On every Monday through Thursday from 1:15 PM to 2:15 PM in Room 828 or Room 920, Sierra Vista High School’s Math Tutoring serves as a place for students to sharpen their mathematical skills and grow more confident in solving math-related problems. Math Tutoring mainly focuses on making math feel less intimidating for all students, no matter what level of math a student works with or what pace they learn at, making it an academic environment where all students are welcome.
Algebra 2 and ACT Prep teacher, Mr. Vernon Johnson, dedicates himself to creating a collaborative learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, practicing challenging concepts, and developing stronger study habits. Johnson shares, “I enjoy meeting new scholars. I enjoy taking a peek at other teachers’ notes and thinking via the scholar. Doing so allows me to better assist my rostered scholars as well as the scholars from other teachers. During math tutoring time, I have a chance to meet new math scholars.”
Alongside Johnson, Geometry teacher, Mr. Ethan Everett, serves as a second perspective, offering insight, encouragement, and guidance through math problems. Everett adds, “I enjoy helping students have the AH-HA moment when they understand something.” Together, these two teachers create an encouraging environment where students feel motivated to learn and grow.
Among the students, Gianni Aspiras ( 10 ), a current AP Calculus student, serves as one of the student scholars who assists the advisors in tutoring students struggling with math. Aspiras exclaims, “Math tutoring has made me realize how much I enjoy teaching math to other people, and at least for me, being able to teach has been a pseudo-stress reliever. Students should come to math tutoring if they are unable to focus at home or not able to understand certain concepts. You can just show up whenever you need to, and it’s a super chill environment with everyone working on the same subject. And while there are resources online you can consult, it’s nice to just have someone physically with you that you can talk to.”
Additionally, Jose Raphael Mariano ( 11 ) works alongside Aspiras to help tutor fellow students. Mariano shares, “Tutoring others was definitely a challenge; I had to step out of my comfort zone, all nervous. But here I am, still alive and talking to others. Students shouldn´t be afraid to ask for help, and should go out of their way to think beyond just equations. I´d love to help others understand the same way I understand others.”
Whether students need help with homework, want to prepare for an upcoming test, or just hope to strengthen their skills, Math Tutoring welcomes all students. Future sessions will continue throughout the school year, allowing every student to receive support in their math classes.
