Karen Colman Martinez

Smith College

3–5 years

I believe students learn best when they feel respected, challenged, and comfortable making mistakes. I try to create a structured classroom with clear expectations while giving students space to ask questions, think independently, and develop confidence in their own reasoning rather than simply memorizing procedures.

Karen Colmán Martínez is a math educator and recent graduate of Smith College, where she earned a B.A. in Mathematical Sciences. She currently teaches fifth-grade math in Brooklyn and has experience tutoring students across a wide range of levels, from elementary school through advanced high school and college mathematics. Her teaching focuses on helping students understand the reasoning behind mathematics, build confidence, and become more independent problem-solvers. She is also fluent in Spanish and English.

While tutoring, I worked with a student who had begun to see themselves as “bad at math” and was hesitant to attempt problems independently. Instead of immediately correcting mistakes, I focused on asking questions that helped them identify what they already understood and work through the next step themselves. Over time, they became much more willing to attempt unfamiliar problems without asking for reassurance first. Seeing that shift from avoiding math to trusting their own reasoning was especially meaningful to me.

Clinton Hill, Park Slope, Prospect Heights

Writing & Composition, Math (K-8), Algebra & Geometry

Writing Foundations Program, Advanced Math Program

Standard

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Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday - Evening (after 5pm)

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