Tutor Q&A: Matt Wischoeffer Math Tutor

1. Tell us a little about yourself.
I am a professional musician and audio engineer with a diverse background including a degree in economics and political science. I have always been an unconventional student, interested in “working smarter, not harder”. I believe that all subjects are are interconnected and that finding correlations and analogies to subjects that one is already familiar with can lead to massive improvement in a subject where one might struggle.

2. Why did you want to become a teacher/tutor?
I became an ACT tutor because I believe that with a proper understanding of the structure of standardized tests, anyone can become a skilled test-taker. The types and formats of the questions can give you clues as to where to look for the answers, and how to best strategize eliminating false flags. Armed with the proper perspective, students can overcome the feeling that they are “not good test-takers”.

I more recently began tutoring math, recognizing a lack of skills in the fundamentals of mathematics and the resulting anxiety surrounding numbers as the main impediment to most students’ success.

3. Tell us about a positive experience that you’ve had with a student.
I have recently been tutoring a young algebra student whose school has changed curriculum on him repeatedly. As a result, lots of topics, nuances, and useful techniques have fallen between the cracks this school year and the teachers are almost as perplexed as their students. By spending one-on-one time with a student, it is possible to evaluate where these blind spots are, information that they may have missed or forgotten, and mistakes which they repeatedly make and begin to augment their skills. With this student, there were several topics and skills that had to be thoroughly exercised and reinforced over and over, but with persistent work problems that he once could hardly guess at come naturally. Most of the rest of the material fell into place around these previous shortcomings and he is no longer in need of tutoring. I know that I have succeeded when I am no longer necessary.

4. What’s the best part about being a tutor/teacher?
My favorite part about being a teacher is that every student is different and requires a different approach. This forces you to come at subjects which you feel you know well from a completely different angle and sharpens your own understanding in the process.

5. Who was your favorite teacher growing up and why?
My current composition teacher and mentor is the most hardworking person that I have ever met. He tempers extremely high expectations with reason and is driven to pass on the most practical skills and habits that he can (a rarity in the arts). He makes himself incredibly available to his students and thinks of everyone that he works with as a member of his network, which will prosper collectively as each individual that comprises it improves their lot.

6. What’s your favorite educational quote?
“The direction in which education starts a man will determine his future in life.” – Plato

7. Why do you like working for iAchieve Learning?
I enjoy the freedom that iAchieve grants its tutors to find out for themselves what will work best for student, being very open to taking new tacks and bringing in supplemental materials. I enjoy the open communication that is fostered between the instructors, students, and parents to ensure that everyone remains on the same page.

Would you like to work with Matt or one of our other tutors? Please contact us today either by phone on 847.682.6116 or by filling out the contact form on our website: Use our contact form here.

Do you have a passion for teaching? Join our great team of tutors, we are looking for fun and energized people at iAchieve Learning. If you enjoy helping others, have a positive attitude, and want flexible hours, contact us today!