I hold an MS in Applied Mechanics from Moscow Civil Engineering University and an MS in Applied Math from San Jose State. I have over 20 years of classroom teaching and home tutoring experience.
Currently, I am a math instructor at the College of San Mateo and a faculty member at Classic Math School, where we use Russian education methods to supplement the public school curriculum. I am familiar with homeschool programs. Most of my school-age students attend Terman, Jordan, and JLS Middle Schools, as well as Gunn and Palo Alto High Schools. A few of them continued to take lessons online after starting college.
I teach students math concepts and problem-solving skills and help them to advance in class. I prepare for:
For very strong and highly motivated students, I offer a program in Physics and Math aligned with MIT courses:
When I meet with a new student, I test both knowledge and problem-solving ability. I pay close attention to clarity in writing and drawing.
I make sure students understand core concepts and practice until they get consistent results. Once the basics are covered, we move on to more challenging problems selected from various textbooks and handouts I have collected over the years.
I assign homework and encourage students to ask targeted questions after they’ve attempted to solve the problems themselves. I also invite students to bring problems they find interesting. I provide hints rather than answers to encourage independent thinking.
“Some of my American colleagues have explained to me that American students are not really accustomed to thinking and working hard... From my long experience with young students all over the world, I know that they are curious and inquisitive. I believe that if they have some clear material presented in simple form, they will prefer it to artificial means of attracting their attention.” – I.M. Gelfand
“I first became acquainted with Mr. Ionel as a math lecturer in our department. He is a strong teacher with excellent mathematical knowledge. In class, he had good rapport with students, encouraged active participation, and often posed related questions. He walked around the room while students worked, offering help and encouragement. Mr. Ionel insisted that students come prepared and evaluated them fairly. He was highly appreciated by the department.” Dr. Linda Valdes, Department of Mathematics, San Jose State University
“I have worked with Eugene at Athenian High School where he taught Geometry during an intensive summer course. He selected an ideal textbook and supported it with engaging materials. Eugene has a remarkable ability to explain new concepts and keep students interested. His energy, humor, and love of learning are contagious. He is very patient and highly appreciated by students and parents alike.” Rostislav Smirnov, Mathematics Department Chair, Athenian School