Award-Winning Algebra Tutors serving Portland, OR

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Award-Winning Algebra Tutors serving Portland, OR

Jacob

Certified Tutor

Jacob

Master of Arts, German
Jacob's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
SAT Subject Test in Literature
SAT Subject Test in German with Listening

I am an experienced and well-qualified essay coach, and a tutor in language arts and German. I also tutor students who are preparing for the SAT. I earned my B.A. in Comparative Literature from Columbia University and an M.A. in German from UC Berkeley, where I taught college German and received tra...

Education

University of California-Berkeley

Master of Arts, German

Columbia University

B.A. in Comparative Literature

Columbia University in the City of New York

Bachelor in Arts, Comparative Literature

Test Scores
SAT
1550
Moya

Certified Tutor

10+ years

Moya

Current Grad Student, Philosophy
Moya's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
College Essays
Literature

I am particularly interested in helping people strengthen their writing skills. Whether you're working on your first high school essay or whether you're refining your undergraduate honors thesis, I can help!

Education

Stanford University

Bachelors

Yale University

Current Grad Student, Philosophy

Test Scores
SAT
1550
Michael

Certified Tutor

Michael

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Michael's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
College Algebra
Trigonometry
Pre-Calculus

I am a graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles, where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. I've always loved Math and the Sciences: the hunt for the right equation to use, the unravelling of the mystery of the value of x. I want to show my students to see these subjects ...

Education

University of California Los Angeles

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Test Scores
SAT
1560
Owen

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Owen

Bachelor of Science, Neuroscience
Owen's other Tutor Subjects
AP Calculus AB
Calculus
Algebra
AP Biology

I'm Owen! I was born and raised in Portland, OR, but I currently live in Rhode Island, where I'm working towards a Bachelor's Degree at Brown University. If there's one thing to know about me, it's that I love to learn, no matter the subject. Learning is a life-long process that can take you anywher...

Education

Brown University

Bachelor of Science, Neuroscience

Test Scores
ACT
33
Maya

Certified Tutor

8+ years

Maya

Current Undergrad Student, Environmental Studies
Maya's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Middle School Math
Calculus
Algebra

I am a current undergraduate sophomore at Harvard College majoring in biology. I also have some previous tutoring experience and I enjoy working with students. I'm patient, I have high expectations for work, I am passionate about learning, and I am excited to share what I know.

Education

Harvard University

Current Undergrad Student, Environmental Studies

Test Scores
SAT
1490
Caitlyn

Certified Tutor

Caitlyn

Bachelors, Biology, Botany
Caitlyn's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Arithmetic
Middle School Math
Elementary Math

I'm a strong believer that education can be fun, and address learning with a sense of humor and a positive attitude. My approach to learning tends to be very communication-based, and often driven by how the client I'm working with feels they learn best. As a result, I tend to provide structure and g...

Education

Oregon State University

Bachelors, Biology, Botany

Test Scores
SAT
1530
ACT
33
Andrew

Certified Tutor

Andrew

Master of Science, Mechanical Engineering
Andrew's other Tutor Subjects
AP Calculus AB
College Algebra
Arithmetic
Pre-Calculus

I am a graduate of The University of Portland, where I received my Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. After graduation, I worked for Nike as a Test and Validation Engineer on their Digital Sport products (FuelBand, SportWatch, Nike+, etc.) for one year before returning to graduate school...

Education

Stanford University

Master of Science, Mechanical Engineering

University of Portland

Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering

Beth

Certified Tutor

8+ years

Beth

Master's in Education
Beth's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Middle School Math
Calculus
Algebra

I am a PhD student in Animal Biology at UC Davis and am currently in the process of finishing my dissertation. I study the proteins that are involved in membrane fusion -- for example, when the sperm and egg cell membranes fuse together during fertilization. I have a Master's in Education and a BA i...

Education

Stanford University

Master's in Education

Stanford University

Bachelor in Arts, Human Biology

Stanford University

BA in Human Biology

Dylan

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Dylan

Bachelor in Arts
Dylan's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Trigonometry
Pre-Calculus
Middle School Math

I am known among friends for my love of puzzles, riddles, word problems, and mathematical challenges. I have a deep knowledge of pre-algebra, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and pre-calculus and a passion for teaching it. I also enjoy tutoring Spanish. While foundational vocab and grammar are impor...

Education

Washington University in St. Louis

Bachelor in Arts

Test Scores
SAT
1470
ACT
34
Luke

Certified Tutor

Luke

Bachelors, English Honors
Luke's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
ACT English
Public Speaking

I am a writer of nearly ten years. In this realm, I have focused mainly on short fiction stories as well as the odd novel. In another life I also taught yoga regularly for a year, a discipline in which I learned to teach from my own experience and convey myself in front of large audiences.

Education

University of British Columbia

Bachelors, English Honors

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Frequently Asked Questions

Many students in Portland schools struggle with the transition from arithmetic to abstract thinking—understanding why algebraic rules work, not just how to apply them. Word problems, multi-step equations, and graphing are frequent pain points, especially when students haven't built a strong foundation in order of operations and equation-solving strategies. Math anxiety is also common, but personalized 1-on-1 instruction helps students slow down, ask questions without judgment, and rebuild confidence in their abilities.

Tutors start by assessing where your student is—not just what grade they're in, but how they think about algebra problems. They'll explore specific challenges (Is it graphing? Solving for variables? Word problems?) and understand your student's learning style. This foundation helps tutors create a personalized plan that targets gaps and builds on strengths, so every session moves your student forward.

Showing work isn't just about getting the right answer—it's about understanding the steps and being able to explain them. Tutors guide students through problem-solving strategies, asking questions like "Why did you choose that step?" and "What would happen if you did it differently?" This builds deeper conceptual understanding and helps students recognize patterns across different problem types, which is essential for algebra success.

Yes. Portland's six school districts use different approaches and materials, and tutors are experienced working with all of them. Whether your student's school uses traditional textbooks, integrated curricula, or standards-based programs, tutors can align their instruction with what's being taught in class while also filling gaps and reinforcing concepts in ways that click for your student.

Absolutely. Math anxiety often stems from feeling rushed, making mistakes, or not understanding why something works. In personalized 1-on-1 sessions, students have space to slow down, ask "silly" questions, and experience small wins that rebuild confidence. Over time, as students see patterns, solve problems independently, and understand the logic behind algebra, anxiety decreases and engagement increases.

Graphing connects abstract equations to visual representations, but many students struggle to see that connection. Tutors help students understand what a graph actually shows—how slope, intercepts, and transformations relate to the equation itself. By working with concrete examples and building intuition before jumping to abstract rules, students develop the conceptual understanding needed to tackle graphing problems confidently.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in algebra and understand Portland's school curricula. You'll share your student's specific challenges and goals, and tutors are matched based on expertise, teaching style, and availability. This personalized matching ensures your student gets instruction tailored to how they learn best.

Results vary based on starting point and consistency, but students typically see improvement in both grades and confidence within a few weeks. More importantly, students often shift from "I don't get algebra" to "I can solve this if I slow down and think it through." This growth in problem-solving skills and mathematical thinking extends far beyond algebra—it builds habits that support success in geometry, advanced math, and STEM courses.

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