WE CAN HELP! Call (309) 750-7925 or email phil@phgmath.com

Contact

WE CAN HELP! Call (309) 750-7925 or email phil@phgmath.com

About

About

R. Philip Grizzard, Ph.D.

I love tutoring math. I am qualified to tutor for any math course from middle school up through college graduate level. This includes the full calculus sequence and well beyond, plus math-heavy courses like statistics. At the very advanced college math majors upper-class level, there are some courses that I might be less comfortable tutoring, but contact me, and we can discuss it.

Tutoring high-level material is fun. But unlike many Ph.D. Mathematicians, I greatly enjoy working with students struggling even with basic material. Now with a decade of experience as a professional tutor, I have worked with hundreds of students, and I’ve learned how to find a student’s level — whether having issues on how to prove a vector space or issues on how to add fractions — and bring them along from there.

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On the personal side, I grew up in Normal and graduated from Normal Community High School in 1994. Later that summer, I met my wife Christine, a native Normalite, and we have been married for 19 years now.  In 2015 we had our son, Zachary — who is a big reason I expanded to business to other tutors!  In addition to tutoring, I am also the part-time campus minister for AGAPE/Judson Fellowship at ISU.  As for hobbies – I am a big baseball fan, and I have been a runner ever since high school track and cross country. I also enjoy writing, which is why some of the pages on this website may be a bit long-winded…

When I retire, I would like to… do some math tutoring.

SIGN UP TODAY

Education

  • 1998 B.S. Mathematics & Math Education, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
  • 2000 M.S. Mathematics, Illinois State University
    • Taught: College Algebra Math 119 and Finite Math 120.
  • 2007 Ph.D. Mathematics, University of Illinois at Chicago
    • Taught: Calculus I & II, Differential Equations, Linear Algebra
  •  

Certification and Professional Organizations

  • State of Illinois 6-12 Education certified.
  • Mathematical Association of America
  • National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
  • American Mathematical Society, Life Member
  •  

Recent academic work experience

  • 2011-present   Tutor for Ph.G. Math Tutoring, Bloomington-Normal, IL.
  • 2011-present    Manager of Ph.G. Tutoring, Tucson, Arizona
  • 2010-2011  Founder and tutor for Ph.G. Tutoring, Tucson, Arizona
  • 2010   Instructor, Pima Community College, Tucson, Arizona
  • 2007-2010 Teaching Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Arizona
    • Taught: Math in Modern Society, Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers, College Algebra, PreCalculus, Calculus, Linear Algebra

R. Philip Grizzard, Ph.D.

I love tutoring math. I am qualified to tutor for any math course from middle school up through college graduate level. This includes the full calculus sequence and well beyond, plus math-heavy courses like statistics. At the very advanced college math majors upper-class level, there are some courses that I might be less comfortable tutoring, but contact me, and we can discuss it.

Tutoring high-level material is fun. But unlike many Ph.D. Mathematicians, I greatly enjoy working with students struggling even with basic material. Now with a decade of experience as a professional tutor, I have worked with hundreds of students, and I’ve learned how to find a student’s level — whether having issues on how to prove a vector space or issues on how to add fractions — and bring them along from there.

20190523_180804
20190523_180813
Colleen.1
Dudes.exp
IMG_1447
Liv.crop2
Megan B (3).crop2
Megan D (10)
MicBd
Michael (9)

On the personal side, I grew up in Normal and graduated from Normal Community High School in 1994. Later that summer, I met my wife Christine, a native Normalite, and we have been married for 19 years now.  In 2015 we had our son, Zachary — who is a big reason I expanded to business to other tutors!  In addition to tutoring, I am also the part-time campus minister for AGAPE/Judson Fellowship at ISU.  As for hobbies – I am a big baseball fan, and I have been a runner ever since high school track and cross country. I also enjoy writing, which is why some of the pages on this website may be a bit long-winded…

When I retire, I would like to… do some math tutoring.

SIGN UP TODAY
  • 1998 B.S. Mathematics & Math Education, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
  • 2000 M.S. Mathematics, Illinois State University
    • Taught: College Algebra Math 119 and Finite Math 120.
  • 2007 Ph.D. Mathematics, University of Illinois at Chicago
    • Taught: Calculus I & II, Differential Equations, Linear Algebra
  •  
  • State of Illinois 6-12 Education certified.
  • Mathematical Association of America
  • National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
  • American Mathematical Society, Life Member
  •  
  • 2011-present   Tutor for Ph.G. Math Tutoring, Bloomington-Normal, IL.
  • 2011-present    Manager of Ph.G. Tutoring, Tucson, Arizona
  • 2010-2011  Founder and tutor for Ph.G. Tutoring, Tucson, Arizona
  • 2010   Instructor, Pima Community College, Tucson, Arizona
  • 2007-2010 Teaching Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Arizona
    • Taught: Math in Modern Society, Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers, College Algebra, PreCalculus, Calculus, Linear Algebra

