PrepNow Tutor - Marcus D.
Marcus is a versatile tutor and thinker with over five years of experience. From the SAT and ACT to various placement tests and professional certification exams—particularly the Certified Health Education Specialist exam—Marcus knows his way around test-taking strategies! He has worked as a K-12 substitute teacher and as a one-on-one college-level tutor; he is especially skilled at helping students make the leap from high school to college.
Marcus holds a BA in sociology and an MPH in health education and promotion from Morehouse College and Morehouse School of Medicine, respectively; he later earned a PhD in health promotion and behavior from the University of Georgia. In addition to tutoring, he works in formal academia, “preparing students for careers in public, community, and healthcare settings, as well as for graduate-level work in public health.”
After an undergraduate sociology course led him to interview a homeless man who had a PhD in English, Marcus set his sights on exploring the connections between behavior, education, society, and health outcomes. As part of his training, he started working with adolescents, which fueled his drive to help young people succeed in all areas of life—physically and intellectually. Additionally, he volunteered as a test prep tutor and interview coach in his local community. “I find immense joy in helping students unlock their potential and supporting them in achieving their academic and professional goals,” he shares. “Education is a transformative process that empowers individuals to reach their full potential and make a positive impact in their communities,” he adds.
Marcus describes his approach as “student-centered and holistic.” He offers a supportive, engaging learning environment where students feel comfortable exploring concepts with creativity and curiosity. “I strive to foster a sense of curiosity and critical thinking among students, encouraging them to explore topics beyond the surface level and develop a deep understanding,” he explains. He deems himself not just a tutor but also a mentor, especially for students of various abilities and backgrounds. Be it visual, auditory, verbal, kinesthetic, logical, social, or intrapersonal, he has an instructional method! “I strive to create an inclusive learning environment that values diversity,” he asserts. He aims to empower and inspire his students to become lifelong learners and pragmatic, passionate people.
His notable contributions to the field of public health earned him admittance to the Delta Omega Honor Society. He was also in the Blue Key National Honor Society for academic excellence and exceptional leadership skills.
In his free time, he loves hanging out with loved ones, especially if it involves traveling or trying new restaurants. A firm believer in the power of play, he also loves gaming at arcades and playing board games. Fun fact: he grew up in a military family, which means he moved every three years and attended schools in the US and abroad!