Cary

I was a certified teacher for over 30 years. I taught Algebra, Geometry, PreCalculus and coached skiing in the high school that I graduated from in 1974. I have a master's degree in curriculum and instruction from Portland State University and tutor SAT and ACT math prep.

My tutoring style:

When helping a student do their best on a standardized test, I focus on two things. 

1) Challenging them with questions ranging from the easiest for them to the brink of their ability. The content on the SAT is generally accessible to students who have completed work through Algebra 2.   

2) Showing them how to get the most out of the tools available to them, particularly the embedded Desmos calculator.  The SAT is all digital now and has leveled the playing field by embedding the same calculator for everyone.  But, that calculator is much more powerful when you’ve been coached on it’s features.  

So, my work with test preppers is a mix of challenges that make them think about whether to use what they are confident they know or use a tool that can save them test taking time. 

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Success story:

I met “C” in the spring of her Senior year.  She had taken the ACT a couple of times already but needed to improve her math score by 3 points in order to gain acceptance to her preferred school, Auburn.  She admitted an aversion to math, and that was putting a dent in her confidence.  We got to know each other well and as I showed her she could do the math she feared, her trust in me grew.  We attacked her issues one by one and on her next attempt at the ACT she got the desired improvement.  

This spring “E” was a junior taking Pre-Calculus.  After a few study sessions on Pre-Calc she decided to enlist my help for her first SAT attempt.  We talked about how most of the SAT test would ask questions that were on topics she learned about before she took Pre-Calc.  So, some deep background review was in order and we accomplished that.  But she was most impressed with what I had shown her was possible using the Desmos embedded calculator available on the BlueBook app.  She tells me that she scored in the 1300s on her first try but will give another go in the fall.

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Hobbies and interests:

I love to exercise. My favorite way to do that is to ride a bicycle outside. I also love cross country skiing and hiking. Even though my kids are now teens, I haven't been able to let go of reading to them aloud. To find titles they might like I read a lot of young adult fiction. My favorite of the books I've read to them is All The Light We Cannot See. In the fall I love to watch college football and root for the Oregon Ducks. Since one of my kids loves to perform on stage, I've learned a lot about musical theater. My favorite is, of course, Hamilton and my favorite song from it is Satisfied. And everyone likes TV and movies, right? Our family has enjoyed the Arcane series together. Our favorite recent movie is called The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.