As a Math teacher, I am able to tutor high school Math in subjects ranging from Pre-Algebra through Calculus. Math is a unique subject in school in that some students won’t have any problems with it whatsoever – it seems to come naturally – while others will develop anxiety towards it. Fortunately, this anxiety can be cured.

Generally, problems in Math originate in poor study habits. You can’t cram for a Geometry test like you might be able to for a History test. Instead, it involves progressive learning, and a weak foundation will typically lead to problems later on. If a problem develops in Math, it will likely affect the student for the remainder of his Mathmatical career unless there is a Mathematical intervention.

One-on-one tutoring is perhaps more effective in Mathematics than any other subject. Most students can’t be lectured advanced Mathematical theories in a classroom setting (I know I can't), instead they need to learn by doing. With a tutor at the student's side, immediate assistance is available so that frustration will be minimized and success will be maximized. While not every student will develop a love of Math, it will no longer be a source of fear.

Recommended Reading:

Conquering Math Anxiety: Second Edition by Cynthia Aren -- I met a parent on back to school night who gave me a copy of this book. I've found it enormously helpful in dealing with students who just, for one reason or another, believe that they "just aren't good at Math." We may not all be modern day "Gauss"es, but we can definitely get through high school Algebra, if we put our minds to it.

Secrets of Mental Math: The Mathemagician's Guide to Lightening Calculation and Amazing Math Tricks by Arthur Benjamin and Michael Shermer -- This is a fantastic book on developing mental math abilities, listing all the secrets to how the author can do incredibly rapid calculations in his head with remarkable speed. All the reader has to do is practice and he, too, can be a human calculator. Any book that encourages kids away from using a calculator is good in my mind, since most of us don't walk around with calculators in our day to day activities, and, more importantly, it makes math fun. Highly recommended.