FAQs

How is instructional tutoring different from general tutoring?

The Owner of My Math Maven, LLC, inspired by one of her 1st grade students, during her very first teaching experience, in 1996 while teaching summer school in Houston, Texas, learned the value of additional academic instruction, outside of the regular school day. She noticed, this particular first grade student was exceptionally bright, especially in math. When she asked him about it, he said, "I learn more in Chinese school." The Owner questioned him further, asking him, when did he attend Chinese school. He said "on Saturday". The Owner was intrigued and curious, as she herself had never heard of Chinese school on Saturdays, during that time, as she was just beginning her teaching career. So, she asked the child's parents about what the child had shared, noting how knowledgeable their son was in math as well (he was performing a couple of grades above his grade level in math). They happily and proudly shared that it is customary in their culture, in the U.S. ,for some Chinese children to attend additional school, which some refer to as Chinese school, on the weekend, to learn the native languages of China, maintain their cultural connections, and to, in some cases, receive review, reinforcement, and/or enrichment instruction in math, science, and other subject areas. The Owner was impressed with this young child's experience, and grew to believe that all children should have the opportunity to receive quality, additional instruction, outside of the normal school day. As a result, in her many years of teaching full-time, the Owner also dedicated countless hours to tutoring and providing additional instruction to students, outside of her general work hours.

Thus, there's a reason why My Math Maven, LLC hires actual math teachers, most with Master's degrees. Our teachers are very qualified and capable of providing more than general tutoring. While general tutoring can be very valuable as well, our teachers provide actual instruction, full length standards-based lessons, in math concepts, with tutoring elements embedded. Our teachers are the mavens, the experts; this is what they do or have done for a living everyday, in classrooms around the country. Instructional tutoring allows for a deeper understanding, review, enrichment, reinforcement, and/or reteaching of math concepts and strategies., which lead to mastery or significant math growth. The Owner of My Math Maven, LLC wants your child to feel as if they are attending their very own Saturday school, that focuses on mathematics. The same runs true for our Summer Math Academy.

If you reside in one state, New York for example, and you'd like your child to join a My Math Maven class with their friend or relative, in the same grade, who resides in another state, California, for example, is it possible for them to join the same class?

Is the owner of this company an actual educator?

Yes, the owner is currently a Vice Principal in a U.S. Board of Education school district, that is not affiliated with My Math Maven, LLC. She holds a Masters in Educational Learning Technology, and a certification in School Building Leadership. The owner has 28 years of combined impactful teaching, instructional coaching, and leading in education, in Virginia, New York City, New Jersey, and Texas. The Owner considers herself a teacher of students, and teacher and coach of teachers, and a life-long learner. Which is why, in addition to being a leader at My Math Maven, LLC, she absolutely enjoys working as one of the My Math Maven instructional tutoring teachers. Please review the “Owner’s Message”.

During Covid-19, my child(ren) really disliked online learning, and had a hard time connecting. As much as I am interested in this service, I am hesitant. How will this program be any different?

This is a valid concern. However, the Owner, herself, was a teacher during Covid-19, and also had a child who was a high school student during that time, and it was rough for her own child. As much as they made the most of it, it was a tough experience. The hours online were too long for some schools. The world was literally falling apart around us, so honestly, can you fault any student or teacher who experienced virtual learning during the heart of Covid-19, for associating online learning with a “not good experience” ? Absolutely not, and at My Math Maven we do understand.

Additionally, we cannot assume that great classroom (in school-building) teachers were able to transfer into being a great online, virtual teacher. It requires a different skillset to be able to bring the awesome classroom school-building culture of engagement, focus, and positivity into the virtual classroom. Guess what? During Covid-19 our My Math Maven Owner’s middle school math class had higher student attendance rates, than her peers, during a time when students were checked out, and not showing up to Virtual class. The students would literally say “I don’t want to leave your class.” So trust that she has high expectations of her My Math Maven, LLC teachers to deliver the same energy and ability.

With that said, we are in a better place in our world, and My Math Maven, LLC firmly believes that your child would have a much better virtual learning experience with our math teachers. We offer a healthy amount of interactive, engaging, online learning time, so that students can receive what they need without feeling burnt out. Give us 4 weeks-5 weeks to prove to you, that we are the difference,. And if your child does not feel more positive than they did in their previous experience with Virtual learning, then we would understand you deciding to not re-enroll with us. Although we believe your child will be happy to be a My Math Maven, LLC student.

