Our staff is built to teach each student individually, to develop the skills they need to thrive in mathematics, and to foster a love of learning.

Shelby Tate

Assistant Center Director

Education: 

B.A. Education from Michigan State University  

Years of experience teaching math: 

14 years 

What do you like most about learning? 

I appreciate how learning is a continuous path that doesn't just happen inside of the classroom. We get the opportunity to challenge our thoughts, integrate knowledge and sharpen our skills in the world every day. 

What is the biggest impact you’ve had on a student’s ability to become proficient in math?

I strive to have a continuous impact on students' ability to become proficient in math through my commitment to teaching problem-solving skills. I believe it is important for students to learn how to struggle, make mistakes and continue to move forward rather than focus on never falling at all. 

What type of math do you enjoy teaching most?

While I love math as a whole, I most enjoy teaching middle school math. I believe that it is a time in a learner's math journey where details become even more important. With focus and precision being such a transferable skill, I have found joy in helping students find purpose in developing strong mathematical skills and technique. 

How do you make learning math fun for students?

I make learning fun for students by showing them all of the places where math can show up in the world. As an avid golfer, entrepreneur and recording artist, I like to share my experiences and the many paths math can exist.

Ayla

Instructor

Education: 

High school

Years of experience teaching math: 

4 years 

What do you like most about learning? 

I like that learning new things recontextualizes the world around me. Every new piece of information I pick up helps to give me a new understanding of why things are the way they are, and I find it very satisfying for the pieces to fall into place.

What is the biggest impact you’ve had on a student’s ability to become proficient in math?

Treating each student with compassion and an understanding that everyone approaches learning from a unique place has helped me meet students where they are so that we can both have an understanding of how to work towards their math proficiency.

What type of math do you enjoy teaching most?

I enjoy teaching algebra the most. I think that it acts as a sort of coalescing of previous skills and it is incredibly satisfying for both me and the student to see it click. 

How do you make learning math fun for students?

Creating a light and positive atmosphere for students where we can balance fun conversation and getting math done helps to make learning math fun for students.

Bethany

Instructor

Education: 

University of MN-Morris Campus 

Years of experience teaching math: 

8 years 

What do you like most about learning? 

I love the moment of discovery and the "a-ha" feeling of making new connections to information you already know.

What is the biggest impact you’ve had on a student’s ability to become proficient in math?

I think the biggest impact I've had has been the opportunity for one-on-one work which gives like the chance to understand the student and find new ways to explain the material.

What type of math do you enjoy teaching most?

Algebra because it's like solving a puzzle.

How do you make learning math fun for students?

I think the excitement I show for the material, along with my enthusiasm for their progress, creates an environment of 

fun and collaboration. 

Jonathan

Instructor

Years of experience teaching math: 

16 years 

What do you like most about learning? 

It's fun. It makes life easier. It solves problems. It's exciting to see how everything fits together.

What is the biggest impact you’ve had on a student’s ability to become proficient in math?

As a college tutor, I've been a resource for students through their graduation. I work to inspire a love of math for all students.

What type of math do you enjoy teaching most?

All of it! My favorite topics are usually probability or combinatorics (counting).

How do you make learning math fun for students?

Be engaging and energetic. Relate the topic to real-world examples (there are always answers to "When can I ever use this in real life?"). Recognize their accomplishments.

Ben S.

Instructor

Education: 

Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics

Years of experience teaching math: 

1 year

What do you like most about learning? 

I like learning things because they help me understand the world around me!

What is the biggest impact you’ve had on a student’s ability to become proficient in math?

I have helped several students become more confident in themselves and their mathematical thinking.

What type of math do you enjoy teaching most?

I like teaching algebra, geometry, and pre-calculus.

How do you make learning math fun for students?

I like to connect the math they're doing to other real-world examples so they realize the math they're learning is useful and exciting!

Ben B.

Instructor

Education: 

High school

Years of experience teaching math: 

3 years 

What do you like most about learning? 

Learning opens my mind up to new ideas, thoughts, and perspectives. Understanding and mastering topics brings me a sense of accomplishment.

What is the biggest impact you’ve had on a student’s ability to become proficient in math?

I was able to help my sister in math throughout her middle school years, turning her hatred of math into a hobby we can both enjoy together.

What type of math do you enjoy teaching most?

Geometry—shapes are cool!

How do you make learning math fun for students?

Getting to know the student and building a connection is the best way to make math learning enjoyable. Comparing math to real-life problems is a great way to see the purpose of math.

Prita

Instructor

Education: 

B.S. in Computer Science from U of M Twin Cities

Years of experience teaching math: 

4 years 

What do you like most about learning? 

I always like finding out and absorbing new information. I also like the process of learning; being faced with a challenge and using new tools and information to overcome those challenges.

What is the biggest impact you’ve had on a student’s ability to become proficient in math?

Seeing a student come in, struggling with math and being able to introduce things like number sense in a way that is intuitive to them, and then seeing them use those skills and make connections when dealing with more difficult math problems.

What type of math do you enjoy teaching most?

I love teaching anything related to fractions and percents. Learning that percent literally means "for each hundred" is always a fact that, when it clicks, makes percents much less daunting for students.

How do you make learning math fun for students?

I try to keep a positive attitude and make connections with students. By being able to connect the work they are doing to something that interests them, it is much more engaging and fun for them!

Azlan

Instructor

Education: 

Rising Junior at The Blake School. Most recently completed honors pre-calc.

Years of experience teaching math: 

1 year

What do you like most about learning? 

That feeling of finally "getting it." I don't know how to explain it, but once I am able to do something on my own repeatedly that I couldn't before, it's just a great feeling. 

What is the biggest impact you’ve had on a student’s ability to become proficient in math?

I've been able to help kids past tests or understand homework they didn't before.

What type of math do you enjoy teaching most?

I like teaching basic algebra concepts, as it is something that can involve a lot of solving "tricks" that really allow students to get that feeling of "getting it." I also enjoy teach lower levels too. 

How do you make learning math fun for students?

Honestly, Mathnasium itself does a lot of the heavy lifting with their prize shelves and stamp card rewards, but within tutoring itself, I try to teach repeatable concepts that kids can utilize themselves, and never try to overcomplicate things, which can end up boring the student.

Sarah

Instructor

Education: 

Just graduated high school 

Years of experience teaching math: 

<1 year

What do you like most about learning? 

I like the feeling of everything connecting and being able to better contextualize the world around me. 

What is the biggest impact you’ve had on a student’s ability to become proficient in math?

I hope kids can feel better about their math abilities and find it fun, or at least not find it as scary or daunting. 

What type of math do you enjoy teaching most?

I like to teach algebra the most because it's fun to solve the problems and is a big step for the students. 

How do you make learning math fun for students?

I try to create a fun and welcoming environment where kids can talk about their lives/interests while still learning.

Our Mathnasium Mission

Teach children math so they understand it, master it, and love it. Math can change their lives, and they can change the world.

Quote Quote
What I love about Mathnasium is the ability to teach problem-solving skills and make math make sense, while also making a student smile.
Amber W., Mathnasium Instructor

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Student using math cubes to solve fractions
Student working with a math tutor at a local math learning center

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