Ion Beam Press

Serves Austin, TX

35244

Hired 40 times

1 employee

15 years in business

$50/hour

4.9

This pro accepts payments via Cash and Check.

Next Service

Credentials

Background Check

Charles Yarling
Completed on 9/22/2021

Introduction

My math students have ranged from 3rd Grade to Juniors in high school and up to college algebra. In all cases, their grades are now higher after I began to help them. Then there are adults with requests for assistance in a variety of subjects. I bring to my students my engineering background that differs from what many students get from their teachers. Basically, whenever possible, I show them more than one way to work problem. Reason? Because all students think differently so my goal is to give them an opportunity to choose one way that helps them solve it. I tell my students, if your way works for you, then continue to use it. However, if your method doesn't give you the grade you want, you should try something different. I love teaching. I started teaching electronics in a business school while I was working on my engineering degree. I continued throughout my engineering career - before I became a high school math teacher. Now I am a tutor. My biggest thrill comes when my students happily come to me with their latest grade on their math test. I ask them, how does this grade compare to what they usually get. When they reply it's the highest they have ever gotten, I think, gee, I really helped them. Needless to say, their parents are thrilled.

Q&A

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?

My pricing system is designed to make for easy calculation of charges for times less than one hour after a one hour minimum charge.

What is your typical process for working with a new customer?

I first briefly go over a few ground rules which are designed to get our tutoring sessions off to establish a good relationship. 1. If I go too fast, be sure to stop me and ask me to slow down or repeat something I previously did. 2. If I'm going too slow, just let me know. I shouldn't be wasting their or my time. 3. Stop me at any time for any reason. 4. In a Pre-AP or college algebra course, I tell the student in advance, there might be a few problems that I don't know how to work. The bottom line is I will never lie to a student.

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

My 25-year career as an engineer in the semiconductor manufacturing industry prepared me to teaching algebra in different ways than teachers are normally taught as they work towards a degree in teaching. After receiving my Masters in Education, I feel I am more prepared to tutor than other tutors. The main reason for this is learning that there are different learning styles and I try to learn that of my new student as soon as possible.

How did you get started doing this type of work?

I taught Algebra 2, Pre-AP Algebra 2 and AP statistics at St. Michael's Catholic High School for nine years. However, the recession of 2010 brought about the incoming freshman class for that fall to be one-third short of what was previously expected. That translated into one teacher per department being laid off. I was chosen from five math teachers to be that one person. The primary reason was they could replace me my a new teacher for one-half the price they were paying me. I started tutoring that fall.

What types of customers have you worked with?

I am primarily a math tutor. However, I have tutored a number of students in a wide range of subjects. I am an experience author as I've published over 350 articles on military and veterans' affairs; written five books, edited two books and self-published, shipping them to over 50 countries. My background in English and writing is better than most any other tutor.

Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?

I had two middle school 7th Graders, both of whom raised their grade from the 70s to 90s in as little as two weeks. My high school junior made a 97 on her last test; her highest ever math grade. And one student studying to take her ASVAB test (which is required for those who wish to join our country's military) raised her grade 20 points greater than she needed to get the job she really wanted.

What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?

I am a firm believer that if I am not the best tutor for your child/children, then you should let me go and get another tutor. They are your primary concern and you should do whatever is best for them.

What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?

I will answer any question they might have. I will always be forthright and honest with them.