Elmore Holmes B.A. Mathematics, Vanderbilt University M.A. Mathematics Education, Columbia University   Phone: (901) 289-5378 E-mail: elmore@holmeswoodwork.com

Teaching Experience
1995-2000    Memphis University School, Memphis, Tennessee
                      Second-Year Algebra, Precalculus & Trigonometry, Calculus AB

1993-1995    Northside High School, Memphis, Tennessee
                      Geometry, Second-Year Algebra, Trigonometry, Precalculus, Calculus AB

1992-1993    The Hallen School, Mamaroneck, New York
                      Mathematics Instructor for Learning-Disabled and Emotionally-Disturbed Teenagers

1991-1992    The Packer Collegiate Institute, Brooklyn, New York
                      First-Year Algebra, Geometry

Policies
     I tutor in the following mathematics courses: pre-algebra, first- and second-year algebra, geometry, precalculus, trigonometry, first-year calculus.  Although I have given occasional help in statistics, I would not consider myself a reliable tutor for that course since I have little experience with it.
     I live in Midtown.  I can either see a student at my home at 1780 Autumn Avenue or visit the student's house for a session.  I do not travel beyond the Memphis city limits, but I am happy to go to a "neutral site" (i.e., a public library) to meet students from far-flung parts of the metro area.  My hourly fee for the 2009-2010 school year is as follows: $50 if the student comes to my house; $55 if I visit a student's house (or a "neutral site") inside the I-240 loop; and $60 if I must travel outside the I-240 loop.  For a session on Friday or Saturday at any time of year, my fee is $60.
     For most of the school year, I try to confine my tutoring work to Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings.  During exam season, I can open up more time slots in response to the demand.
     I would appreciate at least 24 hours notice in the event of a cancellation.

Waxing Philosophical
     In a perfect world, a tutor would be necessary only when a student, already properly motivated and interested in the subject, simply needs some individual attention that his teacher cannot give, or some extra assistance in applying concepts used in easier problems to those more difficult problems.
     Of course, ours is not a perfect world, and I sometimes find myself crossing the line between tutoring and actual teaching during my sessions.  That is fine with me--I spent nine years developing my skills as a teacher and I'd like to reach into my bag of tricks as often as possible.
     But I am not a surrogate parent, and there are certain roles I simply cannot perform.  If you are looking for someone to be "The Heavy" with your child, to enforce discipline that should come from the parents (if not from within the student himself), I would ask you to look elsewhere.  However, if you seek a consultant who can supplement the instruction that your student receives at school and in the home, I am eager to help.  I possess expertise in mathematics and enthusiasm for the adolescent learning process.  At worst, I can help a student clear a formidable hurdle on the way to high school graduation and college acceptance.  At best, I can pass on a bit of the intellectual curiosity and love for learning that make the teenage years special.

Other information
     These days I make my living building wood furniture.  For more information, click here.
     When I'm not working wood or math problems, I like to do some canoeing and kayaking.  For more information, click here.
 

Thank you for your interest!