Therese Ducharme

I have been a teacher for as long as I can remember. My expertise lies in the area of curriculum development and teaching. I am fascinated by the process of learning, particularly those aspects that lead to effective and efficient mastery of complex concepts.

One of my passions is teaching students how to learn. There is more to studying than re-reading notes, and I love to share my “secrets” for developing more complete understanding and facilitating retention.

I am a firm believer in the power of consolidating pages of notes onto a single sheet of paper, typically one page per chapter. The decision making and evaluating of content involved in the process leads to deeper understanding and greater recall.

Instruction & Tutoring

I currently offer full curriculum instruction for homeschoolers and tutoring support for students attending school.

I am based in Mountain View and, in general, travel to Scotts Valley and the Santa Cruz area 2 days a week. Depending on regulations and recommendations concerning Covid-19 safety precautions, I also work with my students online, or may alternate between meeting with them at their home and working with them online.

COURSES:  Math1, Math2, Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Geometry, and Algebra 2 (Grades 6-12)

I have over 20 years of experience teaching and tutoring math students, and specialize in building a strong mathematical foundation, which empowers my students by increasing their competence and confidence.

I strive to simplify the world of mathematics for my students and discourage them from memorizing complex formulas. Instead, I help them to think about what is happening and to “build” the formulas they need from more basic concepts. I go for depth of understanding and mastery of the basics first, then build complex ideas from there.

When students who thought they “couldn’t do math” discover that they are actually capable mathematicians, their self-esteem goes up and they become more confident. Confidence brings a willingness to experiment with different approaches, and experimentation leads to deeper understanding and greater success. Often, this affects student motivation and performance across all subjects.

Background

Masters in Education, Instructional Technology, San Jose State University.
BS Computer Science, with minors in math and science, Iowa State University.
Single Subject Teaching Credential, Santa Clara University.

20+ years teaching experience, in both business and educational settings.

• Plexus Computers (System Administration Training)
• DeAnza College (CIS), UC Santa Cruz Extension
• Kennedy and Cupertino Middle Schools (6-8, math and science)
• Living Wisdom School (K-8, math and science)
• Los Altos High School (Algebra and Geometry)
• Alternative Family Education, Santa Cruz (homeschool math)
• Ocean Grove Charter School (homeschool math)
• one-on-one tutoring