Math^{Equals}

{Services Provided}

• In-person academic coaching for high school students:
  • Algebra, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics.
  • Standard and honors levels.
  • Test and study strategy.
  • SAT math.
  • High school, GED, or getting ready for the first year of college or vocational school.
• Free and only for self-motivated students facing financial challenges:
  • Lack access to paid academic coaching, or may be balancing work and school responsibilities.
  • Self-motivated to learn and improve academically.
• In our community, about 30 minutes drive surrounding Jim Thorpe, PA:
  • Central: Jim Thorpe.
  • North: Blakeslee.
  • South: Walnutport.
  • East: Kresgeville.
  • West: Tamaqua.

{Availability}

I currently have room for one new student.

{Tutoring & Coaching}

The term 'tutoring' typically implies a focus on a particular subject, whereas 'coaching' often extends beyond this, adding strategies for preparing for and taking tests.

As an academic coach, I strive to both enlighten students in specific subject matter and help them better navigate their academic journeys.

Whether your goal is to get better grades, ace a test, navigate a confusing teacher, pass a pesky math class to pursue your art career, or fine-tune your skills before college, academic coaching may be able to help.

{The Educational Gap}

THE IMPACT OF FINANCIAL DISPARITY

My understanding is that some high school students have fewer resources than their more financially secure peers. This can lead to limited participation in extracurricular activities, enrichment programs, and advanced coursework. Additionally, they might have to juggle work alongside their school obligations, leaving them with less time and focus for studying and completing assignments.

Wealthier students, on the other hand, might have better access to individualized instruction that caters to their unique learning style and pace. Their families might have the means to choose between private and public education, opting for the choice that best suits their specific needs. They may also have more time for unpaid internships, expanding their networking opportunities. Moreover, they might have broader exposure to expensive travel and diverse knowledge, facilitating a more holistic perspective.

This raises important questions about equity and access to both college education and careers.

CAREER PATH

Education benefits all students, including those not planning to attend college. Excelling in high school can provide students with essential life and work skills. They might discover a newfound interest and confidence, equipping them to face future challenges and opportunities with assurance. Such success can jump-start careers and open doors to vocational training, internships, and job opportunities. This success might even inspire some to reconsider pursuing college degrees.

COLLEGE PATH

The college admissions process may further amplify financial advantages. Wealthier students might hire an admissions consultant, who offers expert insight into application nuances, exceptional essay writing, and sometimes even insider contacts. Students with better finances can enhance their odds of acceptance by applying to multiple colleges, covering admission fees, preparing portfolios and videos, and traveling for interviews and auditions. Furthermore, some affluent families make generous donations to colleges, an act that can, at times, influence admissions decisions.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Both within and outside the traditional college pathway, wealth clearly perpetuates socioeconomic disparities, creating a challenging cycle to break in education.

Academic coaching obviously can't bridge such a huge education gap by itself. Hopefully, it may help provide some small bit of support for motivated and determined students.

As Dr. Martin Luther King wisely said, "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that."

{About Me}

Hello, I'm Robert Winton, a retired chemist living in Pennsylvania's Poconos. I'm dedicated to using my science background to support students who are facing financial challenges.

I personally felt the struggle of seeking education while facing financial hardships. After high school, I stood in the shadow of a mountain of obstacles, such as rudimentary test and study strategies, unremarkable grades, poverty, and periods of homelessness.

Studying chemistry at Purdue University was transformative. The excellent professors did more than teach advanced subjects in math and science; they demonstrated the power of "learning how to learn".

My academics in subjects such as chemistry, physics, quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, three semesters of calculus, and honors organic chemistry research led to unique opportunities working as a teaching assistant on the math faculty and winning a paid fellowship in organic chemistry research. These experiences highlighted the significance of exceptional teaching, enabling me to graduate despite the odds and igniting my desire to assist others.

My diverse career began in a hospital laboratory, formulating diagnostic test reagents for technicians. The cloud of poverty finally lifted when I began working in materials engineering at a Fortune 500 firm. After obtaining my Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, I became a senior Research and Development chemist and patented five inventions. I later completed my MBA at UNC, which paved the way for management roles.

Upon semi-retirement, I prepared students for the math SAT at Kaplan and founded my wedding photography studio (link opens a new website). I served for a few years as a substitute teacher for grades K-12 in public schools, prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

These diverse roles enriched my teaching approach, allowing me to blend elements of science, business, art, and education. One of the most rewarding aspects of this synergy is being able to explain math and science concepts to students who once believed understanding was beyond their reach.

{My Goal}

At the heart of science is the exploration of the unknown, which forms the essence of learning. Learning science isn't about memorizing facts; the true spirit of science is about "learning how to learn."

My goal as a math and science coach is to instill this spirit in students facing financial challenges and empower their quest for a brighter future.

{Contact}

Do you have questions? Please feel free to contact me by texting or leaving a voice message at

570-392-3339

If you are under 18 years old, please have your parents contact me. Initial contact should be through your parents.

