About Me

I am a graduate of SUNY University at Albany. I received my Bachelor of Science in Economics and Japanese with a minor in History in 2010. Since then (and even before as a sub) I have predominantly been teaching in the New York City public education system. I had worked as a substitute teaching assistant since 2008, moving between dozens of NYC public schools before finally settling in late 2011 at M.S. 216 George J. Ryan--an incredibly diverse middle school in Queens. During my tenure in the school system I have spent time teaching students from Pre-K to 12th grade, from all cultural background and socioeconomic statuses. Regardless of whom I have taught, I have always enjoyed it, partly because I often learn as much from my students as they learn from me. Regardless of the subject, I love teaching, and I find it to be one of the most rewarding and meaningful activities, which cliched as it may sound, really can make a difference in people's lives. Besides teaching, I am also keenly interested in the human body, specifically biomechanics, kinesiology, and rehabilitation through movement. I am currently enrolled in a Doctorate of Physical Therapy program at Washington University in St. Louis, which I should finish in 2018.I started tutoring in 2012, when I went back to school (Queens College) in order to take all the necessary pre-med courses for my DPT program. My first tutoring experience was with struggling peers in Biology, Chemistry, and Anatomy and Physiology. I dove into test-prep tutoring following my own experience preparing for the GRE, hoping to pass on some of the hard-won skills and knowledge. Currently I tutor a wide-array of subjects, though in particular I love teaching standardized tests like the SAT and ACT, as well as the sciences and math. Besides my interest in these areas, there is a particular joy watching a student hit their score mark in a test and seeing their hard work pay off. And when I hear back several months later about my students getting into their top choice for college, it always makes my day. When I'm not teaching or studying, I compulsively read, learn languages (currently working on Mandarin), practice gymnastics, and obsess over food.

Education & Certifications

Q&A with James

Tutoring Subjects