Michael

Certified Tutor

I grew up in Salinas, CA and attended local public schools until high school, when I went to a small college-prep school. I started my college career studying Computer Engineering at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, but ended up finishing my bachelor's degree in Philosophy at the University of Arizona in Tucson, where I live now. For a few years, lived in Boulder, Colorado, where I did an MA in Philosophy at the University of Colorado. What I loved most about graduate school was being a Teaching Assistant for Introductory Philosophy courses. I enjoyed communicating the importance of critical thinking and clear argumentative writing. I also had a chance to display my passion for charting the development and influence of big ideas through History. After returning to Tucson, I completed a teaching credential in secondary (7th-12th) education from Pima Community College. With my MA, I am most qualified to teach Philosophy; however, I am "highly qualified" according to the State of Arizona to teach a wide range of subjects, including English, Social Studies, History, Middle School General Sciences, Geography, and Political Science/American Government. I taught English, Health, Ancient Civilizations, Geography, and World History as a high school classroom teacher for a couple years, but I enjoy one-on-one tutoring much more. I have been tutoring independently and through VarsityTutors for about four years now and have ample experience with all aspects of the SAT and ACT. Outside of work and school, I enjoy playing board games and video games. It's my favorite way to spend time with my wife and close friends. I am also a soccer fan, especially of the US Men's National Team.