{Questions & Answers}

• Question: "Who qualifies for free tutoring?"
  • Answer: If a high school student must work a job, that qualifies.
    
    Or, if parents must choose between buying groceries or paying for a tutor, that too qualifies.
    
    I respect that these may be personal circumstances - no details or proof needed - I'll honor your word on it.
    
    
• Question: "Will you help older students?"
  • Answer: Of course!
    
    Age is not a criteria. Maybe you're working on your GED or getting ready to take a vocational test?
    
    Give me a shout.
    
    
• Question: "Will this make me successful in school?"
  • Answer: Relying solely on this coaching won't suffice to achieve success. That requires high independence, motivation, dedication, and consistent effort. Remember, it's okay to seek additional help if you find it necessary.
    
    
• Question: "I am hung-up on a simple topic (like percents). Can we get together once or twice and explain it to me?"
  • Answer: Easy breezy! I particularly enjoy when students have an "ah-ha!" moment.
    
    
• Question: "I'm in college. Can you help?"
  • Answer: Probably. If you're talking about basic material, I'm a bit rusty but we can probably work through it together. If you need help in third semester calculus at the university level, then I have forgotten way too much to be any help.
    
    
• Question: "I hate math. I need to pass algebra and forget about it."
  • Answer: Sounds good! We can work on that plus hopefully make it feel a little enjoyable.
    
    
• Question: "Can you tutor students with mental health issues or learning disabilities?"
  • Answer: I appreciate your trust, but I must inform you that I'm not experienced to provide tutoring for students who may be facing mental health issues or specific learning disabilities. I strongly recommend seeking the help of professionals who have the specialized training and skills to provide the necessary support.
    
    
• Question: "Where are we going to meet?"
  • Answer: We will meet at public locations. Some examples include bookstores, coffee houses, and libraries.
    
    Are you wondering if we could meet at your house? Apologies, but only at public locations.
    
    
• Question: "I have money. Can I pay?"
  • Answer: I appreciate the offer, but I don't offer paid services or products.
    
    

{Privacy Policy and Terms}

Effective March 4, 2024

Robert Winton reserves the right, at his sole discretion, to modify the following Privacy Policy and Terms in any manner and at any time. It is your responsibility to regularly review the Privacy Policy and Terms, provided on MathEquals.com, for any changes.

PRIVACY POLICY

Robert Winton intends to use your information to contact you and provide you with services, if you want him to. Robert Winton does not intend to use your information to contact you or provide you with services, if you do not want him to.

Robert Winton will not sell your information.

Please do not provide any confidential information. Robert Winton does not operate a secure data center equipped to expertly safeguard physical or digital information.

TERMS

Robert Winton is a person living in Pennsylvania, United States. These Terms apply to the tutoring and related services offered by Robert Winton.

By accepting what Robert Winton offers, you agree to these Terms; if you do not agree, do not accept what Robert Winton offers.

The services offered are personal, voluntary, and not affiliated with any business, township, school system, school, union, or other organization.

MathEquals.com is simply an online address for Robert Winton's personal website about math and science tutoring, and should not be confused with the name of any business or organization.

While Robert Winton will strive to provide accurate information and useful guidance, he cannot guarantee accuracy, or any specific results or improvements in academic performance. Students participating in these services should be self-motivated and understand that their progress largely depends on their own effort, determination, and diligence.

Please note that while Robert Winton is committed to providing services to the best of his abilities, he is not a licensed professional in the fields of education, mental health or any related fields.

Please know that students have the right to leave any tutoring session at any time, for any reason, without obligation, needing to explain, justify, or ask for permission. They are under no obligation to continue with future sessions. Similarly, Robert Winton reserves the same rights.

Liability Disclaimer

You expressly agree that your use of the services provided by Robert Winton is at your sole risk. Robert Winton will not be held liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or exemplary damages or losses of any kind that may arise from your use of, or inability to use, the services he provides. This includes, but is not limited to, any loss of data, academic performance, or other intangible losses, even if he has been advised of the possibility of such damages.

Please be aware that while Robert Winton endeavors to provide accurate and helpful information, he cannot guarantee the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability of the information, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.

This service is provided 'as is' without any representations or warranties, express or implied. Robert Winton makes no representations or warranties in relation to this service or the information and materials provided on this service.

Furthermore, nothing in this service shall be construed as providing consult or advice to you.

This disclaimer does not negate any responsibilities or liabilities that cannot be excluded under the laws of Pennsylvania.

This service does not involve any exchange of money or other forms of compensation, and no paid services or products are offered. Participants are encouraged to seek additional educational resources and professional assistance as needed.

Robert Winton claims the common law trademark that consists of "Math{Equals}", where "{Equals}" is displayed in superscript.

Robert Winton claims the common law trademark that consists of the phrase "math to the power of equals".

Robert Winton claims the common law trademark that consists of "Science{Equals}", where "{Equals}" is displayed in superscript.

Robert Winton claims the common law trademark that consists of the phrase "science to the power of equals".

© 2024, Robert Winton, All Rights Reserved

This website revised March 4, 2024