Tim Swanson

Tim has worked with students from a broad array of backgrounds since 2018. He began as a peer tutor at Portland Community College, where he quickly discovered a passion for helping other students navigate their educational journeys. In the years since, he has developed a tutoring approach centered on patience, curiosity, and respect.

Tim holds a B.S. in Mathematics from Portland State University and has experience tutoring math from the elementary through college levels. Additionally, he has experience supporting students in biology, chemistry, and physics. “As a tutor, subject matter expertise is important but ultimately secondary to the tutor/student relationship. Establishing trust and understanding a learner’s strengths and particular challenges is crucial to making lasting, positive change in their educational life.”

While he eventually found the means to achieve success in his own schooling, Tim’s early learning experience was anything but straightforward. Despite being identified as “gifted and talented,” he consistently struggled in middle school, high school, and his initial attempts at college. He learned much later that these difficulties were due in large part to undiagnosed ADHD and anxiety. This experience has helped Tim support and relate on a personal level to neurodivergent students and those with learning disabilities.

When he isn’t working, Tim enjoys reading, cooking, and rock climbing. He is currently taking advanced physics courses with the goal of pursuing an M.S. in Medical Physics.

Qualifications:

• B.S. in Mathematics from Portland State University
• 8+ years of experience tutoring math and science
• Experience supporting students with ADHD and learning disabilities