F.E.R.G. Math Mentoring

Finding Engagement for Real Growth

Work with me

  • Meetings are one-on-one, usually at a public space like the Princeton Public Library or a local coffee shop. You bring the agenda/math content, and I guide the conversation toward deeper understanding and empowered problem-solving.

  • For a discounted rate per person, we navigate the challenges of your school’s math course together, benefitting from the support, relationships, and each other's’ good questions.

  • I work with schools, math departments, and individual teachers to promote growth in pedagogical and mathematical skill among educators. Each project is carefully crafted to meet the needs of the client involved.

Services

See pricing

The F.E.R.G. Approach

  • Finding

    Each student or teacher finds their voice, their questions, and their answers through EXPLORATION supported by individually-crafted mentoring. You won’t be told what to do, you’ll find what you need to do, with my help.

  • Engagement

    Actively GRAPPLING, not passive copying, has always been the key to effective learning. I can help you learn how to engage more effectively with your teacher, the math, your classmates, and your previous misconceptions as we journey toward deeper understanding and skillful problem-solving.

  • (for) Real

    If your classroom experience involves mimicking your teacher through particular steps, that’s not real learning (because it’s not real thinking). I will help you learn how to think critically, truly claim the math skills and concepts as your own, and rely on solid definitions and AUTHENTIC, ENDURING principles of logic and math.

  • Growth

    Growth takes courage and honesty. It’s not always easy. But learning slowly and steadily, doing the work of deeper thinking en route to LASTING CHANGE, is always worth it. Math (especially Calculus) helps us measure change. But the most exciting change happens inside your mind and heart, as you become increasingly skillful and trusting of yourself.

Whether for Algebra, Geometry, Precalculus, Calculus, test-prep, or advanced problem-solving, I have the background to support you in asking the right questions and developing the skills to handle the math. In each session, you decide our focus and have agency in the work we do together on behalf of your success.

Studying for the AP Calc, Precalc, or a high-stakes exam? Looking for enrichment beyond what your school class offers? Needing help in a class — for deeper understanding and better performance as well? F.E.R.G. Math Mentoring can help!

You set the agenda

What makes F.E.R.G. different?

I’m glad you’ve visited my website. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at FergMathMentoring@gmail.com. I live in the Princeton, NJ area with my wife, also an educator. My two daughters are currently in college. In addition to my mentoring work, I also endeavor to help with civic leadership and organizing projects locally, and I present regularly at national and regional math conferences, supporting the growth of other educators.

Who am I?

Learn about my mission

What Clients are Saying

  • "Mr. Ferguson clearly shows great passion and energy into his teaching and subject matter and has thus created a fun and engaging space that's really helped me (and probably my classmates too!) prepare for the AP Calc BC Exam, and I greatly appreciate the effort he's put in for us!"

    PHS junior, BC Calc student

  • “F.E.R.G. Math Mentoring essentially helps to make you confident in your math abilities: the sessions help you to bundle scattered ideas that have been presented to you in a more understandable and clear way which not only helps your own abilities but gives you the chance to help those around you.”

    Patrick, PHS sophomore

  • “F.E.R.G. Math Mentoring is really an amazing program that supported me immensely in Calc BC! I was able to develop a solid understanding in all concepts and nurture my mathematical curiosity. Mr. Ferguson is not only a great math teacher, but he's caring and genuine in forging relationships with students.”

    Aleena, PHS junior

  • "Mr. Ferg doesn't just teach you the Calculus class content, he makes sure you understand it by talking about why something is a certain way, weaving it with other topics, and guiding you to think more mathematically. His passion in math really shines through his teaching and makes you appreciate the beauty of mathematics (and I say this a student who's usually not considered math to be a particularly fun subject)."

    PHS junior, BC Calc student

  • "Mr. Ferguson's classes are very unique in a way that rather than being meant to fill your head with everything and anything about math, it fills your head with everything and anything that makes you curious about math. I hope everyone can, at least once in their life, experience a class like one taught by Mr. Ferguson where you get stuffed full of Nerds clusters and curiosity."

    Hojung, PHS junior

  • "F.E.R.G. Math Mentoring helped me grow as a mathematician and a person."

    Emily, PHS junior

  • "I appreciate how much more I understand not only about math but critical thinking over the course of this mentoring service."

    PHS junior, BC Calc student

  • “F.E.R.G. Math Mentoring helped me for not just the AP exam, but also deepening my understanding and passion for math.”

    PHS sophomore, BC Calc student

  • "F.E.R.G. Math Mentoring taught me how to think like a mathematician."

    Michael, PHS sophomore

  • "I loved how the focus in class was not on trying to just get the right answer, but was on trying to fully understand the concept."

    PHS junior, BC Calc student

  • "Because of F.E.R.G. Math Mentoring, I gained a lot more confidence in both myself and my math skills as well as a greater appreciation for the subject."

    PHS senior, BC Calc student

Get in Touch!

Fill out this quick form to indicate your interest in starting sessions with Ferg:

Book a session

  • Most students opt for a weekly 1-hour slot, which secures you regular time for mentoring. But some students prefer twice weekly, or infrequently, on an as-needed basis.

  • Most sessions happen at PPL (Princeton Public Library) or Bunn Library (at The Lawrenceville School). Any local public space could work, like a coffee shop. And when bad weather strikes, we can resort to virtual (though that is not preferred; it is not as effective as in-person learning).

  • No! I will sometimes make suggestions about practice problems, books, games, etc. that can facilitate positive growth and learning — but I do not ‘assign’ extra supplemental work. To use their allotted time best, students should bring questions from their current math class, previous written work samples, and a clear sense of what they hope to accomplish in each session.

  • Right away (pending availability)!

    (1) Fill out the “Student Interest Form” (linked to the “Book A Session” buttons anywhere on this site) to connect with Ferg, and then

    (2) Email FergMathMentoring@gmail.com to let me know you’ve filled it out. I will appreciate hearing from you about what your needs are and why you’d like to start working together.

FAQ