Patrick Fitzgerald

I am a Certified Mathematics Educator with 33 years of classroom experience and a Master’s degree in Secondary Mathematics Instruction from UNLV. I hold the rare K–12 mathematics certification, allowing me to teach any grade level, and I have spent over two decades guiding students through the critical gateway of Algebra. Helping students build confidence and success in mathematics is truly one of my greatest joys.

Tutoring Style

My experience has taught me that different minds approach mathematics in different ways, and finding the right entry point for each student is what makes learning click. I focus on understanding how a student thinks, where they feel blocked, and how to build confidence from that starting place. Simply showing someone how to complete a math task is only a temporary fix; true progress happens when students understand the “why” in their own mathematical language. My goal is always to help students become independent, confident problem solvers.

Success Story

One of my favorite success stories is a young 8th-grade student named Dean who came to me completely blocked by Algebra and convinced he simply “wasn’t good at math.” By taking time to understand how he was interpreting the lessons and where his thinking was breaking down, we were able to rebuild his confidence and mathematical understanding step by step. Dean continued working with me through 8th and 9th grade, but soon he was earning A’s and B’s independently and no longer needed regular support. In fact, the ultimate compliment came when I shifted to helping his younger brother — because Dean had truly learned how to succeed on his own.

Hobbies and Interests

When I’m not tutoring, I enjoy staying active by hiking and swimming, taking full advantage of the mild fall and winter seasons here in the desert Southwest. I’m also working on a children’s novel featuring a mathematically gifted character who struggles with communication and social connection. I continue to stay connected to education by volunteering at the school where I recently retired. At home, my wife and I enjoy relaxing with shows like The Traitors—and our dog seems to be a fan too.