Hi, I'm Caden.
One-on-one tutoring from Ontario high school courses through master's level. Online across Ontario, or in person in Hamilton.
From $55 an hour. The first 15-minute call is free.
Some students want to really understand a subject. Some just need to get through the course. Both are fine.
We go past the formula to why it works and where it actually shows up. You'll leave able to explain it yourself.
We focus on what's on your tests, the question types that keep coming up, and a plan for the days before the exam.
That's normal, and it's where we start. Finding the exact step where it stops making sense is my job.
A steep climb is easier when the trail switches back and forth, one turn at a time. That's the idea behind the name, and behind every session.
Work the problem as far as you can. Messy is good. It shows me how you think.
Even “I've got no idea where to start” is a great answer.
I ask short questions until we hit the point where it stops making sense, then we fix that step instead of memorizing around it.
A fresh problem, on your own, plus where the idea gets used in real life.
What we covered, what clicked, and what to practise before next time.
A moment that stuck with me
I once tutored a mature student through first-year linear algebra. In algebra it's easy to get lost in the variables and all the little steps of a solution. What worked was thinking of x, y and z as weights: how much of each tool in the toolbox you need to build the answer. That's when he got it.
Physics and math, from the Ontario high school curriculum through master's level. These are the courses students ask about most.
Don't see your course? Ask me. If it's physics or math, there's a good chance I can help.
All prices are in CAD, per hour, by the level of the material. No sign-up fees, and you pay after each session.
| Level | Online | In person, Hamilton |
|---|---|---|
| High school | $55 | $65 |
| College and first-year university | $70 | $80 |
| Upper-year university | $85 | $95 |
| Master's level | $100 | $110 |
Tell me the course and what's going on. I'll tell you honestly whether I'm the right person to help.
If the first session isn't a good fit, you don't pay for it.
Pay for five sessions upfront and get 5% off. Use them within the term.
In-person sessions take place in public places such as a Hamilton Public Library branch.
Payment is by Interac e-Transfer. Please give at least 24 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule.
What you'd want to know before someone starts working with your kid.
In-person sessions happen in public places, and you're always welcome to sit in. Online sessions run on a video call.
After every session there's a short note on what we covered, what clicked and what to practise. You can get a copy of every one.
I work from your child's actual Ontario course, its course code and their teacher's handouts, not a generic program.
High school students can reach out directly. A parent or guardian confirms before the first session.
I help students understand the material and prepare for tests. I don't complete assignments, tests or exams for anyone.
Pay by e-Transfer after each session, with no contracts. Cancel with 24 hours' notice.
I'm Caden Drover. I'm doing my MSc in Physics at McMaster University, where my research is in computational quantum matter. I've spent five years teaching, demonstrating and tutoring.
I grew up in Sault Ste. Marie and took every math and science class I could in high school. I got into physics because math always has an exact, correct answer, and I wanted to apply that to the physical world.
I have an A+ track record in physics and math, but none of it came easily. I got there by spending hours with the material until it made sense, so I remember exactly what it's like not to get it. The more I learn, the more I find better ways to explain things than the standard curriculum does. I'm still close to where my students are, so I know where the confusion starts.
I did my undergrad in Peterborough and now live in Hamilton. Ontario is home, and the Ontario curriculum is what I teach.
It's 15 minutes by phone or video. You tell me the course, what's giving you trouble and what you're aiming for. I'll tell you how I'd help, or if someone else would be a better fit.
A laptop or tablet, the video call link I send you, and paper and a pencil. When you're stuck, you hold your page up to the camera or send a photo, so I can see exactly where it went sideways.
I'll help you understand the material behind it and prepare for it. I won't do graded work for you, and I follow your school's academic integrity rules.
Yes. Reach out directly, and a parent or guardian confirms before the first session.
Yes, with one exception: I don't tutor students in a course I'm currently a TA for. That keeps things fair for everyone in the class.
Tell me. If the first session isn't a good fit, you don't pay for it. After that, there are no contracts, so you can stop any time.
I'm building a study assistant for practice between sessions, using worked problems I've checked myself. It checks your working one step at a time and asks questions instead of handing over answers. It's an AI, not me, and it will always say so. It will be included for tutoring clients. Before it launches, I'll publish exactly what it stores, and students under 18 will need a parent's OK to use it.
I only collect what I need to arrange and run sessions: your name, contact details and course. I don't sell or share it, and you can ask to see or delete it at any time by emailing caden@switchbacktutoring.ca. This site doesn't use advertising or tracking cookies.
Fill this in and it turns into an email to me. I'll reply to set up a time for the call.
Or write to me directly at caden@switchbacktutoring.ca