PrepNow Tutor - Nathan A.
Nathan is a certified teacher with extensive experience tutoring struggling students in English, math, and science. In addition to his classroom work, he was an after-school counselor, focusing on projects and play-based learning. He also conducted private music lessons for students on woodwinds, trumpet, and bass.
While he initially studied engineering, Nathan obtained a BA in music from the University of New Orleans. "I switched to music not because it was easier, but because, to me, it was much more challenging. To be a music teacher, I have to not only demonstrate that I can handle all the music skills and theory but also all the academic subjects as well," he explains. He also has an education certification from Edgewood College in Wisconsin.
One of his proudest classroom memories was when he worked with elementary students learning to read. "One family had a son who couldn't read, and I spent a few months working with him," Nathan recounts. "By the end of our time, he was enjoying reading. His mom had tears in her eyes listening to him read on his own!"
Nathan's approach focuses on building connections between the student and the material. "I believe that we learn best when the learning is relevant to our lives—and authentic experience," he says. Nathan believes it is helpful to assess student thought processes frequently and implement scaffolding when needed. "The more human and less abstract I can make an idea the easier it is to learn and retain," he adds. He also teaches students to work out their problems in longhand so they can hone their critical thinking processes and better learn from mistakes.
As a student, Nathan earned the Boy Scouts "Eagle Award" and lettered in band. He has played competitive Ultimate Frisbee as well. "I can outshoot most people in archery," he offers.
Nathan loves being outdoors and has camped in all weather and all seasons. "I canoed the Boundary Waters and hiked the southern Rockies," he recounts. He enjoys art and reading and likes making things with his kids. "I'm the cook of the house and responsible for most dinners for my wife and kids," he says. "I enjoy taking inspiration from cultures around the globe in my kitchen."
His most time-consuming hobby is jazz. "I play in a big band every Tuesday evening with occasional concerts and gigs here and there."
|