1:1 math tutoring · Online

Math that finally clicks.

Hey, I'm Ben! I tutor math one-on-one over video, from pre-algebra to college math. I'm patient, a little nerdy, and happy to explain things five different ways until one of them clicks.

It's free, it's short, and there's zero pressure.

Ben Criteser smiling outdoors

About me

Hi, I'm Ben.

I grew up in Portland, Oregon, studied math at Colorado College, and now live in New York, where I run my own algorithmic trading business. So yes, I use math every single day, and I still think it's one of the coolest things people have ever come up with.

Outside of math, I've been learning Japanese for six years (mostly through immersion) and meditating for over ten, including a bunch of retreats. Both taught me a lot about learning: show up consistently, stay curious, and be patient with yourself. That's what I try to bring to every session.

Wakaru is my passion project. My favorite thing in the world is that moment when something finally makes sense for someone.

The résumé bit:

  • Math degree from Colorado College, graduated with a 3.9 GPA
  • Perfect 36 on the ACT math section
  • 2 years tutoring college math and working as a TA at Colorado College
  • 3 years as a software engineer before starting my trading business

What I teach

Pretty much any kind of math.

Whether you're catching up, keeping up, or getting ahead.

  • Pre-algebra
  • Algebra I & II
  • Geometry
  • Trig
  • Precalc
  • Calculus I, II & III
  • Statistics
  • Linear algebra
  • Differential equations
  • Proofs
  • SAT / ACT math

Don't see yours? Ask me on the intro call.

How it works

Pretty simple, really.

  1. say hi

    Book a free 20-minute video call. Tell me what's going on, whether it's a class, a test, or just wanting math to feel less scary, and we'll see if we're a good fit.

  2. find a rhythm

    If it feels right, we pick a time that works. Every week, twice a week, or just before big tests. Up to you.

  3. do math

    We hop on video with a shared whiteboard and work through whatever you need. Ask anything, especially the questions you think are dumb. (They never are.)

Pricing

Nice and simple.

1:1 session

$40
per hour

Just pay for the sessions you book.

FAQ

Good questions.

What do I need for a session?

A laptop or tablet with a camera, decent internet, and something to write on. That's it.

Who do you work with?

Anyone who wants to get better at math: middle and high schoolers, college students, and adults brushing up. Not sure if that's you? Just ask!

Can a parent join the intro call?

Yes, please! For younger students I'd love to meet a parent too.

What if I need to cancel?

Life happens. Just give me a heads-up at least 24 hours before and it's no problem.

Do you teach Japanese too?

Not yet, but I'd love to someday! Japanese and language-learning classes are on the wish list. For now it's all math.

What does “Wakaru” mean?

It's Japanese for “to understand” (分かる). The first character, 分, means “to divide.” The idea is that understanding something means you can break it into pieces, which is pretty much what we'll do with math.

Ben meditating on the floor while a cat sits on his meditation cushion
10+ years of meditation, and the cat still gets the cushion.

Still reading? Come say hi.

Book a free 20-minute call. Worst case, you get a free pep talk about math.

Book your intro call