PRE-COLLEGE STUDENTS

I have professionally tutored essentially every math course offered at the middle- or high school level.  I’ve worked with students from Normal Community, Normal West, Bloomington, Central Catholic, U High, Olympia, Lexington, Ridgeview, LeRoy, Tri-Valley, Prairie Central, and several middle schools as well.  Also, I have tutored students in preparation for standardized exams:

  • PSAT Prep
  • ACT Prep
  • SAT Prep
  • GED Prep

COLLEGE STUDENTS

I am qualified to tutor virtually any undergraduate math course.  I have worked with students from Illinois State, Illinois Wesleyan, Heartland, Lincoln, as well as several online academic programs.  I have prepared students for standardized tests: the GRE, the GRE math subject test, and the first actuarial exam.  Specifically for ISU students, below are the ISU math courses I have actually tutored professionally.  (Note that my qualifications are not limited to this list.)

  • Math 104 – Intermediate Algebra
  • Math 108 – Trigonometry
  • Math 113 – Elements of Mathematical Reasoning
  • Math 119 – College Algebra
  • Math 120 – Finite Math
  • Math 121 – Applied Calculus
  • Math 130 – Dimensions of Numerical Reasoning
  • Math 144 – Precalculus
  • Math 145 – Calculus I
  • Math 146 – Calculus II
  • Math 147 – Calculus III
  • Math 150 – Fundamentals of Statistical Reasoning
  • Math 152 – Structure of Number Systems II
  • Math 160 – Elementary Discrete Mathematics
  • Math 175 – Elementary Linear Algebra
  • Math 201 – Teaching Mathematics in the Elementary School
  • Math 210 – Symbolic Logic
  • Math 236 – Elementary Abstract Algebra
  • Math 260 – Discrete Mathematics
  • Math 336 – Advanced Abstract Algebra
  • MQM 100 – Statistical Reasoning
  • Preparation for ALEKS exam
  • Preparation for Content Exam
  • Preparation for Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP)

PRE-COLLEGE STUDENTS

I have professionally tutored essentially every math course offered at the middle- or high school level.  I’ve worked with students from Normal Community, Normal West, Bloomington, Central Catholic, U High, Olympia, Lexington, Ridgeview, LeRoy, Tri-Valley, Prairie Central, and several middle schools as well.  Also, I have tutored students in preparation for standardized exams:

  • PSAT Prep
  • ACT Prep
  • SAT Prep
  • GED Prep

COLLEGE STUDENTS

I am qualified to tutor virtually any undergraduate math course.  I have worked with students from Illinois State, Illinois Wesleyan, Heartland, Lincoln, as well as several online academic programs.  I have prepared students for standardized tests: the GRE, the GRE math subject test, and the first actuarial exam.  Specifically for ISU students, below are the ISU math courses I have actually tutored professionally.  (Note that my qualifications are not limited to this list.)

  • Math 104 – Intermediate Algebra
  • Math 108 – Trigonometry
  • Math 113 – Elements of Mathematical Reasoning
  • Math 119 – College Algebra
  • Math 120 – Finite Math
  • Math 121 – Applied Calculus
  • Math 130 – Dimensions of Numerical Reasoning
  • Math 144 – Precalculus
  • Math 145 – Calculus I
  • Math 146 – Calculus II
  • Math 147 – Calculus III
  • Math 150 – Fundamentals of Statistical Reasoning
  • Math 152 – Structure of Number Systems II
  • Math 160 – Elementary Discrete Mathematics
  • Math 175 – Elementary Linear Algebra
  • Math 201 – Teaching Mathematics in the Elementary School
  • Math 210 – Symbolic Logic
  • Math 236 – Elementary Abstract Algebra
  • Math 260 – Discrete Mathematics
  • Math 336 – Advanced Abstract Algebra
  • MQM 100 – Statistical Reasoning
  • Preparation for ALEKS exam
  • Preparation for Content Exam
  • Preparation for Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP)

READY TO SIGN UP?

