Hello! Glad you're here - please, pull up a chair.
My name is Lisa Zach and I specialize in private tutoring for high school mathematics. This page tells a little of my amusing journey of becoming a teacher and will give you an idea of why I do what I do.
What I intend to do here is give you a sense of who I am and explain why I spend my time teaching and encouraging your kiddos so that they can master mathematics.
Did I want to be a teacher when I grew up? LOL, not at all. You see, there are many teachers in my family and I wanted to be and do something different. My oldest cousin just grinned and told me that teachers are born to our family and that with time I would understand and take my rightful place with the rest of them. I just laughed and set out to do my own thing. As the saying goes, "those who laugh last, laugh the loudest."
When I left home at 18 and journeyed off into the world of college and independent living, I soon found out how expensive it was just to eat and have a place to live. I did what most college kids do and got a job. What job, you ask? As a dance teacher...the irony was not lost on me.
The following years went something like this:
- My 20's: I taught dance and attended college.
- My 30's: I worked in the IT field and among other things, I trained programmers and network techs. I also went back to college.
- Early 40's: I worked as an educational aide while I attended college to become a certified teacher.
- Yes, I hear you and my cousin laughing. You see where this is headed, don't you?
- Mid 40's - mid 50's: I worked as a Math, Computer Science & Robotics Engineering teacher.
- And now at 55, I work as a private Math & ACT Tutor. When I am not teaching, I work as a pro photog.
- Since I seem to go back to college every 10 years or so, my husband jokes it's time for me to go back and get a degree as a doctor or lawyer so that he can retire from teaching and play with future grand babies.
All that being said, you can see that after a few years I realized that I was the happiest when I was teaching. My cousin never said "I told you so," but she sure does get that glint in her eye.
This is what I look like if you see me out and about. My Nikon is my daily sidekick and the tool of my creative side.
And this is my life's philosophy. If you can't laugh and be happy, then what's the point, ya know?
When did I realize I wanted to be a teacher?
I learned from taking one of those personality/aptitude tests in college that I use both sides of my brain equally. I have a creative side and a techy nerd side. Case in point is my path of Ballet >>> Math. Working under the amazing Jane Brown as an educational aide at Pleasant Grove High School in 2004 (I think), I spent a lot of time in many different classrooms. After observing students struggle with concepts that required critical thinking and problem solving skills, I decided that I would be the most effective in a mathematics classroom where I could use my knowledge and programming experience from the IT world.
An event that became a major deciding factor in my journey to becoming a math teacher was an experience I had while substitute teaching in a science lab that had future valedictorians fainting and required the evacuation of the students. It also prompted a quick trip to see Dr. Allard at the university to change my major from science to math. Freshmen love to be little pranksters and it seemed substitutes were an easy target. Ask me about that when you see me and I will share the whole funny story with you. I won't name names, but mention the words "habeas corpus."
Why leave the classroom if teaching is my thing?
Simply put, to more directly effect outcomes for highly motivated students.
Don't get me wrong, I loved my years as a classroom teacher and if the right opportunity came along, I might consider returning. However, in my role as a private tutor, I have the one thing that regular teachers do not...time. I have the time to get to know your child and understand their strengths and weaknesses when it comes to math or the ACT test. I listen, encourage and teach only what they need.
One of the things I love the most is that I get to see them after school and listen to their stories and laugh with them about stuff going on in their lives. And when invited, I've even been known to attend sporting events and activities just to show my support and snag a few photos for them.
I get to work one-on-one with each of your kids to answer their questions and show them that they don't have to hate math. They don't have to dread going to math class and you don't have to dread kitchen table homework time.
Teaching IS my thing and it would be my privilege to teach your child.
Credentials & Experience
Texas Certified Mathematics (8-12)
Texas Certified Computer Science (8-12)
Texas Certified Technical Applications (8-12)
MS Instructional Technology - Master Technology Teacher, Texas A&M University - Texarkana
BS Mathematics - Texas A&M University - Texarkana
AS Mathematics - Texarkana College
AA Interdisciplinary Studies - Texarkana College
Computer Science & Technical Apps - Atlanta ISD (2016-2018)
Mathematics & Robotics Engineering - Hooks ISD (2011-2016)
Mathematics - TISD (2009-2011)
Educational Aide & Substitute Teacher - Pleasant Grove (2004-2009)
I have various educational awards and technical certifications but what is listed above is the most relevant. : 0 )
"...be kind, be giving, & be happy." - Lisa Zach