Why do you only provide Instructional tutoring to 3rd through Algebra I grade levels.

The Owner of My Math Maven, firmly believes that these grades reflect critical learning years for young people. The owner was a strong elementary school teacher, and when she transitioned into becoming a math teacher and instructional coach in middle school, she realized that many of the students who were checked out, or failing in math, lacked the basic foundational math skills and conceptual understanding that students acquire in grades 3rd through 5th. Furthermore, when she taught adult education part-time, in the evenings, in New York City, to students who ranged in ages from 21 to 72, who had never received their high school diplomas, she learned the same was true for high school students. If they did not capture and retain certain fundamental math concepts during the 6th grade through 8th grade years, they struggled immensely in mathematics, during high school, and unfortunately some, for various reasons don't make it through.

While My Math Maven, LLC values every grade level, ranging from Pre-K through higher education, we firmly believe that grades 3rd through Algebra I are the critical grades, where the most reinforcement and enrichment should take place.

I tried to purchase more than 16 weeks of classes for my child(ren), yet did not see that option, why is that?

We appreciate you being ready to commit to over 4 sessions (16 consecutive Saturday classes, according to My Math Maven calendar) with My Math Maven! We are truly honored. While you are free to increase the number of weeks beyond 16 weeks, by utilizing the "quantity" button, during check out, we also like to allow both you and our educators, time, to re-assess your child’s math needs or goals, and to simply ensure you and your child are loving the service we provide. It is important for parents to assess the impact that our program is having on their child. When you find that you have been very pleased with our service provided to your child’s math needs or goals, feel free to add on additional sessions.

In doing so, please pay close attention to the My Math Maven calendar, to ensure that the class sessions that you have paid for are in alignment with the sessions available on the My Math Maven calendar. If you overpay for sessions that extend pass our last day of classes, in June, we will apply the remaining classes towards the next school year’s fall-winter-spring sessions, which always begin in September. Summer Math Academy is a separate session, paid separately. You may not apply payments made towards fall-winter-spring sessions towards Summer Math Academy.

How can I prepare my child to be able to navigate the digital platforms?

First, assure your child, that we will be very patient with them to ensure that they learn to navigate the platforms that we use during class. If you want to begin practicing, here are some basic functions that your child will learn, working with My Math Maven:

Using Zoom: How to access and type into the chat, add their name when they log on, how to screen share, how to click on a link that is dropped in the chat, to access a new screen.
The additional platform that we use, is a math specific platform, and students will learn and adjust to that platform as we navigate through the lessons. They will have plenty of opportunities to use the tools associated with our math platform.

Is My Math Maven and My Math Maven, LLC the same?

Yes, anywhere on our website, or in any of our communications with you, please know that My Math Maven and My Math Maven, LLC are one and the same.

Which concept math standards does My Math Maven, LLC teach?

My Math Maven, LLC teaches the Common Core Math standards, which were built on best practices from high quality math practices across the United States.

What if my child misses one of the classes in a session that we’ve paid for, can they get this class made up?

While we understand emergencies may occur, classes missed because of the client (you/your child) not being able to log on, will not obligate My Math Maven to extend their class or session, or to replace or make-up their class or session, nor will refunds be granted due to a client missing their class. If parents would like a class or session made up, classes will be made-up according to the availability of one of our My Math Maven teachers at a rate of $50 per hour and minimum class time of 90 minutes. For example, a 90-minute make-up class will cost $75.

Note: My Math Maven will only make up classes, without additional cost, if My Math Maven, LLC has had to cancel a class, postpone a class,, or in which technical difficulties occurred on My Math Maven’s part, causing more than 15 minutes of missed class time. In this case, the Fall-Winter-Spring Saturday classes may be made up on the following Sunday that occurs after the missed Saturday class, at 2pm or 4pm. The class may be covered by your current class teacher, or by another highly qualified My Math Maven teacher. Your My Math Maven representative or teacher will notify you of the new class time. If you are not able to attend the available make-up class, you will be offered the same option for the next Sunday. If you are still unable to attend the offered make-up class, you will forgo the opportunity to make up the class, at no cost or liability to My Math Maven, LLC.

