PrepNow Tutor - T W.
An educator who specializes in scaffolding-based learning, T is trained in patience and compassion. “As an LGBT+ and human rights activist, I focus on empowering my students, granting them the ability and access to resources rather than giving them a temporary solution,” T says. He holds a BS from the University of Waterloo in science/engineering, an MEd from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and a coding certificate from boot.dev. After graduating from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, he taught high school science and later worked as a substitute and creative mornings teacher. “Throughout this time, I also taught at the LARP adventure program, working with youth on community values,” T shares.
T’s specific teaching style is based on scaffolding, preparation, practice, constellations of knowledge, and Buddhist philosophy. “There are three zones for a student's knowledge and ability,” T explains. “The first zone is what the student is capable of right now on their own. The second zone is what the student can achieve with access to learning resources, such as the Socratic method, books, or other students. The third zone is what the student is capable of with direct help from me as the teacher.” T’s goal as a teacher is to give them access to the second and third zones. “Not to make them dependent on my upper knowledge but to create a ladder that students can use to climb on their own—building their own knowledge structure and expanding their first zone as much as possible.”
When tutoring, T emphasizes creating an accurate model of the exam or assignment the student is preparing for. “If there is a specific aspect that they are struggling with, I try to create an environment to focus on that aspect,” he says. “While training in this way is not the be-all and end-all of success, it grants students access to a skill that can be executed stress-free, allowing them to quickly execute easy questions and providing brain space to figure out the more challenging questions.” Throughout his career, T has taught AP Biology, science principles & systems, forensics, Honors Chemistry, English, algebra, calculus, and art.
In high school, T was the rowing team captain and participated in bouldering and soccer. In college, he was ranked the most Enthusiastic Engineer and acted as the LARP event director. “I highly enjoy games of any form,” he shares. He also loves gardening, hiking, painting, writing, 3d printing, and coding. “I enjoy curiosity in myself, discovery through meditation, and journaling.”
