Dear parents,

We’re living through interesting times right now, to say the very least. If I’m desperate to know what’s real in the world of fake, manufactured, dare I say crazy news, surely you are too. I wrote this letter with you in mind, so you can make the best decision for your child and your family.

I care about math grades, but I care about your child’s heart more.

The best part about being a teacher wasn’t kids acing my tests and quizzes. It was big test days; they would walk into my room, before even reaching their seat, and say, “Mrs. Pitkin, I did the chapter review 13 times last night!” or “I worked with my tutor for hours!” Somehow, despite their results, I knew I was doing something right.

What’s so meaningful, you ask? The effort. The trying. The hours they sacrificed playing video games to study. The care.

Isn’t that what we’re trying to do as adults? Training kids to care? About anything? Chores, grades, hygiene??

I discovered pretty quickly that my teaching was MUCH more effective when the students knew I cared about them as a person, and not just their performance in my class. I realized their experience with me could essentially go one of two ways: they spend a whole year listening to this lady talk endlessly about something that “doesn’t matter after high school,” OR they can listen to someone who is trying to help them succeed so they can pursue the life they want after high school.

If we’re all being honest, we want the latter. Who wants a teacher that only cares about equations??

Math alone is not the pathway to success; it’s character.

Some families take a different approach. However, in my experience, most parents agree with me. They almost always support me in my attempt at developing strong mathematicians with integrity and good habits because the training is happening at home, too. In reality, I’m supporting parents, not the other way around.

Every great educator, coach and even tutor understands that their investment into a child is much more than a high GPA or D1 offer. We can only hope that those kids who are working extremely hard also have flourishing friendships, are emotionally and mentally healthy, and have the tools to navigate the hardships and disappointments of life.

Isn’t that what you want for your children? Isn’t that what we should want for every child?

Ultimately, I’m here to serve your child, your family and glorify Christ above all else.

I hope I’ve made it pretty clear that God has given me a very specific task—a calling, if you will, to help develop young people into thriving adults. If you believe I’m a good fit for helping your child pursue academic AND personal success, I would be thrilled to partner with you. With your insight, a little trust and some patience, I can design a personalized learning plan, address some challenges, and build study habits so they never have to ask their math teachers again, “how do you study for a math test??”

If, after this, you decide I’m just not for you, I completely respect that. There are tons of incredible and reputable tutoring services out there who might have what you’re looking for. I deeply appreciate you considering me in your search for the best of the best.

To God be the glory.

Warmly,

Zoe Pitkin

“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.” 

Psalm 37:5-6