I am a teacher, certified to teach high school social studies. I have a Bachelor's degree in Biology from Smith College, an MPhil (a doctorate without a dissertation) in History from George Washington University and an MAT from Simmons College. I have taught and tutored at both the collegiate and high school levels, in History, Biology, Calculus and Spanish. I am happy to help with any subjects in which you or your child may need or want assistance. I am most comfortable with History, particularly World History (ancient through modern) and US History (I admit that political history between 1820 and 1850 is not my favorite subject, but I know it!). I speak four languages beyond English, in varying degrees (French, German, Arabic, Hebrew). My graduate training in History focused on Middle Eastern History and Cold War History (especially the nuclear arms race); in college, I minored in History, primarily the History of Europe between the Dark Ages and the Renaissance. I believe that a high school teacher's job (and a tutor's) is not just to cover the curriculum. I also provide my students with the skills they will need to succeed in college and the workplace, including study skills, note-taking skills, research skills, writing skills,and critical thinking skills, especially about current events. I agree with Jefferson on the necessity of well-informed voters to a functioning democracy. I also believe that learning should be fun, whenever possible, while admitting that, particularly in high school, students must often "get through" subjects they do not find fun. I feel I should acknowledge that I consider that once my student, always my student. This means that I answer panicked emails from students who have forgotten how to do footnotes once they get to college, among other things. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy reading, watching rugby (I used to play), swimming, dancing (all kinds), photography, reading, manga/anime and needlecrafts. Model United Nations is my all-time favorite club. In addition, I love spending time with my nephew and nieces (preschool to early elementary age). I love to laugh and I am often unintentionally funny; fortunately, I don't mind laughing at myself on occasion.