What if I really like my child’s(ren) small group teacher, may I hire them on the side for one-on-one Instructional tutoring or general tutoring?

Unfortunately, My Math Maven, LLC employees are employed under a legally binding non-compete agreement. Offering, advertising, or promoting instructional tutoring, general tutoring, or related services, whether for free or for fee, outside of My Math Maven, LLC to My Math Maven potential, current, or former clients (student/parent) while they are currently employed by My Math Maven, LLC or within one-year of their employment ending with My Math Maven, LLC, will put them in breach of this legal agreement.

What are the essential requirements to becoming a My Math Maven, LLC Math Teacher?

Yes and No:

Yes, if you have paid for the next 4-week session at least two weeks in advance when we receive the reminder invoice. We will always send the invoice out to our current students first, giving you the first option to hold your space in the current class, this is also contingent upon you child(ren) remaining in the same grade

Yes, if you have purchased more that one session a time. Therefore, if you purchased two sessions, which equals 8 classes, then your current class will be guaranteed 8 consecutive sessions, with the same instructor.

No, if you do not renew when you receive the reminder invoice, at least two weeks in advance. This does not mean you will not be able to join the next session, it just means that you may be placed with a different highly qualified My Math Maven teacher.

No, if for some reason, one of our My Math Maven teachers is assigned to a different grade, or is no longer employed by My Math Maven, LLC.

We will do our best to accommodate you but know that you child will be in great hands with any one of our Master Teachers.

Do you assess my child(ren) to determine what they have mastered or need to improve?

Yes, during the fall-winter-spring, your child will log on with us before starting their first class, to receive a diagnostic assessment.

During Summer Math Academy, the diagnostic assessment is embedded in the structure of your child's first class.

If I sign my child(ren) up for the Saturday 4-week sessions, am I penalized, if I do not sign up for another 4-week session?

You are not penalized for deciding not to renew another 4-week session with My Math Maven. While My Math Maven, has designed the cost of our service to be affordable and sustainable, we do understand that life happens, and that you may elect to pause use our service. Of course, we’d love for you allow your child to continue to experience the benefits of being one of our students, however, we are real people who have real understanding. We would only hope that should you want your child(ren) to have more support or more of a challenge in math, that you would return to us, and we would accept you with open arms. Parents should utilize our service as they see fit for their child(ren).

What are the class sizes?

Class sizes for fall-winter-spring sessions are as follows:

3rd grade-7th grade: up to 8 students
Algebra I (8th & 9th): Up to 10 students

Class sizes for Summer Math Academy:

3rd grade-7th grade: up to 10 students
Algebra I (8th & 9th grade): Up to 12 students

What are the expectations of my child as a student in the My Math Maven class? What items do they need?

We expect your child to have the ability to log on with a device that works well with our platforms (desktop computer, or laptop preferred). Some tablets will allow students to log on and utilize our platforms, however, the content will appear smaller. We expect you to have a strong internet connection, and the ability open up more than one window at a time, as we may provide links that require students to do so.

We expect students to join each class ready to learn, with a positive mindset. Even if they do not favor math, just come to class with an open mind, as it is our hopes to get them to truly enjoy learning math. We work with students to ensure participation, as participation it is essential to the learning process. While we encourage our students, and help them overcome math anxiety, we do not support our students "opting -out" of participating in class, as participation is essential to the learning process. We expect that the students keep their screens on and face in the camera during the entire session, except for stepping away quickly for bathroom breaks, or a situation needing attending to in their immediate environment. In these cases, please turn screens off and mics off, as to not distract the other students in the class. Believe it or not, communication comes in many forms, and often times teachers are able to pick up on students learning needs and engagement by the expressions that students may show on their faces. Therefore, we need to see their faces in the camera. We appreciate parents supporting us with this requirement.

We expect students to be respectful to one another, as well as My Math Maven staff. The teachers will go over the virtual classroom norms to support with students having a positive interactive math experience.

We expect all students to be appropriately clothed with comfortable, non-offensive clothing or designs.

We would certainly hope and expect that our students will have fun, while learning with My Math Maven, LLC.

In reading through the website, I notice the terms “class” and “session” used. Is there a difference as it relates to My Math Maven?

