A little about us, who we are, how we started.
We started our small in person tutoring business, Raise My Marks, back in the fall of 2019. Now one world-wide pandemic since our start, our business has undergone changes, as so many others have. We offer collaborative online math tutoring and group math tutoring. We offer online group math tutoring for students preparing for university. This primarily includes grade 11 and 12 students both in the Canadian Provincial curriculum and to students in the IB Curriculums and studying AP courses. But we help all students of all ages with mathematics.
Raise My Marks is a partnership between Lani and Mike. It is the unique things about us individually and our diverse experiences that make our services successful. We started Raise My Marks because we know that school and especially mathematics can and should be a memorable experience for all, students and parents alike. But, one course can usually put a damper on this experience and even change the course of a student’s future. We are here to guide you through the fog of confusion, frustration and doubt with mathematics to higher marks and beyond, one mistake at a time! Yes, mistakes! We love mistakes. We believe that it is through mistakes that we learn and grow.
More about us
In many ways a person’s strengths can also be their weaknesses. Recognizing that these superpowers we possess can also be our downfall is an asset to us. It allows us to work on those weaker areas and in time build up our strengths. Now, more about us.
Mike
Mike possesses many strengths. He is a problem solver, has a systematic approach to solving problems, analytical, detail oriented, strong willed, big vocabulary. Lot’s of great attributes. His strong will and lifelong passion for learning prepared him for a return to school from the work world to graduate in his 30s and start his career in business intelligence. When there is a problem, he is very good at analyzing the situation and then providing a set of systematic steps to solve the immediate problem at hand. I have seen this firsthand with house repairs, repairing appliances, cars and many other things. This systematic approach to problems has served him well and lead to a career in business intelligence. His attention to detail, strong will and other qualities has afforded him personal enjoyment in hobbies such as skiing and sailing and more currently photography.
As Mike might say, though, sometimes his software engineering background can wind up putting him into “analysis paralysis” where the search for The Best Solution sometimes gets in the way of simply something good enough in order to move on to the next task or project. Perfectionism can sometimes be a burden, after all.
Lani
Lani is a natural born learner. This has translated into an incredible facility for teaching. It doesn’t matter what she takes on or what interests her – her thirst for learning is all-encompassing. She has taught and shared many things. This includes everything from math, to being the owner and instructor of a Pilates studio. Her ability to convey information has also been honed by the various blogs, newsletters, and papers that she has written over the years. Her writing has included topics such as cooking, tea, healthy living, math, statistics and even technology. She possesses a keen entrepreneurial mindset that is constantly finding ways to have her varied interests become self-supporting. Her dedication to health, exercise, learning, and trying new things give her a youthful energy and mindset that helps her connect with people in all age groups. If you want to learn – she can certainly guide you.
Learning, creativity and sharing while wonderful traits can sometimes result in frustration, confusion and communication obstacles when shared prematurely with the unsuspecting. Keeping in mind the audience I enthusiastically share my new findings and creations, is something I am continually trying to remember. I think I now know how my dog felt when he’d be still barking at that super exciting leaf that blew by 20 minutes ago……timing is everything!
OUR VALUES
We believe we are stronger together.
Reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness but a sign of growth. As a group we’ll be inspired by others to push ourselves towards greater knowledge and attain dreams we never thought possible.
We celebrate the little victories.
Solving your first question on your own; getting that first perfect answer; finding the first mistake on your own; showing up for your first tutoring session; we celebrate all these victories. More ” little victories’ add up to greater success.
We reject the notion that knowledge and success is only measured by grades.
Knowledge and success is not just measured by grades. Confidence and persistence through failures brings about the greatest feelings of success and knowledge. Success starts from within.
We’ll help you turn your inertia into momentum.
Through persistence and perseverance, we will help you get that first correct answer. We’ll help you stop seeing mistakes as hopeless effort but as time invests in increased knowledge and in yourself.
GROWTH MINDSET
Raise My Marks is not just a Mathematics tutoring company. It is so much more than that. Raise My Marks is about helping students achieve their highest potentials. That can only happen with a fully grown mindset. That’s why supporting our students in the growth of their mindset is our top priority.
INQUISTIVE MIND
At Raise My Marks, we encourage inquisitive minds. No question is a wrong question. School starts out fun for most children, as their school work allows them to be inquisitive. However, as they grow up it becomes more about doing their chores and they become less motivated to pursue high grades. Our goal is to help your child rediscover the fun in school and motivate them to pursue high grades. That is why we make sure that we are nurturing the inquisitive mind set of your child.
SELF LEARNING
We recognize that tutoring is only the first step to help students and that for them to succeed, they need to be able to have a self-sufficient studying strategy. That’s why Raise my Marks makes sure that it helps its students in developing the necessary skills they need to be self-sufficient.
