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Berkeley Zoom Tutor - Math, Physics, SAT, EE, Chem - $35 per hour (Irvine)
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Experienced STEM tutor with degrees from UC Berkeley, UC Irvine, and USC, offering individualized tutoring from elementary mathematics through college-level engineering.
RATES
$35/hour – Elementary School Math
$50/hour – Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Trigonometry
$60/hour – Precalculus, Calculus, SAT Math
$70/hour – Linear Algebra
$85/hour – Chemistry, Physics, Electrical Engineering
$95/hour – Arduino / C Programming (one student)
$120/hour – Arduino / C Programming (two students)
ABOUT ME
Education:
University of California, Berkeley
B.A. in Physics and Applied Mathematics
University of California, Irvine
M.S. in Materials Science and Engineering
University of Southern California
M.S. in Electrical Engineering
I have many years of experience tutoring students in mathematics, physics, electrical engineering, chemistry, programming, and related STEM subjects.
Recently, I tutored a student in Physics 2B at Long Beach City College.
I have also tutored students in Electrical Engineering and Mathematics courses at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, including:
ECE 2200
ECE 2300
ECE 3301
Math 2140
MY TEACHING APPROACH
My goal is not simply to help students finish homework. I want students to understand why a problem is solved a particular way, improve their grades and test scores, and develop problem-solving skills that can eventually be useful in college, research, engineering, and industry.
One idea that strongly influenced my approach to mathematics came from Professor Beresford Parlett at UC Berkeley:
“Mathematics is the art of avoiding computation.”
The point is not that calculation is unnecessary. Rather, good mathematics often allows us to recognize structure, simplify a problem, and avoid unnecessary computation.
For example, in SAT Math, a student who immediately performs long calculations may sometimes be missing a simpler relationship, pattern, identity, or shortcut.
In physics and chemistry, I also emphasize understanding the physical or chemical meaning behind the equations. Students should not blindly manipulate formulas while missing what is actually happening in the system.
My engineering background allows me to connect classroom problems to real applications in electronics, materials science, programming, product development, and research.
RESULTS AT HOME
I also apply the same teaching philosophy with my own children.
My daughters have earned Level 4 scores on the CAASPP in Math, English, and Science, and they have developed strong interests in STEM and hands-on learning.
Their activities have included:
• Robotics competitions
• 3D printing and design
• Analog and digital PCB design
• Gardening
• Sewing and creative projects
• Building and understanding radios and electronic circuits
One of my daughters has taught other children how to build radios and explain basic circuits and components.
The other has explored analog and digital electronics, including reading circuit diagrams and learning basic PCB design concepts.
I believe children learn best when academic subjects are connected to real projects, problem-solving, and curiosity—not just worksheets and memorization.
FORMER STUDENT RESULTS
Students I have tutored have gone on to or been accepted by universities including:
Stanford University
UC Berkeley
UC San Diego
UC Santa Barbara
UC Santa Cruz
University of Southern California
I have worked with students with very different academic backgrounds, including students who initially had limited experience in mathematics or science.
SUBJECTS
Elementary Math
Pre-Algebra
Algebra I
Geometry
Algebra II
Trigonometry
Precalculus
Calculus
Linear Algebra
SAT Math
Physics
Chemistry
Electrical Engineering
Materials Science
C Programming
Arduino
AutoCAD
Microsoft Word
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft PowerPoint
Computer Repair
Basic IT
High School English Writing
College and Career Guidance
LOCATION
I am based in Irvine.
Students may meet with me at or near UC Irvine in a public location such as a library or cafe.
I can also work with students from:
Tustin
Costa Mesa
Aliso Viejo
Anaheim
Buena Park
Mission Viejo
Westminster
Huntington Beach
Fullerton
Garden Grove
Lake Forest
Orange
Irvine
Travel outside Irvine may require an additional fee depending on distance.
Online tutoring is also available.
LANGUAGES
English
Intermediate Korean
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Christian Academy at Cerritos Presbyterian Church
Computer and Math Instructor / Computer Repair Technician
Summer 2003 and Summer 2004
Taught Algebra I, Geometry, computer technology, HTML, Microsoft Office, computer repair, antivirus installation, Windows, and internet skills.
I also introduced younger students to basic electronics and semiconductor concepts using PowerPoint diagrams of MOS transistors, inverters, NAND gates, NOR gates, and transmission gates.
Freelance Math and Physics Tutor
1994–2003 and later private tutoring
Tutored college calculus, high school Algebra II, physics, electrical engineering, and other STEM subjects.
REFERENCE
A former director of the Christian Academy wrote:
“Joseph was one of the best teachers I ever had. He was a very faithful and trustworthy teacher. Once he got the responsibility, he never gave up to accomplish it even in a very frustrating situation.”
REFERENCES
References are available upon request.
ARDUINO / C PROGRAMMING COURSE
I also offer a structured Arduino and C programming course that combines programming fundamentals with hands-on electronics projects.
An Arduino experiment presentation is available on YouTube. Please contact me for the link.
Topics and projects include:
1. Hello World and the Arduino/C IDE
2. Basic C programming
3. Debugging
4. Loops and summation
5. LED blinking project
6. Plotting
7. i++ and ++i
8. Sine-function plotting
9. Push-button digital input
10. getchar and EOF
11. C scoping rules
12. Functions
13. LED video game
14. MIN and MAX functions
15. Numerical integration
16. Root finding
17. Arduino voltmeter
18. Trapezoidal Rule
19. Electronic piano keyboard
20. Playing melodies
21. Simpson’s Rule
22. Least-squares fitting
23. Arduino stopwatch
CONTACT
A brief initial phone or online consultation is available at no charge.
Please email me with:
Student’s grade level
Subject/course
Current school
Main areas where help is needed
Preferred meeting location or online format
Thank you.