Julie Mahorney-Saenz
About
I have a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the University of New Mexico and a Bachelor of Fine Art in Graphic Design from New Mexico State University, which gives me a unique perspective on math. I consider math a liberal art with a lot of creative thinking involved.I'm convinced math has something for everyone, not just "scientific types." I'm convinced, after over fifteen years of tutoring, that anyone and everyone can learn and enjoy math.
All but one of the students I tutored in-classroom at Canyon Springs High School graduated. (The one who didn't is enrolled in Adult Ed.) A lot of them were at risk for dropping out, and I take partial credit for encouraging and mentoring them.
When I tutored the NHSPE in math (they use the ACT now instead) my students always passed.
I try to make math relevant and fun. I have an excellent sense of humor and I'm not put off by students with "attitude." I usually succeed by learning about the student's interests, and I try to show how math relates to things that matter to them, like cooking or animation or even just stretching their mental horizons. I think everybody relates to the latter. I approach everyone with a lighthearted but serious attitude. I can quickly diagnose what is standing in a student's way (usually they don't know their multiplication tables, or the number line) and I try to help them fill in those areas. I believe ith the old-school "practice makes perfect' method. If I don't feel that a student has been given enough practice problems in school, I'll make some up for them.
Bachelor of Science, University of New Mexico, Mathematics
Bachelor of Fine Art, New Mexico State University, Graphic Design
Dean's List, Crimson Scholar