I give lessons to high school students who need support in math. I can provide homework help and/or reteach a math topic from your math class. I can also teach math classes directly (for homeschool or summer school). I typically try to find out what you already know and take it from there. I want to make sure you can understand both the WHY and WHAT of math. I typically work problems side-by-side with you until you are able to work them on your own. I also enjoy showing students the connections between ideas in math, something that is typically left out of a fast paced classroom but can help you remember!
I have over 10 years experience as a classroom teacher in high school mathematics and over 4 years experience as a private tutor. I regularly tutor 12-15 students per week. My students typically respond positively to my style and feel more confident in their math ability. I can explain math concepts in more than one way, so I have always been able to help students improve their understanding.
I also offer an improved rate for middle school math (grades 6 through 8) of $30 per hour.
Education:
Masters of Education (MEd); Curriculum & Instruction; University of San Diego, San Diego, CA
Waldorf High School Teacher Certification; Center for Anthroposophy, Wilton NH
Bachelor of Architectural Engineering ; The Pennsylvania State University; University Park, PA
Tutoring Experience:
Private Tutor – Mathematics grades 6 through 12 and SAT Prep (3+ years)
Academic Tutor - La Jolla Country Day School; grades 6 through 12; (1 year)
High School Mathematics Teaching Experience:
Waldorf School of San Diego; San Diego, CA; grades 8 through 12 (9+ years)
Waldorf School of Orange County; Costa Mesa, CA; grades 11 and 12 (1 year)
Post-Secondary Adjunct Faculty Teaching:
New School of Architecture and Design; San Diego, CA (4 years)
Design Institute of San Diego; San Diego, CA (5 years)
Engineering:
Worked in the Architectural Engineering industry for 17 years before making the change to education.
Michelle taught me math and physics during high school, and was also my personal tutor, SAT math tutor and a friend! She was extremely dedicated and an excellent teacher, never failing to make her classes fun and thought-provoking. She was great at explaining things at a fundamental level, making sure her students understood key underlying concepts before adding complexity. As an ex-student and tutee of Michelle's, I cannot recommend her enough.
Michelle helped me foster a real love for mathematics, pushing me when I needed to be pushed and also taking the time to explain the things I needed to learn more slowly. She sees the beauty in math and I would absolutely recommend her.
Math was just about everyone's enemy in middle school. However, that all changed in high school. Ms. Boynton was my first introduction to high school math. She taught it clearly so I could understand it rather than just follow instructions. My attitude in math quickly changed from hating it to excitement whenever she came into the classroom. She also tutored me for the SAT, which was extremely helpful.
I had Michelle for Calculus AB and Physics during my senior year of high school, and let me tell you, she goes above and beyond for her students. In the classroom, she did her best to make sure each and every student was following every step of the way, but was always available outside of class to review concepts we may not have understood the first time around. When I began studying for the Math II SAT subject test, Michelle was there for me, helping me study and fill the gaps in my knowledge even though it wasn’t work from one of her classes. She also made the process of learning interactive and enjoyable; I clearly remember the day we built a roughly 12ft model of a standing wave in the back of the classroom and changed the way we interacted with it to manipulate its characteristics. In short, Michelle is someone who takes the job description of ‘teacher’ and goes above and beyond every expectation, and any student would be lucky to have her as a teacher.
Michelle Boynton was my math teacher all throughout high school. I struggled in the subject, but she offered encouragement, extra lessons, and a positive teaching attitude. She was always willing to go the extra mile to help her students- in all aspects. She gave me the help I would have never expected. Now, I am a Junior in college and passing all of my math classes! I wouldn’t have been able to without her. I highly recommend Michelle!
Michelle was my math teacher throughout high school, and she also helped me prepare for the SAT math subject tests. I went on to major in mathematics in college! Michelle is an excellent teacher: very organized, patient, and creative and thoughtful in her presentation of the material. Her dedication to teaching is inspiring. She is also willing to admit when she doesn't know something (a somewhat rare quality in a math tutor!) but will put in the work to make sure everyone reaches a place of understanding. Working with Michelle has been a blessing in my life, and I highly recommend her.
When it came time to look for math tutoring, Michelle was the first person who came to my mind. We used her services to support my daughter's preparation for the SAT. What has stayed with me is that she went beyond the math portion of the exam. She added in important life skills and a healthy perspective as the test date approached. I recall hearing laughter as their session would come to a close. Michelle would have been sharing some funny story that would help make the dreaded SAT approachable. In the end Michelle offered realistic expectations and my daughter received a foundation for college level calculus. My daughter got into one of her top schools and is now looking forward to Calculus 3. This is not because it's required for her major, but because she enjoys a challenge.
Michelle has the rare gift of keeping the wonder for math alive while helping the student recognize their learning style. If you are looking for someone who who knows the material inside and out and is skilled at working with adolescents, contact Michelle. She is a gem!
I had Michelle as both a math teacher in high school and as my SAT tutor in 11th grade. I can easily say she was the best math teacher I have ever had. She is incredibly kind and patient and describes concepts in clear and creative ways. And when I didn’t understand a problem she would continue to explain it in different ways until I did. The emphasis was never on getting the answer perfectly on the first try, but instead truly understanding the concepts. I finished my time with her feeling ready to take the SAT, but also sad that our weekly meetings were over.
Michelle has been a wonderfully supportive and inspiring teacher to me; I took Calculus and Physics with her in my senior year of high school. I appreciate the way she dedicates herself to the success and learning of her students. She helps students uncover the core of mathematical concepts and apply them confidently. She answers students’ questions with attention and care and explains concepts enthusiastically so her students can share in that enthusiasm as well. If you are willing to dive into the material and come out with both a deepened understanding of it and renewed confidence in applying those skills, she’s the teacher for you.
algebra lessons close by? Here's a selection of teacher ads that you can check out.
Superprof can also suggest trigonometry lessons to help you.
Learning isn't a problem, geometry lessons for all!
Taking college / university preparation lessons has never been easier: you're going to learn new skills.
at her home | at your home | By webcam | |
1 hour | $40 | $45 | $30 |
5 hours | $35 | $60 | $150 |
10 hours | $35 | $85 | $300 |