Meet Sigrid Kimbrough
Experienced Math Teacher, College Instructor & Private Tutor
I believe students learn math best when they understand the ideas behind the procedures, not just the steps needed to complete an assignment. My goal is to help students make sense of challenging concepts, strengthen weak foundations, and become more confident and independent problem solvers.
Experience & Background
One of the advantages I bring to tutoring is a broad perspective, developed through years of teaching high school, college instruction, and private tutoring, on how mathematical skills build from one course to the next. Because of this, I know which skills will become especially important in higher-level math courses. As time permits, I give these foundational skills extra attention when weaknesses appear during tutoring, so students are better prepared not only for their current class, but also for the math they will encounter in the years ahead. This broader perspective also helps me recognize when a student's difficulty with a current topic may actually stem from an earlier concept or skill that needs strengthening. When these gaps appear, I address them as needed so the student can move forward with a stronger mathematical foundation.
The Goal Is Independence.
The best outcome of tutoring is not simply a completed homework assignment or a higher test score. It is a student who gradually needs less help.
I do not want students to become dependent on tutoring. As their understanding grows, I encourage them to take more responsibility for solving problems, checking their own work, and deciding what to try when they get stuck. Over time, my goal is for students to develop the skills and independence to tackle challenging math on their own. As they experience success working independently, their confidence grows along with their mathematical ability.
My Approach to Tutoring
Every student brings a different combination of strengths, gaps, and learning habits to tutoring. I begin by identifying where understanding has broken down and then focus our time on the concepts and skills that will make the greatest difference. Throughout each session, I use informal assessment to continually gauge understanding and naturally weave review and additional instruction into our work when I see that an earlier skill or concept needs attention.
When a student is struggling with a concept, I do not simply repeat the same explanation. I look for another way to present the idea, perhaps by breaking it into smaller steps, connecting it to something the student already understands, or approaching it from a different direction. When appropriate, I also connect math to a student's interests, such as a hobby or sport, or to real-life situations. These connections can make an abstract concept easier to understand while also helping students see that math is not just something they do in a classroom. It is connected to the world around them. My goal is to find the explanation or connection that helps the concept make sense to that particular student.
Math Education & Teaching Experience
B.A. in Mathematics
Emory University
Master’s Degree in Actuarial Science
Georgia State University
Certified High School Math Teacher
College Math Instructor
Private Math Tutor
Prealgebra through AP Calculus AB
Ready to Talk About Your Student’s Math Needs?
If you would like to discuss what your student is currently learning and where additional support may help, I would be glad to talk with you.