Celeste

I am an educator with over a decade of experience teaching middle and high school mathematics, from Pre-Algebra to Statistics. I hold a B.A. in Mathematics and Spanish from UC Berkeley and an M.S. in Secondary Education from CSU-Fullerton, and I am currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction at the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign. My passion lies in creating culturally responsive, justice-oriented math curricula that foster student agency, belonging, and critical thinking.

Tutoring Style

My tutoring style is student-centered, encouraging curiosity and confidence through clear explanations, guided practice, and real-world connections. I adapt my approach to each learner’s strengths, pace, and preferred ways of processing information, using multiple strategies to ensure deep understanding. I believe in fostering a supportive environment where mistakes are seen as opportunities to learn, and I regularly revisit concepts to build mastery and long-term retention.

Success Story

One of my favorite success stories is working with a high school student whose first language was a dialect from Guatemala. Over the course of the year, we began communicating in Spanish, which helped him build confidence, and I broke down complex concepts into manageable steps while connecting them to his personal interests. Gradually, he became fluent in English and strengthened his number sense, and by the end of the year, he was successfully doing Algebra. No one in his family had ever been to college, so when I suggested it as a possibility, he was both surprised and proud of all the progress he had made. At the same time, he was developing the skills and confidence to help his peers and consider a STEM path for his future.

Hobbies & Interests

When I’m not tutoring, I enjoy crocheting, exploring new recipes in the kitchen, and watching shows and movies on Hulu. I also love reading, especially books about education, culture, and social justice, and spending time outdoors with my dogs. These activities help me relax and recharge while keeping my curiosity and creativity alive.