PrepNow Tutor - Nathaniel T.
“I help students build confidence by breaking down complex ideas into clear, manageable steps. My approach emphasizes understanding, strategy, and steady improvement,” says mathematics teacher and tutor Nathaniel. He earned his bachelor’s in history at Fordham University and later returned to school for a graduate certificate in applied statistics from Pennsylvania State University.
Nathaniel first started tutoring in college “almost by accident” and rapidly found that he loved it. He first tutored SAT and ACT test preparation in addition to mathematics. He then taught overseas for a year before returning to the states to teach mathematics in a formal setting. Nathaniel has built a career centered on teaching mathematics, “helping students make sense of challenging ideas and gain confidence along the way.” Of the experience, he says “my proudest moments are when students who lack confidence in material grow not just in understanding but in their self-conception as learners.”
“I aim to be approachable and collegial with students so they feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes, and thinking out loud, while still providing clear structure and high standards,” Nathaniel says. He has worked with students who have a wide range of mathematical understanding and teaching these students has given him a stronger ability to “explain complex material clearly, adapt to different learning styles, and maintain high expectations in a supportive environment.” When working with a struggling student, Nathaniel first focuses on “building understanding, then layering in strategy and practice” to naturally grow the student’s confidence. He says, “my broader philosophy is to set students up to succeed not by telling them what to do, but by helping them see themselves as capable, independent thinkers.”
Nathaniel primarily participated in academic challenges when he was a student—quiz bowl, trivia, debate, competitive speech, student government—though he also did target shooting. As an adult, he has a wider range of interests. He likes to hike in warmer weather and attend the opera. He’s also a baseball fan. In fact, Nathaniel attended one of only twenty-four perfect games in the history of major league baseball—Philip Humber, 4/21/2012! Currently, Nathaniel is building a functional n-scale railroad.
