About

Personal

I’ve loved math for as long as I can remember. In first grade I was in a combined first-and second-grade classroom, and I remember eavesdropping on the second grade math lessons to learn what they were doing. My teacher kept extra copies of second grade worksheets in an empty desk at the back of the classroom, and each day I would grab a few and do them at home. I loved it!

In college I majored in both computer science and mathematics, and though I loved both disciplines, teaching math has always been my joy. I love the way mathematics combines rigor and precision with creativity and elegance, and there are few things as satisfying as finally uncovering the solution to a math challenging problem.

I left full-time teaching in 2023 to start a tutoring business, and it’s been amazing to work with students from different schools and learn what their programs are like. There’s a lot of great stuff out there!

Other Facts

  • I grew up in Stratford, Connecticut but I’ve lived in the San Francisco Bay Area for over 30 years.
  • I love travel, hiking, crossword puzzles, and spending time with family and friends.
  • I’m fluent in Spanish (I can even tutor in Spanish!) and I can speak a little bit of French.
  • In recent years I’ve become an accomplished bread-maker!
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Professional

The Branson School, Ross, CA, 1994-2023

  • Roles
    • Math Teacher (1994-2023)
    • Chair of Mathematics (2009-2017)
    • Director of Studies (2017-2020) 
  • Courses Taught: Algebra I, Geometry, Geometry Honors, Algebra II, Algebra II Honors, Precalculus II, Precalculus Honors, AB Calculus, BC Calculus, Statistics, AP Statistics, Object-Oriented Programming in Java
  • Awards and Recognition: Kimball Distinguished Teacher Prize (2014), Tukman Distinguished Teacher Prize (2006), Tukman Prize (2003), Class of 1990 Distinguished Teacher Award (1996), The Grasso Fund Faculty Academic Award (2022).

 Collegiate School, New York, NY, 1991-1994

  • Roles
    • Computer Science and Mathematics Teacher (1992-1994)
    • Computer Science Teacher (1991-1992)
  • Courses Taught: Computer Programming in C – Levels 1 and 2, Computer Applications, Word Processing, Programming in BASIC, Algebra II, Geometry

Education

  • Brown University, Providence, RI, 1986, B.A. in Mathematics and B.A. in Computer Science
  • The Taft School, Watertown, CT, 1982

Parsons Tutoring is a sole proprietorship business owned and operated by Rich Parsons and based in Kentfield, California. The website address for this business is: https://parsonstutoring.com. This site does not use cookies or other web tracking technologies and does not collect or share data of any kind.