New York Metro Manager of Instruction
Welcome to my region.
I’m proud to introduce you to the phenomenal New York regional instructional staff. I’ve been in the education field for over 8 years and have worked with hundreds of teachers; my New York staff is by far the most talented group I’ve had the pleasure to know. Our pool of teachers reflects the diversity and vibrancy of our region. They come from a variety of professional pursuits (teachers, professors, doctors, actors, lawyers) and have all achieved a great degree success in their chosen field.
Please take a moment to browse the biographies of these amazingly dedicated individuals so you can see why these folks are the best SAT and ACT prep teachers around.
- NYC Teaching Fellow
- Master of Science in Education
- B.S. Magna Cum Laude, Syracuse University
- Published thesis on Authentic Assessment in an ELA Classroom
New York Metro Instructors
Salt Lake City, Utah
Wesleyan University
I was born in Wyoming and grew up mostly in Salt Lake City, Utah, amid the majestic Rocky Mountains. In high school I loved being involved with theatre, both onstage and off. Ten years later I'm still good friends with my actor and techie buddies from back in the day! After graduation, I headed to Connecticut for college where I had a fabulous time, gained a wealth of knowledge about the world around me, and met more amazing and wonderful people with whom I am still friends today. After college I moved to New York City to pursue a graduate degree in Urban Education. I am now a certified teacher for General and Special Education. I taught in an elementary school for three years before coming to Revolution Prep. Now I am loving the opportunity to work with high school students all around New York City! In my free time I read (a lot!), write, and ride my bike. I also love to dance and cook -- two things I learned how to do from my talented housemates and friends at college.
My college experience was critical to my personal and intellectual development. I remember the intense application process and the long wait to hear back from schools. I want to do everything I can to help you have your best shot at getting into schools that will be great for you and your development. A solid SAT score helps. Revolution Prep uses an effective curriculum, employs excellent teachers, and--most importantly--attracts the best students from all walks of life.
Philadelphia
University of Chicago, CA College of the Arts
I have taught or tutored for eleven years, in non-profits and privately, so I really like helping students learn. I am nerdy enough to see what's interesting in school but aware of what can be excruciatingly boring. I went to a college famed for being a grind, majored in Philosophy, and miraculously emerged with gainful employment.
I also went to art school (California College of the Arts) for an MFA, so I make art when I am not seeing movies, riding my bike, reading, watching football, or picking up waffles at my local farmers market.
Because I love the idea of helping students beat a test that inspires so much fear and stress. Because I need a productive place to put my energy. Because my friends don't want to hear me explain when to use the Pythagorean theorem.
Valley Stream
CCNY
I am a lifelong educator who is passionate about making a difference in children's lives. I have taught and tutored math in NYC for more than 10 years. I have always subscribed to the philosophy that academic rigor combined with high expectations and the right instructional approaches will always lead to student achievement. The one thing I enjoy more than good food and sports (playing or watching) is helping young people succeed.
As an educator, I have an incredible opportunity to help shape the future by preparing students to make a successful transition into higher education. One of my deepest desires is to lend my talent, energy and abilities to an institution/company committed to equipping children with the necessary tools to compete and thrive in the complex, global economy. I could not imagine a company more conducive to that end than Revolution Prep.
Kansas City, Missouri
New York University
I'm from Kansas City originally. I chose to come to New York City because it's the best, most diverse place in the world. I like long walks through the city, and by that I don't mean walking from Lincoln Center to Penn Station. I mean all day walks, from Inwood to the Battery, from Chinatown to the Rockaways, up and down the Bronx River, or all the way down Greenpoint and Roosevelt Avenues from the East River to Flushing and beyond. I love what the city really is: not a taxi ride, but where the taxi drivers live. I prefer East Broadway to West Broadway, and Sunnyside to SoHo. I moved here from Kansas City only 7 years ago for school, but New York has quickly became home.
I teach for Revolution Prep because I like to help students see how much easier the SAT can be if you learn how to take it. The College Board is trying to trick you! See past the tricks and you can get the score to get you to college, the best years of your life, where *you* can decide where you're going. That's why I'm here.
NJ
New York University
I have just graduated from the Cinema Studies Master's program at NYU, and still have most of the known world left to conquer. It's a terrible burden I shoulder, trying to bring others towards the light that is the Andrew .... otherwise I have some pretty normal ambitions. I love teaching, and have taught/currently teach fencing, Krav Maga (self defense martial art), ESL, and now SAT/ACT prep. The big pie in the sky is to get my PhD and teach cinema studies at the university level (and maybe write a book or two). Between now and then, I fully intend to travel as much as I can, and learn to pronounce all the names correctly.
The one academic problem I encountered most while earning my bachelor's and master's was that many professors and TAs, for all their brilliance and encyclopedic knowledge, couldn't teach to save their lives. Many never left academia, leading to a very specific and narrow perception of the world. So before working on the PhD, I am taking a break - one in which I'll travel, earn a living like the rest of the world, and actually cultivate the skill sets to communicate effectively in a classroom setting. That's where Revolution Prep came in. It's a great company providing a great service for high school students throughout the US who refuse to let the ETS Man get them down. So in addition to bettering myself, I will hopefully help others better themselves. Hoo-rah.
