Michael: Frankfort tutor
Certified Tutor
I am a highly-motivated teacher with experience across many educational settings, from coaching and outdoor adventures to classroom teaching and special education.
I started my teaching path in 2010 when I began working in outdoor education. With the outdoors as my classroom, I spent several years teaching outdoor science classes, leadership seminars and adventure activities to students from a wide variety of backgrounds. Working in the outdoor ed field was a great way to develop communication skills and teaching methods that are applicable to students with unique learning styles. In 2014, I became the Director of an Outdoor Education program - developing curriculum for our science classes, teaching and training a professional staff, and implementing a special education vocational program. Although I loved my experience directing a program, I realized that my passion is in working directly with students and helping them build the skills and relationships that will lead them to success.
I have now moved my classroom indoors and I currently work as a learning specialist at a High School in East Boston, MA. My role is teaching students with learning disabilities and my primary subjects of focus are math and chemistry. I also love the Spanish language and teach it whenever possible.
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Undergraduate Degree: hobart college - Bachelors, Environmental Studies
- ACT Composite: 32
- SAT Composite (1600 scale): 1410
- SAT Math: 800
Outdoor Activities, Sports, Music (guitar playing), Cooking, animals
What is your teaching philosophy?
My philosophy is to expose students to different styles of learning. By taking multiple approaches to solving problems, students learn not only how to answer the questions, but which strategies work best for them.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
Trust and confidence in your teacher is the most important aspect of a good learning environment. I want to learn about my students' interests, what their strengths and weaknesses are, and talk about what goals we will work to achieve.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
Focusing on specific strategies is the most useful way to become an effective learner. Some strategies include breaking down questions, using graphic organizers, making note/flash cards, using specific note taking methods, annotating texts, using quizzes, and creating hands-on demonstrations.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
Often times, the best way to motivate is to listen. I look for subjects or topics that my students are already interested in and use them to connect to the material. Conversely, I want to know why certain areas are challenging for students. They often relate small hiccups to large failures, or become intimidated by new material and just need the setting to be reframed.