In terms of the fall-winter-spring, classes take place in 4-week increments, which we refer to as a “session”. For example, if your child has participated in 4 consecutive classes (as it relates to the My Math Maven calendar), then they have completed 1 full session. If they participate in 8 weeks of Saturday classes (consecutive, as it relates to my Math Maven Calendar), they have completed 2 sessions.

What if my child’s computer dies or they lose internet access during a class, can they get this class made up?

Unfortunately, they will not be able to get the specific class made up by My Math Maven. In this situation, we would ask that the student/parent work to restore the issue, and immediately log back on. If the issue takes too long to resolve, the student will still have access to the work that was covered during the class. They may work through the problems and log on to our Free Office hours, during Touch-Base-Tuesdays, and have one our math teachers work through a particular math problem or clarify any misconceptions. If the student is already enrolled in more than one session, they may also wait until the next class and ask the teacher to go over any misconceptions that they needed from the class time that they missed. Although the teacher must teach the current lesson, it is not unusual for the teacher to review content from the week before. If the student needs more time, one of our Teacher Assistant’s will work with them in a breakout room for a small portion of the class period, as we do not want them to miss out on the current lesson.

What is your cancellation policy?

Cancellation Policy:

You will receive a 100% Refund for a 4-week class session, if cancelled at least 24 hours before your first scheduled class, for that session. 50% Refund for a 4-week class session if cancelled at least 24 hours before your second scheduled class. No Refund if cancelled less than 24 hours before your second scheduled class. However, if you have prepaid for more than one session, upcoming 4-week class sessions may receive a full refund, if noted in your request. Note: If you have prepaid for more than one session (8 or more classes) than you must specify in your request that you want the refund to apply to the all-upcoming prepaid sessions, or your refund will only apply to the next upcoming or current 4-week session, depending on when submitted your request.

Please note that once cancelled, your child’s seat in the class is removed, and may be offered to another student. You are welcome to return, however, reenrollment will require a full payment. Cancellation request must be sent via email, using our “contact us” options on mymathmaven.com site. Request must be received by or before the deadlines specified above. We appreciate you accepting this non-negotiable policy. If you’d like more context on why we have such a firm cancellation policy, please give us a call, we’d be happy to discuss this with you.

What are the requirements to be hired as a teacher’s assistant?

If my child is in a current 4-week session, and I want them to continue with the Saturday Instructional Tutoring, are they guaranteed a seat in the same class with the same teacher for the next session?

If you are interested in becoming a My Math Maven, LLC teacher’s assistant, the following criteria must apply:

You are at least 18 years of age or older, and have obtained your high school diploma, or it's equivalence (GED).
You are good at solving math problems, specifically in grades 3rd through Algebra I, and enjoy the subject.
You have your own electronic device, (desktop or laptop), and access to a strong internet connection, and workspace, where you can work uninterrupted.
You can clearly explain concepts, provide instructions, and offer constructive feedback to students. You are skilled at active listening, understanding student needs, and adapting your communication style to different learners.
You have the ability to support the teacher with creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where students feel comfortable asking for help and participating.
*You are a current or former teacher’s aide/assistant or paraprofessional, in good standing, who has worked in school-buildings full-time in one of the United States school districts..
Teacher assistants should be able to effectively communicate with teachers, sharing observations, providing feedback on student progress, and collaborating on lesson planning and delivery.
*You are a college student in good academic standing, that is in their junior or senior year (math majors preferred, but not required).
*You have obtained or are working towards an Associates, Bachelors, or Master's degree.

You speak and write in English. (Speaking both Spanish and English is a plus, but not required).
(If applying for the fall-winter-spring sessions) You are available to commit to working Saturdays between 8:30am-2:45pm (Eastern Time) or between 7:30am to 11:45am (Pacific time), and Tuesdays from 4:30pm-6:30pm (Eastern Time) or 4:30pm-6:30pm (Pacific Time, which = 7:30pm-9:30pm Eastern Time). Tuesdays reflect the actual schedule, Saturday schedules will be created within the time range provided.
You are able to build meaningful relationships with school age students (grades 3rd- 9th).

You are coachable and able to receive and implement feedback.
You do not possess a criminal record, and you consent to My Math Maven conducting a criminal background check on your behalf.
You have never been terminated or discharged from an educational role, due to misconduct, poor work performance, or unprofessionalism.
If you can meet all of required criteria outlined here, and at least one the (*) criteria noted with an *asterisk, we encourage you to apply.

