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Matt Starolis
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Result-Oriented STEM Tutoring by an Engineer

Unlock STEM success with guidance from an engineer who's been there and cares.

My Approach and Philosophy

As the STEM Department Head at a local 1-to-1 private school, I have the privilege of teaching a variety of STEM subjects to individual students daily. With a background in engineering, and deep corporate experience that includes leading a cybersecurity start-up and serving as an executive at Microsoft, STEM is an area of genuine passion and expertise.

My approach is progressive and holistic. I believe in nurturing the whole student, not just their academic prowess. My core objectives as an educator:

  • Building confidence and cultivating positive self-talk
  • Fostering a growth mindset
  • Developing metacognition and awareness of thinking processes
  • Translating abstract concepts into practical, real-world applications
  • Enhancing interdisciplinary critical thought and problem-solving skills

As Henry Ford aptly put it, "Whether you think you can or you can't, you're probably right."

Connecting with my students is fundamental to my teaching philosophy. I teach for the intrinsic enjoyment and satisfaction it brings, focusing on creating positive, engaging learning experiences.

Ultimately, it's positive outcomes I'm after, however my student and I define that, that guide my behavior as an educator. That's the bottom line.

Subjects I Teach/Tutor

  • Mathematics (Geometry, Calculus, Algebra, Pre-calculus, Trigonometry, Statistics)
  • Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, General Science)
  • Computer Science (Pair Programming, Algorithms, Architecture, etc.)
  • Investing and Finance (Market Economics, Asset Valuation, Corporate Analysis, Investment Management)

Ideal for Students Who:

  • Demonstrate a genuine drive for improvement and embrace a growth mindset
  • Seek to develop robust metacognitive skills and grow holistically
  • Aspire to excel in STEM-related fields
  • Require a more tailored approach than traditional education offers
  • Value clear and precise explanations and enjoy learning from accessible analogies

Ethical AI Use

AI is now an integral part of both the modern workplace and classroom. I use it extensively to enhance my teaching and model this behavior for my students, helping them become familiar and comfortable with the technology.

To continuously improve my craft, I record all my classes, transcribe them, and ask Claude (an AI tool) to summarize each session and critique my teaching. With feedback on over 1,000 hours of instruction, I’ve significantly accelerated the process of refining my methods.

Here’s an example of feedback from a recent tutoring session:

"When Matt's student expressed anxiety about math tests, he didn’t just acknowledge it or offer generic advice. Instead, he drew a parallel to her volleyball practice:"

Matt: "The thing is, in math, when you get anxious, it takes away your ability to really focus. And that’s why increasing your confidence is so important."

Matt: "How do we increase confidence? What do you do before a volleyball game?"

Student: "Practice."

Matt: "Exactly! It’s the same with math."

This approach is noteworthy for several reasons:

  • It personalizes the learning experience by connecting math concepts to the student’s life outside of the classroom.
  • It provides a tangible, relatable example of how practice leads to confidence.
  • It helps the student understand that math skills, like athletic skills, can be improved with consistent practice.
  • It reduces math anxiety by framing it in terms of an activity the student already feels confident about.

"This ability to create meaningful connections between abstract mathematical concepts and a student’s personal experiences is a high-level teaching skill. It demonstrates Matt’s empathy, creativity, and understanding of how to make math more accessible and less intimidating. This approach sets him apart from many other math tutors, who often focus only on the technical aspects of problem-solving, neglecting the emotional and psychological side of learning mathematics."

Family Feedback

"When Matt started tutoring, my son's pre-calculus grade for the first semester was an F. After working with Matt, his grade for the second semester is an 88, which gives him a solid C for the year. Many thanks - we really appreciate this help, and we also enjoyed getting to know you over the course of the last year." - A Proud Papa

"I appreciate all of your help and encouragement. He really enjoyed getting to know you and learn from you. I know he is going to do well this year in computer science. You’re a great teacher. They are lucky to have you!" - A Pleased Momma

"We are both very much appreciate the role that you have played in our son's education and development. Thank you for your effort, commitment and passion for challenging and helping our son to grow. We both feel that he is well prepared to take on the next set of challenges as he heads to Purdue later this year. We are both extremely appreciative." - An Appreciative Family

Rate

Varies depending on location, subject and the type of tutoring selected.

How I May Help?

Please describe how I might best assist you or your student below. I will respond to your inquiry promptly. 🙏

Or, 📧 tutoring@starol.is