Experience Summary
I have taught physical science and life science in New York public high schools since 1996. I have taught at Brooklyn Tech and Midwood H.S., two of the leading high schools for physical science in the state. Many of my students have been accepted into leading colleges and universities across the country. I have received excellent training and evaluations from my supervisors, who have taught me to use non-traditional as well as traditional methods of instruction and assessment, such as collaborative learning and portfolio assessment.
In order to help finance my graduate education, I have tutored students in N.Y.C. from a very wide range of ethnic and ability levels privately for more than ten years in writing, science, English, and history.
Teaching Style
All students can learn, but they have different learning styles. Identifying a student's strengths and weaknesses is a key step in the learning process. Whatever their particular style is, students learn best in a positive learning environment which ideally will include the following elements: positive reinforcement, a regular study plan, parental support, and a quiet environment.
I have found that another key is to give the student some degree of ownership over what they learn by turning more of the responsibility for framing questions and summarizing what they have learned over to them. One way to make this work is to activate their prior learning. We learn much more of what we do than what we hear.
I have a passion for learning and am not ashamed to say that I am still learning. This passion for learning can be contagious.