TUTORING RATES

Testimonials

“I’m taking an Algebra II and Trigonometry tutoring class. I had a little trepidation on having to get help in this subject, but after the first five minutes of meeting Mr. Grizzard my “fear” (so-to-speak) vanished. The one-on-one hitunelp, plus the way he explains the material better than my teachers have has tremendously helped me in improving my grade. I recommended him to anyone who is not math inclined.”
- ZoeBHS Grad
“Phil tutored me in Algebra II just a few days before my final. I’m pretty sure that without him, I would have failed it. He taught me efficiently and went at my pace, explaining things to me in a way that was easily understandable. He even made the process fun with his witty humor. I would recommend him to anyone.”
- Remmy RuizHS Grad
"The only good thing about having to take math was that I got to work with Phil."
-Connor G.ISU Sophomore in College Algebra and Finite Math
"I’d like to thank you for tutoring my daughter this past semester. As I am sure she shared with you, she has struggled with math forever and was sure she wouldn’t pass this class. With your help and her hard work she got an A!"
- Carolyn W.Parent of ISU Junior in Business Calculus
"Thanks for all your help, Phil...it makes such a difference for my daughter. I love when she says she feels more confident — and that’s because of you!! You’ve helped her so much for so long. She’s always felt more confident after meeting with you each time. Thank you for sharing your skills and kindness with her. It’s made a difference."
- Jill R.Parent of IWU Finite Math student and recent BHS grad
"Phil is an exceptional instructor. Not only is he very knowledgeable in his field, but he is able to explain and pass on his knowledge in a way that is easy for others to understand. He’s a funny guy and made learning math bearable for people like me who struggle with it."
- Andrew Pacyga (Now) High School Grad
"Having Phil as a tutor is the reason why I passed math 120. last year I failed it, the highest grade I got on a test was a 56%. This year when I retook it with Phil as a tutor I got a B! Where I had once gotten low F's I got A's and B's. I HIGHLY recommend Phil, he makes math easy to understand."
- ISU Finite Math student
"My daughter is a sophomore and a Secondary Education Mathematics major at Illinois State University. Math courses for math majors can be difficult during normal times, and the transition this past year to online learning creates additional challenges. My daughter was finding Math 260 (Discrete Mathematics) one of these challenges. I had seen an excellent recommendation for Phil's math tutoring on the Illinois State Parents Facebook page and contacted him for information. He was available to meet with my daughter the next day and they worked together both virtually and in person all semester. He was flexible and available to work through any homework, prep for quizzes and tests. She successfully completed the class and we will definitely be working with Phil in the future. Thank you Phil!"
- Kathryn C.
"To whoever is looking for a math tutor, Phil Grizzard is the person you want to contact. I began my tutoring journey with Phil at the start of my freshman year of college in the Fall of 2016. For my whole life, math was never my strong suit. I had no confidence in my skills when it came to math. It terrified me, but Phil was able to change that for me[...] I lacked so much confidence in myself, and Phil helped me see that spark in me that I never knew I had. I never realized how far I've come up until now. Phil was just my math tutor at the start, but now I am happy to say that I can call Phil my friend."
- Olivia G.
"Phil tutored both of my kids last summer, he taught my kids to not disregard their abilities to do math & to trust that everyone has the ability to perform math, it's simply more challenging for some. Because of this, my kids were able to stop operating off of emotions & were able to get their head in the game. My son got straight A's in Geometry last year (and is taking advanced Algebra next year, & my daughter passed the math portion of her GED. Math no longer intimidates my kids. I can't recommend Phil highly enough, he has my complete faith!"
- Yvonne W.
"I am a Secondary Mathematics Education major at Illinois State University. Most of the mathematics courses in my track are very abstract and can be difficult. This past semester I was in Math 260 (Discrete Mathematics). I went into this proof-heavy course with minimal background knowledge on how to set up and write a proof. The first exam set my grade to a C and I received a B on the final and in the course. Working with Phil, attending office hours throughout the semester, and spacing out my studying made it possible for me to get the B. Now, I would say I have a stronger background in proofs and hopefully this will help me in Linear Algebra and my other math courses that lie ahead!"
- Erika F.
"Great tutor! He explains concepts clearly and helps to combine other mathematical understanding when tutoring a subject."
- William P.
"Phil is an awesome tutor! Going into my class this past semester, I had little confidence because I had previously failed the class, and have always struggled with math in general. But with Phil's help I was able to earn a B in MAT 144! I'll be going back to Phil for the second semester & I'm sure he'll have just as positive an impact."
- Thomas H.
"If you are struggling with math, Phil is your guy. I had a D in Math 113 at ISU for most of the semester and with Phil's help I ended with a solid B. He's extremely patient, no matter how many negative comments you make, and is very good at approaching topics in different ways to help you better understand the subject. If you're like me and hesitated about the price, it's MORE than worth it."
- Annie G.
"Worked with Phil to improve my ACT math score, covering a variety of topics. Phil works not only to help you learn but also to reinforce basics that may have slipped or are weakly reinforced. Phil helped me clean up my math and now my score is right where I want it."
- Andrew M.
"Phil is an awesome teacher! I was in Finite math (Math 120 at ISU) and he raised my grade and helped me pass my class. I highly recommend him as a tutor."
- Nick C.
"Working with Phil was great. Our daughter was, for the first time ever last year, struggling with math and her Algebra course and we found Phil. He was easy to work with and flexible from our point of view and from our dauther's point of view explained things very well. She upped her grade significantly throughout the year and her ISATs and MAP testing scores for Math outpaced even her reading, which was a first. Definitely a great tutor!"
- Diane D.
"I went to Phil for one semester for Math113. He helped me work through the homework and gave me great testing tips. He used good examples that were relatable and gave me tips on how to remember formulas. If you need help passing a math class at ISU, I highly recommend Phil."
- Luke W.
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Testimonials

