Who is Alicia?

About Alicia

I’m a math and STEM teacher, tutor, and skills coach with 10 years of classroom math instruction and extensive experience in supporting diverse learners to achieve success in math and beyond. I specialize in individual and small group tutoring, as well as in offering personalized support for students with a range of different learning needs, from ADHD to dyslexia. I studied at Oberlin College, where I double-majored in Pure Mathematics and Computer Science, and at Tufts University in a Master’s program for teaching secondary mathematics. After moving to Austin in 2015, I became a middle and high school math teacher, academic advisor, and yoga instructor at a small Austin-area private school for students with dyslexia. In 2023, I made the decision to develop my own math tutoring practice—MathATX—to bring the skills and expertise I had honed in the classroom to a wider audience and to continue my passion for providing comprehensive math support to students of all ages.

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Philosophy

My teaching philosophy is grounded in the idea of meeting students on their own terms. I provide a safe learning environment, where questions are encouraged and mistakes are an opportunity to learn. There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to math education: while some students benefit from drill and repetition, others thrive best when rebuilding basic concepts using handheld and interactive tools. I therefore draw on a range of techniques to adapt my teaching style to each student’s particular learning needs. In all of my teaching, I encourage students to discover and become attuned to how they learn best, supporting them to become strong participants in, and advocates for, their own education.

Math learning differences

Dyslexia

Often linked with ADHD, dyscalculia, and other learning differences, dyslexia can affect both reading and writing, causing students difficulty pronouncing or spelling words; confusion when reading; or struggles with reading quickly. While impacting students’ ability to comprehend word problems, dyslexia can also affect students’ ability to follow the order of operations and to correctly interpret and parse mathematical symbols and equations.

Executive Dysfunction

Executive functioning processes enable kids to manage time, make decisions, and store memories. In school, executive dysfunction may show up as an inability to plan ahead, manage time, complete tasks, and follow instructions. In math, students often struggle with multi-step problems, word problems, memorization of number facts and algorithms, and turning in homework. Executive dysfunction is a symptom of autism and depression, in addition to several learning differences.


Dyscalculia

Learners with dyscalculia can struggle with a range of math-related symptoms, from difficulties with numeracy and number sense, to trouble recognizing patterns, remembering mathematical facts and sequences, determining sizes and quantities, or following along with algorithms and order of operations. Dyscalculia often co-occurs with dyslexia, ADHD, or other learning differences.

Math Phobia

Math phobia is the fear of, and anxiety around, math. It can affect people of all ages and may be found together with other math-related learning differences like dyscalculia and ADHD. Students with math phobia often develop extreme avoidant behaviors when faced with math, and these behaviors only get worse if not addressed early. Math phobia may result from negative experiences with a teacher, or be passed down from a parent or peer who also has math phobia. Because of this, it is critical that parents with math phobia take care to avoid sharing these feelings with their children. 

Treating math phobia requires rebuilding a student’s confidence and dismantling the barriers of shame and embarrassment that cause students to shut down when confronted with math. These students often need to relearn the basics and build up their understanding from scratch, and they need the space to do so without feeling shame, without fear of consequences, bad grades, or ridicule from peers.


Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

ADHD affects a student’s ability to regulate their attention. Hyperfocus, inability to focus, hyperactivity, impulsivity, and executive dysfunction are all symptoms. In math, we see the struggles with executive function: multi-step problems, word problems, memorization, and work completion. Students also may have behavioral issues, perform below ability on tests, and issues paying attention  in class and taking notes.

Services

Executive Functioning Support

My executive functioning support uses targeted support sessions to address and improve your child’s learning and work habits—from getting and staying organized, to keeping on task with homework deadlines and enhancing proficiency in problem-solving skills. Not limited to math or STEM, executive functioning sessions often provide students with help in other academic areas and for specific test or subject matter, for example AP U.S. History or AP World History.

Parental Math Support and Adult Recreational Math

Whether you’re looking to improve your math skills so you can better help your child with their homework, or you just remember loving math in high school and want to rediscover it as an adult, I provide individual sessions for adults who wish to revisit, renew, and reinvigorate their math journey.

Home School

Homeschooling presents unique challenges and opportunities, and math can be an area where students struggle and may fall behind. But with support and the right resources, homeschooled students can excel and even surpass their in-school peers. Whatever your student's needs, I will work with you to develop a home school education plan that meets them and which will work within your schedule.

Math and STEM Tutoring and Instruction

My personalized math and STEM tutoring sessions are available for students of all ages, and can be tailored based on age, learning differences, and educational goals. Having taught in both private and public schools, I am well versed in K-12 math and STEM requirements, and can work with individuals or small groups to improve students’ skills and confidence and to help them attain specific learning objectives. I also work with students on higher level instruction, including AP Pre-calculus; AP Calculus AB and BC; AP Chemistry; AP Physics; and college-level math. From homework support to foundational skill-building, including addressing learning gaps, I support students across a spectrum of needs. 

Test Prep

Standardized testing is an important part of all students’ educational journeys. Yet despite the range of corporate test prep offerings out there, many students fail to benefit from their generic, one-size-fits-all approach and often overwhelming workload. I believe strongly that students become better prepared for standardized tests when engaged in individually tailored preparation programs. I assess each student individually and focus on the specific content areas they need support in. Whether supporting younger students to take the STARR and to develop general standardized testing proficiency, or college-bound students to help prepare them for the SAT or ACT, I will ensure that your child has the tools and support they need to succeed on standardized tests.

Rates

I strive to provide students from a range of economic backgrounds with excellent individualized educational support. My standard hourly rate is $125, with a $10 cash discount. I also offer a sliding scale that allows families with financial need to choose a lower rate that fits within their budget, and I can negotiate lower rates for groups and/or multiple weekly sessions. Whatever your situation, please do not hesitate to reach out and inquire about my sliding scale or other discounts that may be available.