Biography

Dan Rosenthal received his B.S. and M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from U.C. Berkeley and his Ph.D. in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Stanford University. After retiring from a successful 25 year career in aerospace engineering (using math daily!), Dan started a math and physics tutoring business in Los Altos, CA. The experience of working with elementary and middle school students inspired the idea for the Mastery of Math Summer Courses.

Philosophy

My approach to teaching math to young students is based on my belief that every child can succeed in their math courses. When students learn the techniques taught in Mastery of Math they begin to challenge themselves with harder and harder problems. The solid techniques and checking skills give students the confidence they need to succeed. The traditional methods taught in school leave students with little confidence in their ability to do lengthy calculations without making mistakes. I teach non-traditional methods for doing calculations that students can easily master. Once mastered, the students can focus on the concepts and problem solving aspects of their course.

What inspired the idea for the Mastery of Math Camp?

In my work as a Math and Physics tutor I constantly encounter bright students who lack the ability to do calculations. As part of my interest in mathematics I like to practice speed math techniques. After several years of immersing myself deeply into these techniques I realized there is a place for a streamlined version of the material that emphasizes quick, reliable calculations using pencil and paper.

Students learn simple methods to add, subtract, multiply, divide, work with fractions, and to calculate decimal square roots. There are no ‘tricks’ involved in any of the methods. The methods they learn can be applied to any arithmetic problem. The students also learn powerful methods for quickly checking their answers.

Client Testimonials

"Our daughter began tutoring with Dan in 9th grade for Geometry/Algebra 2 and continued working with him through an intensive high school math track that included AP Calculus and AP Physics. The final outcome for our daughter was a 780 score on the SAT II math examination, a 5 on the AP Calculus test as well as admission to an Ivy League University. Dan is extremely supportive of his students and takes a personal interest in their success."

"My son loved learning different ways to solve problems – everyday when came home, he couldn’t wait to show me what he had learned. He continues to use those new skills this year and is looking forward to enrolling in an advanced session this summer."

"Dan's camp was a terrific experience for our daughter. At first, she only agreed to try one day as a trial basis, but then she asked us to let her go back for the rest of the camp's duration. Her attitude toward math has improved, and she feels empowered by the shortcuts that Dan has taught her."

"I asked my son what things he liked about working with Dan, and he said, “well, he’s really smart, he knows how to explain things so that you understand, and he has some neat tools that make learning fun.” As a parent, I appreciate Dan’s enthusiasm and I know he puts extra time into preparing additional practice problems in both Math and Physics. He is very accommodating when we request an extra session before an exam, and his positive, encouraging attitude is terrific!"

"Dan Rosenthal has done an outstanding job tutoring my son in mathematics for the past 3 and l/2 years. He is very knowledgeable about a wide range of mathematical subjects and has skillfully guided my son through an accelerated geometry course, algebra2, trigonometry and now precalculus. I strongly recommend Dr. Rosenthal as a tutor."

"My daughter is a student at Mountain View High School and has had a number of tutors for math. Dr Rosenthal has been unique in her experience as her marks have shown substantial improvement under his tutelage. I believe this is due to an ability to explain concepts in a way that promotes learning rather than in obtaining an answer. His efforts are greatly appreciated. "

"My 10 year old son made frequent errors in arithmetic. In only one lesson Dan showed him a couple of tricks to check his work. Captured by Dan’s love of math and helpful tips on other math issues my son decided to continue to see Dan, even though it was not required of him."

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