“I’m taking an Algebra II and Trigonometry tutoring class. I had a little trepidation on having to get help in this subject, but after the first five minutes of meeting Mr. Grizzard my “fear” (so-to-speak) vanished. The one-on-one hitunelp, plus the way he explains the material better than my teachers have has tremendously helped me in improving my grade. I recommended him to anyone who is not math inclined.”
- ZoeBHS Grad
“Phil tutored me in Algebra II just a few days before my final. I’m pretty sure that without him, I would have failed it. He taught me efficiently and went at my pace, explaining things to me in a way that was easily understandable. He even made the process fun with his witty humor. I would recommend him to anyone.”
- Remmy RuizHS Grad
"The only good thing about having to take math was that I got to work with Phil."
-Connor G.ISU Sophomore in College Algebra and Finite Math
"I’d like to thank you for tutoring my daughter this past semester. As I am sure she shared with you, she has struggled with math forever and was sure she wouldn’t pass this class. With your help and her hard work she got an A!"
- Carolyn W.Parent of ISU Junior in Business Calculus
"Thanks for all your help, Phil...it makes such a difference for my daughter. I love when she says she feels more confident — and that’s because of you!! You’ve helped her so much for so long. She’s always felt more confident after meeting with you each time. Thank you for sharing your skills and kindness with her. It’s made a difference."
- Jill R.Parent of IWU Finite Math student and recent BHS grad
"Phil is an exceptional instructor. Not only is he very knowledgeable in his field, but he is able to explain and pass on his knowledge in a way that is easy for others to understand. He’s a funny guy and made learning math bearable for people like me who struggle with it."
- Andrew Pacyga (Now) High School Grad
"Having Phil as a tutor is the reason why I passed math 120. last year I failed it, the highest grade I got on a test was a 56%. This year when I retook it with Phil as a tutor I got a B! Where I had once gotten low F's I got A's and B's. I HIGHLY recommend Phil, he makes math easy to understand."
- ISU Finite Math student
"Great tutor! He explains concepts clearly and helps to combine other mathematical understanding when tutoring a subject."
- William P.
"Phil is an awesome tutor! Going into my class this past semester, I had little confidence because I had previously failed the class, and have always struggled with math in general. But with Phil's help I was able to earn a B in MAT 144! I'll be going back to Phil for the second semester & I'm sure he'll have just as positive an impact."
- Thomas H.
"If you are struggling with math, Phil is your guy. I had a D in Math 113 at ISU for most of the semester and with Phil's help I ended with a solid B. He's extremely patient, no matter how many negative comments you make, and is very good at approaching topics in different ways to help you better understand the subject. If you're like me and hesitated about the price, it's MORE than worth it."
- Annie G.
"Worked with Phil to improve my ACT math score, covering a variety of topics. Phil works not only to help you learn but also to reinforce basics that may have slipped or are weakly reinforced. Phil helped me clean up my math and now my score is right where I want it."
- Andrew M.
"Phil is an awesome teacher! I was in Finite math (Math 120 at ISU) and he raised my grade and helped me pass my class. I highly recommend him as a tutor."
- Nick C.
"Working with Phil was great. Our daughter was, for the first time ever last year, struggling with math and her Algebra course and we found Phil. He was easy to work with and flexible from our point of view and from our dauther's point of view explained things very well. She upped her grade significantly throughout the year and her ISATs and MAP testing scores for Math outpaced even her reading, which was a first. Definitely a great tutor!"
- Diane D.
"I went to Phil for one semester for Math113. He helped me work through the homework and gave me great testing tips. He used good examples that were relatable and gave me tips on how to remember formulas. If you need help passing a math class at ISU, I highly recommend Phil."
- Luke W.
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READ MORE

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