Dawn

I am a mathematician and scientist with training at the Ph.D. level. My teaching and tutoring skills have been developed through many years of teaching, both at the university level and as a one-on-one and small group mathematic tutor. I enjoy the challenges of helping students increase their understanding and develop critical thinking skills in a disciplined, caring, and creative fashion. As an undergraduate, I studied chemistry, biology, and music and went on to earn my Master's Degree in Mathematics from the University of Washington and Ph.D. in geophysical Fluid Dynamics from Johns Hopkins University. Upon graduation, I taught as a tenure-track professor of mathematics at a small college in Boston. In this latter role, I was able to develop and refine my curriculum development skills. My training in several STEM subjects only enhances my effectiveness as a math teacher/tutor.

Tutoring Style

I love tutoring math! I really enjoy the one-on-one and small-group teaching experiences. I have found it rewarding to create a collaborative environment in which students are comfortable, confident, and inspired. I am passionate about motivating students to learn in a supportive and caring environment. Although I am motivated to build up a student’s confidence, I feel it is important to motivate them to reach their fullest potential. I enjoy challenging bright, motivated students, but I am also skilled at working with students who have executive functioning challenges, ADHD, dyslexia, depression, anxiety, and those on the spectrum. Furthermore, I am skilled at bringing families--as well as a student’s entire educational support team--into the learning process through collaboration and detailed feedback of the student’s progress. I particularly enjoy teaching Algebra I and II, Honors and AP Pre-Calculus, Honors and AP Calculus (AB and BC), and SAT/ACT preparation. I am also skilled in helping learners improve their organization and study skills along with test-taking strategies. Videos of my teaching can be accessed through my LinkedIn page (www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-ring-8366b252) or on youtube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXUG-FqMrrg).

Success Stories

Drew, one of my students on the spectrum, has gained so much confidence in math since starting to work with me. Although he doesn't always articulate his wants and needs verbally, through careful observation over several years, I have discovered ways to communicate with him and help him to feel confident and comfortable just being himself with me. One of the ways I discovered to help him come out of his shell was though music. We often have music of his choosing on in the background as we are working. I hope to visit Drew and meet his family next year.

Hobbies & Interests

I enjoy playing violin (classical and fiddle), hiking, swimming, cycling, and the occasional game of bridge or Rummikube. I am traveling to the Galapagos at the end of the year--the trip of a lifetime.