How much do My Math Maven, LLC Teachers earn in pay?

Yes, one of the unique features that My Math Maven, LLC intentionally incorporated into their vision of online Virtual Learning, is the ability to have a small group of students, from possibly varying states, being taught by a teacher, from possibly a different state of their own. What a great way to bring people together, and for teachers and students to learn about regional differences and commonalities. This also means your child may join the same class (subject to availability) with a friend or relative who lives in another zip code, even another state!

Remember, classes are subject to availability, as we like to keep the class sizes small. To arrange for one child to be in the same class and session as their relative or friend, who lives in another state, first make sure they are both registered with My Math Maven, LLC., as this makes placement easier. It’s important to consider the time of the class, that you are registering each child. For example, California (Pacific Time) is 3 hours behind NYC (Eastern Time), therefore if you registered your child for a 9am class, this may not allow her friend or family member to join, as in California it would be 6am, which we do not recommend taking a class that early. We’d recommend you registering for an 11am (Eastern) or later session, so that the relative or friend in California can join the same class at a reasonable time in their time zone (Pacific).

Finally, to ensure that students are placed in the same class, visit the "contact us" section of our website, and complete the form at the bottom section of the page that says, “Would you like you child to join the class with a friend or relative ?” Indicate the full name, grade, city/state of residence of the relative who is registered, and request that we add them to the same class as your child.

Interested teachers must possess the following criteria:

You are a certified teacher, who currently teaches or has taught math in at least one of the grades from 3rd grade to Algebra I (8th or 9th) as a full-time teacher, not a substitute teacher, in person, in a school building in one of the United States, within the past 5 years.
You are a certified teacher, who currently teaches or has taught math, as a full-time school building teacher, in at least one of the mentioned grades above, for at least three years, in which you received an overall rating of effective or highly effective, as observed by your school leaders or math coaches, for those years, within the last 5 years.
You have your own electronic device, (desktop or laptop), and access to a strong internet connection, and workspace, where you can work uninterrupted.
You have a Bachelor's degree or higher. (Master's degree in education preferred, but not required.)
Possess an energetic, positive, growth mind-set, and are passionate about teaching math to students of all learning abilities.
You read, write, and speak fluently in English. (Speaking both Spanish and English is a plus, but not required).
You are able to effectively communicate, adapt to diverse learning styles, foster a positive online virtual learning environment, and inspire a love of learning in your students, especially in math.
You are able to create an environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, making conjectures, respectfully disagreeing, while defending and justifying their solutions.; creating an environment where students are empowered to take ownership of their learning.
You have excellent classroom management in the school-building classroom setting, that will transfer over to excellent management of the online classroom culture.
You can incorporate activities that promote and encourage student participation and collaboration.
You are able to break down complex problems in order to "make math make sense", and you have the ability to teach students how to do so as well.
You can collect and analyze meaningful student data, and use that data to move students to the next academic level in math.
You have a tract record of building meaningful relationships with both students and parents.
You are comfortable and knowledgeable with using Zoom and other online platforms to provide math instruction. Therefore, must have the ability to log on with your own device to provide such services and/or be able to easily learn these platforms.
You are able to create impactful standards-based, engaging lessons, and include essential, relevant resources in your lesson plans.
(If applying for the fall-winter-spring sessions) You are available to commit to working Saturdays between 8:30am-2:45pm (Eastern Time) or between 7:30am to 11:45am (Pacific time), and Tuesdays from 4:30pm-6:30pm (Eastern Time) or 4:30pm-6:30pm (Pacific Time, which = 7:30pm-9:30pm Eastern Time). Tuesdays reflect the actual schedule, Saturday schedules will be created within the time range provided.
You have excellent attendance.
You are coachable and able to receive and implement feedback from colleagues, students, and parents, in order to provide excellence and help students growth and achieve.
You create a learning environment where all students feel safe, respected and valued.
You can create a learning environment where student growth and effort is valued, noticed, and celebrated.
You do not possess a criminal record, and you consent to My Math Maven conducting a criminal background check on your behalf.
You have never been terminated or discharged from a teaching role, due to misconduct, poor work performance, or unprofessionalism.

If you can meet all the required criteria outlined here, we encourage you apply.

My Math Maven, LLC Teachers earn a very competitive hourly rate, in addition to paid planning time.

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