I find it legitimately fun to teach a student something new. Part of this enjoyment, Im sure, is that it feels good to help other people and to make oneself useful. But beyond that, its very interesting to bring together the many layers at play: the concept being taught, the students current understanding of the subject, their other experiences and ideas which can be connected to the new information to give it meaning through context. Building new understanding is a creative, collaborative process between the student and the teacher. Im honored to be a part of that.

Of course, the first requirement for effective teaching is an excellent grasp on the material. I achieved great standardized test scores and Im lucky enough to have a very rigorous college education from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Physics and Computer Science. After a year in a Physics doctoral program, I gained more insight into my values and priorities, and the best use of my skills. I decided to change paths and pursue a teaching career. My presence on this platform is one step in that journey. Education is immensely valuable, to the individual and to society, and I want to use mine to the fullest. The true value of knowledge is in its capacity to be shared and thus transformed; concepts take on new possibilities when they are grasped by fresh minds.

Ive always been good at finding out what people understand, what assumptions they are making, and what they might be missing. That gives me the ability to clarify and explain more effectively. I come from a family of accomplished teachers and my tutoring experience includes small group teaching through my college, volunteer opportunities in classrooms and one on one, and private tutoring in person. Ive gotten positive feedback from my clients, and in high school and college I was always the one my classmates would ask for informal help. I know that everyone has different learning needs and goals, and adapting instruction accordingly is an important part of the job. Even though everyone learns differently, I believe there is a path to understanding any material for every student who is willing to walk it.