Hi! I'm Michael and I'm the founder of Tutoring by Michael J. I started Tutoring by Michael J in the fall of 2020. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, I saw how much support our students needed. Trying to figure online learning while battling mental health issues, social isolation, and a crumbling education system is not any easy task for any student. So, I set out to help students across the world. 5 years later, we are still here strong and ready to support students in Math, Science, French, and more!
Growing up as an Anglophone in Nova Scotia, my journey with the French language didn't start until I was nine years old. Through a combination of self-directed study, immersion programs, and a willingness to step out of my comfort zone, I transformed myself from a curious beginner into a fluent speaker. Over the years, I pushed through my own linguistic insecurities to achieve the DALF C2 certification.
My love for the Francophonie eventually led me to take on roles such as Lead Summer Camp Counselor for immersion programs at the Université de Moncton, where I guided students entirely in French. My dedication to promoting the language has also been recognized with the Prix Consulat Général de France dans les Provinces Atlantiques and the Prix des Alliances Française. Since 2020, I have been tutoring French as a Second Language (FSL), working closely with students to bridge the gap between classroom exercises and true conversational confidence.
Mathematics is another area where I thrive, though I know it can often feel intimidating for many students. I firmly believe that math is entirely approachable when broken down with patience and the right guidance. I have been running my own service, Tutoring by Michael J, since October 2020, focusing extensively on secondary school mathematics to help students build a solid foundation.
My academic work at Acadia University has allowed me to deepen this expertise, where I actively serve as a Mathematics Tutor, Teaching Assistant, and Outreach Assistant. Additionally, my role as a Math Enrichment Facilitator for AVRCE has given me the opportunity to adapt my teaching methods to support highly diverse learning styles and skill levels.
Having faced my own academic roadblocks, I understand the frustration that can come with tackling complex equations or finding the right words in a new language. I know what it means to feel insecure in your abilities, and more importantly, I know how to push past it. My ultimate goal as a tutor is to create a supportive, empathetic environment where my students feel safe making mistakes, building their confidence, and mastering the material at their own pace.