Homework Coaching
Guide student through homework problems with tips, ADHD/dyslexia strategies, patterns/exceptions identification, and provide additional problems for quick reinforcement.
Serving Cambridge & Belmont
Math tutoring for Middle & High School Students
Middle and high school math curriculum material moves quickly. A student may leave math class without a full understanding of the subject matter. Their confidence may slip. Homework procrastination may set in. It can be challenging to then catch up and regain confidence.
As an experienced, patient, and encouraging former classroom math teacher, I am a fully qualified resource available to help — answer questions, offer alternative explanations, provide supplemental and reinforcing exercises, fill in any gaps from material not previously mastered sufficiently.
✓Licensed Massachusetts Teacher — Mathematics, Grades 8–12
✓Masters of Arts in Teaching Secondary Mathematics
Ways I Can Help
Test/Quiz Review
Help review material for upcoming tests or review solutions for tests returned to student for corrections.
Mini-lessons
If requested in advance, I can provide a quick lesson on current or past material.
SAT Math Practice
If requested in advance, we can discuss 4–5 SAT questions per tutor session.
Help Between Tutor Sessions
If requested, I will respond to a couple emails with questions if students need help before the next scheduled tutor session. I will strive to answer such emails within 24 hours.
Catch-up after Extended Absence
After meeting to discuss missed material, I can prepare a series of lessons (to be taught over a series of tutor sessions) to help get a student up to date with his or her class. Cost to be determined based on extent of absence.
About Susan
My background is in math education and data quality analysis. The most gratifying outcomes of my professional work have been from engaging with students toward their success in mathematics coursework.
I have taught middle and high school mathematics in public schools (full-time, classroom) and community college (adjunct, classroom). As well, I have tutored students privately in libraries, cafés, and their homes.
I am earnestly aware of the critical leap from operational arithmetic to the abstraction of algebra. When that leap goes well, I firmly believe that students acquire a confidence which poises them for enhanced success in all subjects of their academic and professional future. That being my creed, I am eager to support student mastery of pre-algebra and algebraic material — while guiding students through concepts and problem solving at all levels of secondary mathematics through Calculus.
Best Practices for Student Success
I am sincerely motivated to help my tutor students improve their skills, understanding, and confidence — to celebrate their personal success!
Student guidelines to achieve success
- Attend tutor sessions weekly
- Arrive to tutor session on time, with cell phone turned off
- Bring all required materials, e.g., paper, pencil, pencil lead, laptop, laptop charger, eraser, calculator (if relevant), class notes, access to course material and exercises
- Bring optional materials, e.g., highlighter, index cards, straight edge
- Send email to Susan at least 24 hours before tutor session with the course material to be tutored (and optionally, any particular exercises or questions). This is very important so that I can be most helpful and prepared to make the most of our hour together.
Susan's extra offerings to support student success
- After a tutor session, I can provide a summary of what was discussed, along with some supplemental exercises. The student can then submit answers to me which I will return with comments and any necessary corrections.
- Between tutor sessions, I can be available via email to answer quick questions from students. Caveats: maximum of 2 emails, my reply will not always be immediate (but will be within 24 hours)
- If student is preparing for the SAT, I can offer to review 4–5 practice problems per tutor session.
Testimonials
What students, parents, and colleagues say
Susan Rice has been an incredible mentor and tutor. She was my precalculus teacher in high school and continued to support me by tutoring me in calculus, even after I was no longer in her class. She's truly dedicated to her students' success—always willing to go the extra mile. When I was applying to college, she not only wrote a strong letter of recommendation but also personally reached out to the admissions committee when I was waitlisted at my top choice, advocating on my behalf. Her support made a real difference in my journey, and I'm so grateful for her guidance and belief in me.
I was fortunate to have Susan as my geometry teacher. From the very beginning, she made the subject not only understandable but truly interesting and fun. Her ability to break down complex ideas for me was very helpful. Anytime I asked questions on a problem, Susan was always kind and patient with me. Her sweet and genuine nature is what made a big difference in my geometry experience. Thanks to her, I am now able to not only understand the importance of geometry but really enjoy this challenging subject. I'm incredibly grateful for such an amazing teacher like Susan!
I highly recommend Susan as a math tutor. She always came prepared and organized for every session, often requesting my daughters' homework in advance so she could tailor her lessons to match their coursework for each week. Her patience and clarity in teaching made a big difference in their understanding and confidence. Beyond her excellent instruction, she truly cared about their progress, checking in after tests and quizzes to see how they had done and offering encouragement.
Susan Rice combines her love of Mathematics with a passion for teaching. And having long worked in software development including engineering applications, she understands what students need to learn from their Mathematical studies to succeed in technical fields.I first encountered Susan Rice when she was my student in a freshman Calculus course at Boston University. She asked only probing questions even then, not being content with a superficial understanding. What a pleasure, for an instructor to have such a student. (Of course she earned an A!)Many years later, our paths crossed when I tried high school teaching. Susan Rice visited my AP Statistics classroom. In a single classroom observation, she appreciated both the technical nuances of the material as well as noting learning challenges faced by individual class members. I cannot recall, in a four-decades career teaching at levels from elementary to university, getting any feedback as useful as hers.
Ready to rebuild confidence in math?
Contact me for a 15-minute consultation (no cost)FAQ
Here are answers to questions I am asked most often.
What math subjects do you tutor?▼
Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II/Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, and SAT math practice
At what locations are you available for tutoring?▼
Cambridge
- Porter Square (Zing, Caffè Nero)
- Cambridge Rindge and Latin High School
- Cambridge Public Library (Main, Broadway Street)
Belmont
- Belmont Public Library (Main, Concord Avenue)
How much does a tutor session cost?▼
Individual Session — $100 / 60 min
Two Friends Session (must be same course, same teacher) — $150 / 60 min
How does payment work?▼
Payment is at beginning of session (to ensure when time is over, we don't forget).
Cash
(preferred) or Venmo are accepted.
What is the cancellation policy?▼
When there is a need to cancel, please notify me via email at least two hours before
the scheduled session.
No shows will be charged $50 for lost opportunity to other students and inconvenience.
Contact
Please contact me by email (susan@portersquaremath.com) or by submitting the form below. I'll get back to you by email.
Or email directly: susan@portersquaremath.com