PrepNow Tutor - Thomas G.
Thomas has taught and tutored math, every topic from middle school to calculus, for two decades. He received a BS in applied mathematics from Montana Tech of the University of Montana and a master's in math with a teaching specialization from Texas A&M University. "Beginning in 2000, I first taught mathematics at an alternative high school for at-risk youth," says Thomas. "From there, I taught for several years at a combination of private and charter schools in Florida." Since 2020, he has been a professional online mathematics tutor.
As a young child, Thomas was diagnosed as having a learning disability in mathematics. "For a time, it was feared that my mathematical ability would not progress past sixth grade," he explains. He was determined to overcome this challenge. "From grades 8-12, I poured myself into practicing and learning as much about mathematics as I could," he says. "Upon entering college, it was self-evident that my efforts had paid off," he recounts. Not only had Thomas overcome his challenges, but he also placed high enough on his entrance exam to qualify for engineering calculus. "At that moment, I decided to major in mathematics and to help others."
"My very first math student was my own father," he recounts. "When I was in 8th grade, my father decided to return to school to pursue his associate's degree, and I tutored him in mathematics."
Thomas has taught at various institutions, including middle schools, high schools, and juvenile justice settings. He has covered pre-algebra, algebra, geometry, pre-calculus, Calculus AB, and Calculus BC. He has even tutored AP Physics. Since 2010, Thomas has tutored exclusively online. From 2009-2017, Thomas served as the Lead Mathematics Teacher for the University of Miami's Global Academy. During his last two years, he had a dual appointment as the school's principal.
As an online teacher, Thomas sees himself as more of a guide. "My primary task is to empower students to undertake the task of forming connections between mathematical concepts and real life," he says. "I encourage students to immerse themselves in mathematical content." He aims to build strong foundations and promote long-term learning.
In his free time, he enjoys playing video games and building custom gaming computers.
