<cartoon thanks to www.xkcd.com!>

Are you looking for a math tutor in Austin?  Are you or your child struggling with a mathematics course?  Are you worried about taking a math class in the future?  Whether you need help in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus, or some other area of mathematics, you've taken a big step by choosing to seek out a tutor.  If you’re in the Austin area, I can help.

If you got to my page through an Internet search, you probably entered something like “Austin math tutor”—and got back at least a couple dozen ads and web sites from people offering math help in our area.  There are college students from UT Austin who tutor to earn a little extra cash, tutoring franchises with an outpost here in Austin, and professionals (like myself) with teaching experience and an advanced degree in mathematics.  So finding a math tutor here in Austin isn’t hard at all. 

But how do you find the tutor who’ll be the best match for you? 

In my opinion, the decision is a personal one.  Remember, the person you choose will act as your personal trainer over the next several weeks or months.  It's most important that you choose a math tutor you can work with.  You’ll want someone who can adapt to your personal learning style, identify your strengths and weaknesses, help you to organize your study plan, and get you feeling more comfortable and confident with math.

I take a uniquely common sense approach as a math tutor.  To me, learning math is about identifying key concepts and developing strategies to solve problems.  It’s not about memorizing long lists of arcane formulas.  When you focus on how mathematics works, there’s actually less to memorize.  And when you apply what you know effectively, you can not only score higher marks on tests—you can also improve your chances of remembering what you learned when the class is over.

In addition, I provide a supportive and flexible learning environment:  skilled guidance through complicated subject matter, a willing ear for questions, and plenty of encouragement when the going gets tough.

I love mathematics.  I studied it all the way through graduate school!  At the same time, I know that not everyone shares my passion.  Many people struggle with math and feel intimidated when they don't understand it.  But whether you love it or not, you need math—to pass your classes in elementary and high school, to graduate from college, to get by in everyday life.  And if you want to be a physicist, a business manager, an engineer, a doctor… you’ll need math to accomplish your goals.

I firmly believe that no one should be held back from being their best because of a math course.  I am committed to seeing my students succeed.  My years of teaching experience have taught me many different approaches to helping students "see" the right way to approach problems.  And I know math.  I “get” why things work the way they do—and I can help you get it, too.

You can read more about me, my teaching philosophy, and whether or not tutoring may be for you by following the links at the top of this page.  If you need more information, or to schedule an appointment, feel free to contact me by e-mail or phone.

Sincerely,
Kevin Hogan, MS  (Applied Mathematics)
The Math Tutor, Austin TX