Richard

Certified Tutor

I am an enthusiastic, driven, and dedicated teacher. I pride myself on creating dynamic lesson plans that foster student-centered learning environments. Literacy is my passion. I began tutoring in college when I was hired to create a REGENTS test prep class by a local charter high school. I was immediately hired as a substitute teacher and worked with the AIS English Language Arts classes until I graduated and was hired full time. I taught 9th grade ELA and 10th grade Honors ELA for a year before moving to another school and teaching English as a second language. I taught ESL and job skills for over 2 years until the school was absorbed into the public system and closed. Now I enjoy tutoring in my free time as I pursue owning my own business.

I am also a passionate naturalist who studies ornithology, mycology, herpetology, entomology, and general ecology. I work with many local nature organizations including the Buffalo Audubon, Tifft Nature Preserve, and the Buffalo Ornithological Society leading guided hikes and classes for both children and adults. I have also been a leader at the Allegany Nature Pilgrimage for the last 6 years and counting. I teach everything from wild bird identification to general wildlife ecology. I am an active scientific data compiler and field technician for the Hawk Migration Association of North America, and also work with Hawkwatch International. I enjoy using my experiences in the world of natural sciences to engage students in the academic environment.