Find the real gap
A student floundering with E&M is usually struggling with vector calculus, integration, or a sign convention from three chapters prior. We pinpoint where difficulties lie before touching anything else.
Physics & Mathematics · Harrisburg area
Most students don't fail physics. They struggle with the algebra underneath it.
I'm a physicist with a doctorate and over a decade of teaching experience. I tutor one-on-one: Physics and Mathematics — the classes high school and undergraduate students need on their way to science and engineering degrees. My focus is fostering understanding and problem solving — skills beyond simply improving your next test score.
given m, θ, μk
ΣF = mg sin θ − μk mg cos θ
a = g sin θ − μk cos θ
μ cos θ has no units. Where did the g go?
The physics was right but one dropped coefficient turned the second term into a bare number and the whole equation into nonsense. Math is the language of physics. Without fluency, these sorts of mistakes are easy to make and distract from the learning of the science itself.
My approach
Diagnose
Rebuild
Work it by hand
Students need the freedom to explore and make mistakes. My students practice lots of novel problems, approaching each independenty with targeted guidance. A patient approach which builds their intuitions as broad, independent thinkers.
Anticipate
Get ahead of the course
When caught up, we work a week ahead of the lecture. Iinstead of first exposure, class becomes a review ; a second look reinforcing novel subject matter that you'll have already seen.
Who this is for
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High school
Students in general / AP Physics, Calculus, or other math courses who are looking to get ahead or haven't understood the class since October.
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Undergraduate
First- and second-year students in physics (calculus or algebra based), calculus (all levels), or differential equations — Physics majors of any year taking major specific courses.
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Homeschool
Families teaching everything themselves until physics and calculus, where a parent without the background reasonably stops.
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Not a fit
SAT and ACT prep, or general homework supervision. While these are real needs, my teaching focuses on subject matter, critical thinking, and student growth. Others in the area provide great services targeting standardized testing.
Practical details
Sessions run 60 or 90 minutes, in person across Harrisburg, Camp Hill, Mechanicsburg, Hershey and the West Shore, or online with a shared whiteboard when it makes sense. Rates are $90–$140 per hour depending on level and travel.
I hold current Pennsylvania child abuse, state police, and FBI clearances, copies available for clients on request.
Most families start with a single session to see whether it's a fit.