What do you offer?

Since 2019, I’ve been working as a private math tutor for adults. I specialize in proof-based math, both for students who are learning to read and write proofs for the first time and those who already feel comfortable with proofs and would like to explore some particular field in depth. The topics I’ve worked on with students include real and complex analysis, number theory, abstract algebra, linear algebra, topology, measure theory, functional analysis, differential geometry, and algebraic geometry. No matter what your prior mathematical experience might have been, if you’d be excited to explore the beauty of the mathematical landscape with a friendly and experienced guide and you have time to devote to practice, you’re probably a good fit!

The format is flexible and open to discussion, but the one I’ve used the most is a bit like a class with only one student. We meet for one hour by video chat every week or two; in between meetings I assign some reading and problems, the student sends their work to me, and I respond with written comments on each problem. The meetings are spent discussing the material and the student’s work and going over any points of confusion, and they take the form of a conversation rather than a lecture.

Who are you?

I got my Ph.D. in math in 2014 and I’ve published research in both math and machine learning. I’ve worked with around 40 students, some for several years. I’ve also worked in quantitative finance, software engineering, and machine learning research, but after some soul-searching I’ve decided to rededicate my career to learning and teaching, which are the ways of engaging with math that always made me the happiest. In addition to this tutoring practice, I’m informed by my deep experience teaching in math enrichment programs at the high school level, including Canada/USA Mathcamp and New York Math Circle.

Why work with you if I can just ask an LLM?

That’s certainly up to you! LLM’s can be a great tool for learning math, and I’ve used them to study topics I’m interested in learning myself.

But for many people, they’re not a replacement for the human side of the teacher-student relationship. Education is more than a transfer of information; a good teacher can provide encouragement, perspective, and a connection to a living community of mathematical practice, and can get to know you and your learning style better over time. AI has changed a lot about education, for better or worse, but one thing that hasn’t changed is that if you’re interested in learning mathematics, you’re going to need to be the one who puts in the work! This process is very rewarding, but it’s also hard work, and a lot of people find it easier to commit to working on something hard when they have a knowledgeable coach in their corner to help.

How much will it cost?

I don’t like to use an hourly rate because I think it creates bad incentives for the teacher-student relationship. Instead, I charge a flat fee for all the work that goes into preparing for a session, including putting together a problem set, giving written feedback, and the face-to-face conversation. My usual rate is US$200 per session.

It’s not my intention for that number to be prohibitive, and I’m happy to discuss a lower rate if it would be a source of hardship for you. Many of my students have had employers who reimbursed them for some educational expenses; this is especially common in the tech industry, and I recommend looking into this if you think you might be in the same situation.

Why should I think you’re any good at this?

Great question! Here are some testimonials from some recent students:

In the years since I graduated from college I’ve tried to learn more math so many times and in so many ways. None of those attempts come close to how much progress I’ve made with Nic. After feeling stuck for so long I finally feel that yes, I’ve found a path to all the great mathematics that I’ve dreamed of for so long. That path is Nic.

— K. L.

My last “formal” math course was high school calculus in 2007, and I didn’t go into a STEM field. I started working with Nic in 2025 mostly out of curiosity about what a life with more math might have looked like. The experience has been bittersweet: sweet because I’m genuinely falling in love with math, and bitter because I can’t help wondering what my life might have looked like if I’d met a teacher like Nic when I was younger. He’s funny, practical, and approachably intelligent. I never thought I would look forward to weekends spent working on proofs, but alas, that is the Nic effect.

— T. O.

Nic is an excellent guide through the world of mathematics. He is patient, thorough, and very knowledgable about both the subject and its history. Above all, he is individual in his approach, tailoring material and assignments to your taste and skill level. I had intended to self-study the classes I didn’t get to in college for many years before I met Nic, without ever putting much of a dent in it. Under his tutelage we’ve progressed through 2-3 such courses and I understand the material much better than I could’ve on my own.

— L. S.

Nic is a great teacher to learn mathematical proofs with.

He creates an effective learning environment for the student: designing a curriculum and problem sets, answering questions, being available when help is needed, and gently guiding the student through mistakes.

Nic is a master of his craft. He closely observes a student’s context, tailors the teaching accordingly, and knows how to guide the student.

Given my background and my experience of learning from Nic, it is this kind of teaching experience and attention to the individual student that would be hard for LLMs to fully replicate.

— W. Y.

How should I get in touch?

If you think you might be interested in working with me, or you have any other questions, feel free to reach out by e-mail and we can schedule some time for a call. You can reach me at njmford at gmail dot com or by clicking the envelope icon at the top of the page. I’d love to talk.