Min's educational journey began in China, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Physics from Nanjing University. He then pursued a PhD in Physics from Iowa State University. This academic background has equipped Min with a deep understanding of the intricacies of math and physics, which he skillfully translates into accessible, engaging lessons for students. Min has over a decade of experience as an educator and tutor, teaching over 1000 students.
Min has served as an Adjunct Instructor of Physics at Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) and as a Physics tutor at the Academic Achievement Center (AAC) of DMACC. In these roles, he has honed his ability to adapt his teaching style to suit the diverse learning needs of his students, creating a supportive environment that fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
One of Min's greatest strengths as a tutor is his ability to make complex subjects interesting and relatable to students. He employs a variety of strategies to engage learners, such as incorporating humor, suspense, and storytelling into his lessons, using interactive quizzes and YouTube clips to prompt discussion, and asking thought-provoking questions that encourage students to explore the material more deeply. By making the content relevant and accessible, Min helps students develop a genuine interest in math and physics, setting them up for long-term success in these subjects.
When students encounter learning blocks, Min draws upon his extensive teaching experience to provide targeted support. He breaks down complex topics into manageable chunks, uses visual aids to illustrate connections between concepts, and engages students in active learning techniques such as peer teaching and hands-on activities. Min also emphasizes the importance of metacognition and self-reflection, teaching students how to monitor their own learning and develop strategies for overcoming challenges.
To keep students motivated, Min sets clear goals, provides frequent feedback, and creates a positive learning environment that encourages effort and celebrates progress. He helps students see the relevance of what they're learning, offers real-life rewards for success, and serves as a role model for lifelong learning and personal growth.
Min approaches each student with compassion, understanding that learning can be challenging and offering support and encouragement every step of the way. His natural curiosity drives him to explore creative ways of explaining concepts, while his adaptability allows him to adjust his teaching style to suit individual learning preferences. Above all, Min is a patient mentor who celebrates small victories and encourages persistence, helping students develop the confidence and skills they need to succeed.
Sarah completed her Bachelor of Arts in Language and Cultural Studies and Plant Biology at Sarah Lawrence College. She boasts five years of professional teaching experience but began her tutoring journey early in her high school career, fueled by the gratifying experience of witnessing students grasp challenging material.
Sarah's enthusiasm for tutoring stems from her belief that any subject can be enjoyable when presented in an appealing way to students. She is proficient in a diverse range of subjects, including K–6 math, all levels of biology (including AP), reading, writing, English Language Arts (ELA), ESL, AP Language and Literature, creative writing, and SAT reading and writing.
At the core of Sarah's tutoring philosophy is the empowerment of students through consistent encouragement. She believes students have been programmed to fear failure instead of embracing it as a part of the learning process. So, she takes a unique approach by celebrating mistakes, considering them stepping stones for growth rather than obstacles. Sarah's adaptability in the face of these stepping stones shines in her lessons, where she breaks down complex problems into manageable pieces for better understanding. Beyond being informative, Sarah’s lessons are also highly engaging; she connects academic concepts with students' interests to keep them motivated.
Sarah is adept at guiding students towards becoming confident and independent learners. Instead of simply providing them with answers, she equips students with the tools and information necessary to independently solve problems, fostering a sense of self-assurance.
Besides tutoring, Sarah is deeply interested in plant biology. She even worked as a research assistant at the New York Botanical Garden on an algae-based project! She also enjoys reading, creative writing, and spending time with her cat, named President. When he misbehaves, she likes to pretend to be a member of the Secret Service—Mister President, don't climb on the fence!
Jada earned a Bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, followed by a Master’s degree from the University of Maryland. She served as a Graduate Advisor for two years while earning her Master's degree, providing support to more than 50 student leaders and directors and planning campus-wide activities, including the management of over 600 student clubs and 10,000 attendees.
Prior to this, she held a role in UCLA's residence life, overseeing a community of 1,200 students. She also contributed as a facilitator at the LGBTQ Campus Resource Center and offered counseling support at campus protests and major events for the Black Campus Committee. Beyond academia, Jada also has experience working at Disney, Warner Bros., and FOX Sports.
As a first-generation college graduate, Jada empathizes with the challenges of navigating the admissions process. She strives to be the counselor she wished she had and is passionate about simplifying the process and removing barriers to higher education for all students. She believes it is a true privilege to empower students to confidently navigate this exciting chapter of their lives. Her coaching style is influenced by her background as an athlete and educator and her preference for the "challenge and support" student personnel model.
In her coaching role, Jada excels at helping students recognize their autonomy and capabilities. She believes in collaborative work, valuing both counselor and student expertise. She approaches students holistically, recognizing their diverse identities and life circumstances. She uses a variety of teaching strategies, including auditory, visual, and kinesthetic methods, tailoring her approach to each student’s needs and motivations.
By identifying whether students struggle with extrinsic or intrinsic motivation or both, she helps them rediscover their goals and address underlying factors affecting their drive. Jada aims to empower students through support and belief in their potential, providing both affirmation and honest feedback. Students Jada has mentored have been accepted to some of the nation’s top schools, particularly in the UC school system.
In her free time, Jada enjoys going on nature walks with her dog, reading, going to comic book stores, hosting TV show watch parties with friends, drawing and making digital art, making playlists for friends, and going to drag shows! She is also a huge sports fan and loves going to college women's basketball, WNBA, and soccer games. In fact, Jada played soccer competitively for 15 years and managed the Maryland Women's Basketball Team, which allowed her to travel to the NCAA March Madness Tournament until the Elite 8 round!
Foundation Learning’s physics tutors have extensive tutoring experience or hold physics/science-related degrees. Our tutors are knowledgeable, friendly, and confident.
Yes, Foundation Learning aims to make it easy for parents to check their child’s progress using our progress tracker. This tracker shows you precisely what your child is working on and allows you to see tutor comments and feedback after sessions.
Yes, Foundation Learning ensures families, students, and tutors stay on the same page using our progress tracker. Families can check the tracker to gauge student progress and view tutor comments.
We always start by learning more about students’ needs, educational goals, commitments, and preferences. Learning more about students helps us match students to a tutor we think will work best with them.
The best package for you is the one that best fits your needs and goals. We work with students needing varying levels of support. If you’re unsure which plan is best for you, our team is happy to help you explore your options!