Blake

Certified Tutor

I received my undergraduate degree from Northwestern University where I majored in History and Theater. After graduating from college, I worked as a professional actor and director in Chicago for three years. I decided I wanted to live abroad, so I taught English in Prague for a year, before returning to New Jersey to pursue my teaching career. I started my career in education as a middle school History teacher. From there I went back to school (Jersey City University) to get my Masters degree in Special Education and became a special education teacher.
After working for several years as a special education teacher I decided to pursue my Masters of Arts degree in school administration. Since enrolling in and completing the graduate program I have had the opportunity to work in several leadership roles in public schools. I currently teach 4th grade math and science at an elementary school in Northern New Jersey. Additionally, I help organize my school district’s Special Education Department. I was first the coordinator of special education for a building servicing over 250 special needs students, with classifications ranging from Specific Learning Disabled to Autistic. From this position I transitioned into becoming a building supervisor where I was a member of the administrative team responsible for over 900 pre-kindergarten to eighth grade students. I am extremely excited to be tutoring for Varsity Tutors and to build a wonderful learning community.
As a teacher resource coordinator of special education, I believe all children have the ability to learn and have the right to an appropriate education. This belief has driven me throughout my career and motivated me to become an instructional leader compassionate to every learner. This philosophy is rooted in my special education experiences as both a teacher and coordinator. As educators we must believe every student has the ability to achieve greatness and must work to insure they are afforded all opportunities to do so.
Based on my previous experiences, my favorite subjects to tutor are Math and History. I also love to tutor students preparing for the SAT or ACT because I know that success on these standardized tests can unlock a great future for any child. When not working or tutoring, I enjoy playing sports, seeing theater, cooking, and reading.