About Me

I am a social sciences and writing teacher in both training and by passion. I enjoy teaching all aspects of language, from minute grammar rules to vocabulary to the larger and more complex methods and approaches to paper writing. I am am interested in the math and sciences, and have long harbored an appreciation and a desire to share in my excitement and understanding of the world around us. I am currently a Master's student at the University of Chicago in a program called MAPSS (Master's of Arts Program in the Social Sciences). I came to UChicago after six years in education so I could qualify to teach at the tertiary level. I already have a Master's of Education in Secondary History, and confirmed to myself over six years of teaching, tutoring, and mentoring that education is where I belong. It has been quite difficult not having any students the past six months while I have been focusing on my studies, but the path before me is clear enough that I am able to reenter education. Having as many teaching experiences and learning to meet different needs has been a strong influence on my career to date. In addition to being a classroom teacher, I have previous experience as a substitute teacher, both per diem and long term. I also taught adults with disabilities for 8 months, specializing as the Health and Wellness Instructor. I spent a year as a one-to-one for a sophomore with special needs, and after that began my pre-practicum and practicum in technical high school. I have worked for Princeton Review and PrepNow as an SAT tutor, and did private tutoring in SAT and English as a Secondary Language for six months last year. In all of these ventures, my favorite aspect of the vocation has always been the "question," the moment when a student pauses, sits befuddled for a second or two, then either is able to pinpoint exactly what is keeping him or her from moving on or making a poignant observation in the form of a question. What is so wonderful about those moments is they are when learning is truly happening. The results often come in two types. The first is the "a-HA!" moment that teachers crave; this is when new information fits comfortably among what is already established in our understanding, or what makes two seemingly unrelated pieces connect. The second is a feeling of distress. This is when a new piece of information or framework for looking at the world feels uncomfortable because our brain is struggling to find a place to categorize that information into what we already know, or new information contradicts what we thought we knew. Both reactions are necessary for learning, but the latter sometimes gets lost in embarrassment, uncertainty, or the swiftness of the classroom. I think that what makes a great teacher is not only giving space for those types of uncomfortable moments and not only being able to address them effectively, but giving encouragement to students to both admit to and encourage those types of sensations. Without feeling confused once in a while, how is one ever to know that he or she is learning?

Education & Certifications

Q&A with Kathryn

Tutoring Subjects