student graduates ready to become a fully engaged participant in the world. Although not exclusively focused on math, their broader educational justice mission encompasses improved math education as a part of ensuring quality education for all. They engage community members through various events and campaigns, building a community dedicated to fighting for education justice.
The Detroit Area Pre-College Engineering Program (DAPCEP) is a non-profit organization that provides STEM education and experiences to underrepresented youth. Through a variety of programs and initiatives, DAPCEP aims to foster a love for math and science in the next generation of leaders and innovators. With a focus on hands-on learning and real-world applications, DAPCEP offers students the opportunity to explore STEM fields in a supportive and inclusive environment.
The city of Detroit uses a grid street pattern, which is a geometric arrangement of streets that intersect at right angles. This layout makes it easy to navigate the city and is an example of how geometry is used in urban planning.
Detroit is known as the "Motor City" because of its significant role in the automotive industry. Mathematics is crucial in the design and production of cars, with concepts such as algebra, geometry, and calculus being used to create efficient and safe vehicles.
Belle Isle Park in Detroit features a variety of geometric shapes in its design, from the circular paths to the rectangular flower beds.
Detroit has a rich industrial history, with many factories and manufacturing plants that used mathematical concepts, such as measurements and calculations, to produce goods.
The city is home to a variety of architectural styles that incorporate mathematical and geometric principles, from the Art Deco designs of the Guardian Building to the modernist lines of the Renaissance Center.
In 2021, Michigan high school seniors had a mean SAT score of 1031, lower than the national average of 1060. The Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ERW) section averaging 523 and the Math section averaging 508. The percentage of graduating seniors taking the SAT was relatively high at 68%. The relatively lower mean scores in Michigan as compared to the national average could be attributed to a higher participation rate, as states with near 100% participation often have lower mean scores due to a broader range of academic preparedness among test-takers. Source: NCES
In 2021, the average composite ACT score in Michigan was 25.1, a decrease from 2017's average of 24.1. The percentage of Michigan graduates taking the ACT was only 9%, which is a significant decrease from 2017's 29%. This decline in participation might be due to the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted traditional school schedules and college application processes. Michigan's average composite score of 25.1 was higher than the national average of 20.3, which can be attributed to a lower participation rate. Source: NCES
Choosing to find a math tutor online instead of locally opens up your options. Rather than having to search for a math expert that happens to be in your area, you can have your pick of the best math tutors in the country. Not to mention the flexibility that comes with remote learning.
When finding a tutor for your child, consider their experience, areas of expertise, and teaching style to help you find the right fit. Thankfully, your first Learner tutoring session is commitment-free, giving you the opportunity to assess whether the tutor is a good match for your student. If it doesn’t work out - you get your money back for the session.
Hiring a math tutor is investing in your student’s academic success. Students get one-on-one help from math experts who know how to meet each individual where they are. Sessions are also online and recorded, so you’ll always have the ability to go back and review what you’ve learned.
Answer questions about your child's background and unique needs.
Schedule a call with our Academic Advisor to identify learning goals and objectives.
We will custom match the right tutor for your child. Your initial session is commitment-free.
For many Detroit students, one-on-one tutoring can be key to academic progress. Your Learner math tutor will tailor their teaching to each individual’s learning style. And after each session, you’ll get tutor feedback on your child’s current strengths and weaknesses so you can see their progress.
Most Detroit students working with Learner math tutors see improved test scores and grades on homework within just a few weeks. Our tutors really are that effective. Without the distractions a classroom can sometimes offer, your one-on-one tutor can give your child full attention and build their math confidence.
When you work with Learner, you’ll learn foundational math skills that apply to your future career and life. Our tutors know math isn’t just about memorizing answers – it’s about really internalizing problem-solving processes. So when it’s time for your next math class or big college entrance exam, you’ll be ready.
Chelsea from Learner helped me to get a full ride to Duke University.
“Chelsea from Learner was the perfect match for me. She customized the training so that it would push me hard - but not too hard where I would get frustrated. I worked with Chelsea for years because she took a genuine interest in me and my future.”
"Stephanie taught me how to be more organized. I was getting Bs and Cs before I started working with her. I used to get overwhelmed before studying for a test. Stephanie taught me how to create “study guides” so I’d have all the big ideas in one place. I am now getting As and Bs and my parents are much happier."
"When I first started working with Alan, I told him I would never be good at math. I barely passed my first two years of high school math and I needed one more hard math class to graduate. Alan believed in me and worked with me on the basics. Little by little, he built up my confidence to the point where I realized I am good at math and I did well in the class."
Math topics build upon one another. Sometimes, when a student fails to grasp a concept, they can quickly fall behind. That’s why it’s so beneficial to seek out a tutor as soon as you begin struggling—so you can build on those foundational concepts together and get right back on track.
Scholarship Award: $1,000
The Women in STEM Scholarship is a recurring scholarship that’s open to women who are STEM majors. The next deadline to apply is November 20th, and winners will be announced on December 20th.
Women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) play crucial roles in today’s rapidly evolving technological advancements. However, the STEM industry hasn’t always advocated for equal representation, leaving women disadvantaged. With this considered, Learner’s Annual Women in STEM Scholarship strives to encourage and support women pursuing a STEM career, recognizing the boundless potential they bring to global innovation.
The journey to gender equality in STEM fields, although progressing, still has a long way to go. Beyond fairness, the industry as a whole needs bright, young minds to continue its advancement, and we believe women are the key to filling the gap. By offering support to dedicated women pursuing a STEM education, we hope to encourage the next generation of STEM leaders, minimizing financial strain and inequality.
We at Learner recognize the importance of promoting a diverse and inclusive learning environment. Our scholarship is a testament to our dedication to equal opportunities in STEM, aimed at reducing barriers that impede the academic journey of young women in these fields. By doing so, we hope to inspire more women to pursue and thrive in STEM careers, contributing to a richer, more diverse professional realm.
We believe more diverse representation in STEM will fuel innovation, drive growth, and lead to more comprehensive solutions for global challenges. We also envision this scholarship serving as a catalyst to motivate other institutions and organizations to promote gender equality in STEM education and careers.Through Learner’s Annual Women in STEM scholarship, we aim to foster a community of women empowered by knowledge, driven by curiosity, and ready to contribute to the STEM field.
Amount: $1,000
Application deadline: November 20
Winner announcement: December 20
Recurring: Annually
Woman studying a STEM major
All high school senior, undergraduate and graduate students
Applicant must be a current U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident
You can apply for this scholarship on the Bold.org scholarship platform. Follow the directions and submit your application for the Women in STEM Scholarship, along with a short essay answering the following prompts:
The application will be open through November 20.
The scholarship award is $1,000.
Prior to the announcement date, we may contact finalists with additional questions about their application. Recipients will be chosen based on the merit of their application.
The prize check will be sent to the scholarship winner’s college institution in their name and in the name of their institution (depending on the school’s requirements).
Yes, the Women in STEM Scholarship is an annual scholarship.
Learner manages this scholarship with the support of the Bold.org scholarship platform. Bold.org takes student confidentiality and privacy incredibly seriously. Please refer to the application page on Bold.org for full details.
While no two educators are alike, there are a few characteristics you should always look for in an MI math tutor.
