PrepNow Tutor - Garrett D.
Approachable, patient, and determined to help students reach academic goals, Garrett received his BA in biochemistry and pre-med from Baylor University and has completed graduate coursework in biology at Tarleton State University. Currently, Garrett is completing his M. Ed. in administration through Lamar University. He has worked as a research assistant at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center and has been published in various cancer research journals. Since 2006, Garrett has been working as a state-certified physical science teacher in Pearland, Texas. He has frequently been awarded Teacher of the Month and is currently a robotics coach for their school district's FIRST robotics team.
Garrett started teaching and tutoring informally in college. “I used to tutor my friends in biochemistry and physics,” he explains. “That is when I realized that I was good at explaining difficult concepts in a way that others could understand." He loves the moment when a student makes an academic connection and the burden of "not getting it" falls away and is replaced by clarity and celebration. In his considerable experience as a teacher and tutor, he has taught and tutored students in chemistry, physics, SAT/ACT test prep, engineering, and robotics. Garrett has tutored hundreds of students one-on-one and always focuses on identifying student strengths and including explanations of methodology that suit those strengths. “I have a knack for finding alternative ways to explain difficult topics that make learning easier,” he says. “My first order of business when introducing students to new information is to come up with a way to make the content reachable while addressing misconceptions. I continuously spiral in previous lessons and use modeling when necessary to help engage student understanding.” Garrett strives to create a fun, relaxed, encouraging, and collaborative environment so that students feel comfortable tackling material, asking questions, and recognizing their progress.
While in high school, he participated in band as a percussionist, and in college was a member of the American Chemical Society. He enjoys spending time with his two children, going to the movies, gaming, traveling, attending church, trying new foods, and reading about current events.
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