ATL_Math_Coach.14785828_stdDoes preparing for math exams leave you feeling stressed? Do you feel like there are holes in your math education? Ever wish you had a more intuitive understanding of math and the world it reveals? If these questions are hitting home, you’re not alone. During midterm season, many students consider whether they could use some one-on-one coaching in math. Getting help with math is not just for those who are struggling and need help building a solid foundation; a math coach can also help you build on your strengths and take your mathematical intuition to the next level. In fact, the best coaches work hard to impart STEM fluency to their students. STEM fluency is the ability to problem solve, think critically and logically, apply theory and innovate. STEM fluency is a way of thinking and learning that empowers complete foundational knowledge of the subject at hand. Knowing you want to close your gaps in math and become STEM fluent is the first step, but then comes the hard part: finding the help that you need. The good news is that it’s actually easier than you may think!

Math Tutors vs. Math Coaches

First, it is important to understand the difference between a math tutor and a math coach. While a tutor helps you develop specific math skills to complete a homework assignment or prepare for a test, a coach does this and more. A coach partners with you, your parents, and your teachers to fully assess your specific needs, outline your unique goals, creates a study plan to help you accomplish those goals, and then goes above and beyond to build an unsurpassable educational exchange that yields optimal results. A coach takes a personal interest in your academic development and provides support, encouragement, and motivation to build your confidence. A coach helps you to not only understand concepts for short-term gain, but also to master the subject matter for long-term use. With support from a great coach, you will develop a plan to achieve better study and test habits as well as a deeper and fuller intuitive understanding of how math and STEM work.

Find Potential CoachesCollege tutor with student

Once you have identified the specific goals you’d like to achieve, the next step is to find potential coaches. There are several considerations you’ll need to explore to make sure you find the right coach for you. You want to make sure that your math coach is an expert in the subject or subjects that you need help with – geometry, algebra, trigonometry, calculus, chemistry, statistics, physics, etc. – and that your coach has a background that indicates a passion for both the subject and for empowering others to excel academically. You also want to choose someone who is “relatable” – someone with whom you connect and feel comfortable with; someone who understands your learning style and provides the kind of support, guidance, and enthusiasm you need to master concepts that may initially seem mysterious or daunting.

Discuss a Plan

Finally, to find the right math coach, you’ll need to discuss a plan for helping you conquer math. What are the different packages offered? How often would you meet your coach? What day of the week? Can you meet on a weekend if you want? Can the day you meet change from week to week based on your schedule, or does it have to be the same day each week? How long are your sessions? Where will your sessions take place? Is the location convenient for you? What happens during a coaching session? Can you contact your coach via phone or email? Will your coach be available for ‘emergency’ meetings during midterms and finals? Does your coach track your progress from session to session? What is his/her overall plan for helping you to reach your academic goals? Finding the right math coach for you starts with knowing your goals and needs. Be sure to communicate your goals and needs up front and make sure that they are in line with what your coach can offer – you want to be sure you choose the best coach for you!

MathSP Academic Coaching

MathSP Academic Coaches have incredible talent in math and science subjects and are trained experts at helping students improve their understanding through interactive coaching sessions. Our coaches are passionate about the subject matter, and that passion shines in their coaching. Here’s how we can help you: – MathSP Academic Coaches supplement and build upon classroom learning. – We work with our students one-on-one to understand their needs and goals. – We assess, identify, and close gaps in our students’ understanding of material. – We prepare our students for success in their homework assignments, quizzes, and tests. – We provide coaching that is customized and tailored to each individual. – We build confidence – which allows our students to achieve beyond their expectations and become self-sufficient lifelong learners. – We support and enhance your teachers’ syllabi, teaching methods, and guidelines. – We work hard to impart STEM fluency to open our students’ eyes to the fact that STEM is a way of seeing the world. We’ll help you master concepts whether you are behind in your coursework, need to re-visit information that you previously learned, or want to get ahead. Read more about our academic coaching packages. Call or email us today to learn more about how MathSP can help you reach your academic goals!