Upcoming courses:
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NESTm
SAT course - begins September 14, 2010
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Bard HS Early College
SAT course - begins September 27, 2010
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Scarsdale, NY
Skidmore College
I graduated from Skidmore College in 2004 with a degree in English Literature. Boy, was that useful. I worked with the Princeton Review as a Master Tutor for two years before leaving to tutor on my own for three years.
All the while, I have been working at night as a stand-up comedian in New York City, a job at which I am semi-professional and semi-funny.
I found Revolution Prep to have the ideal balance of practice testing and teacher reinforcement, and I hope to grow in this company and contribute to the curriculum.
Upcoming course:
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Bard HS Early College II
SAT course - begins September 27, 2010
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Lake Grove, NY
Northeastern University (Undergrad), Dowling College (Grad)
I'm a recent graduate of Northeastern University, having successfully completed a dual-major degree in Mathematics and Computer Science. I have also recently enrolled in graduate school at Dowling College for a Masters in Secondary Education. In my free time, you can usually find me in front of a computer or a musical instrument, and when the weather is right, outside playing sports.
Having taught with Revolution Prep for over two years now, I think I can safely say that I teach because of the impact I get to have on the students. I find that not only am I able to teach them the material specific to the standardized tests, but I'm also able to share with them my ever-increasing array of life experiences and really connect with them on a more adult level than they're used to. I see my role not as a means to an end, but more as a bridge for that awkward gap between the high school mindset and that of college-bound student. While I suppose I could attempt to make that connection with any test preparation company, I truly believe in what Revolution Prep is doing for these kids, and I'm proud to be a part of it!
Upcoming courses:
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Cold Spring Harbor HS
SAT course - begins August 28, 2010
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Cold Spring Harbor HS
SAT course - begins September 25, 2010
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Sharon, MA
Wesleyan University
Born and raised in Massachusetts, I moved to New York two years ago after graduating from Wesleyan University in '08. During these years I have been teaching and tutoring test prep for the SAT's, SHSAT's, and various AP's. When not testing I enjoy movies, crossword puzzles, and humor.
Revolution Prep combines an excellent curriculum with the noble ideal that every student should be able to receive quality test preparation, regardless of income. I am proud to work for a company that offers these great courses to everyone.
Upcoming courses:
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Tottenville HS
SAT course - begins September 13, 2010
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Tottenville HS
SAT course - begins September 25, 2010
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Susan Wagner HS
SAT course - begins September 25, 2010
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Waterloo, IL
New York University
I grew up in a small town in southern Illinois, but I always knew I was really a city girl. So I headed to New York University for college, where I majored in English and minored in Math. During and after college, I worked in the food world in several capacities - for a baker, a chocolate shop, an upscale restaurant, and several farmers at the city's farmers markets. I am currently working on my English PhD, and I decided to balance the lonely task of research with the energetic atmosphere of the Revolution classroom. I love books (mostly old ones), movies, singing, biking, and baking (I have a dangerous sweet tooth!)
As a graduate student, I started teaching writing to college freshmen and quickly learned that many students are intimidated by seemingly tricky skills that are actually quite basic when explained properly. I love Revolution Prep because their curriculum is centered around this idea that students CAN tackle the tricks of the SAT with just some practice and some key strategies. They have figured out the best way to approach the SAT - who wouldn't want in on that?
Upcoming course:
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NYC Lab School
SAT course - begins September 28, 2010
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Vero Beach, FL
Northwestern University
My life in two paragraphs:
When I was in fourth grade, I got a little teary eyed because I couldn't understand fractions. From that moment on, I vowed that I would not let myself or anyone else be intimidated by math.
When I was in 6th grade, I quit the piano lessons my parents made me take. Three years later I got really into guitar. Nine years after that, I finished getting an electrical engineering degree and I moved to New York to build and run a recording studio with my brother.
When I moved to New York, the only plan I had was to create and record music. I needed a secondary plan to pay the bills. I always enjoyed teaching and working with classmates to understand school material, so I started looking for tutoring jobs. When I heard about Revolution Prep, I knew I wanted to work for them. The fact that they will teach students who want to learn, whether or not they can afford the course sold me on the company immediately.
Upcoming courses:
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Brooklyn Technical HS
SAT course - begins September 13, 2010
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HS for Math, Science and Engineering
SAT course - begins September 25, 2010
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Brookfield, Wisconsin
UW-Madison and Columbia SIPA
After working on Wall Street for 8 years, I came to my senses and decided to do something a little more fun and a lot more rewarding. I recently graduated from a masters program at Columbia and am working on starting a business with a couple of friends. In my free time, I love to travel off the beaten path as much as possible and to run crazy-long races that sometimes involve dressing up in ridiculous costumes.
I'm thrilled to be teaching the SAT for Revolution Prep! Although it was (too) long ago, I clearly I remember how overwhelming and daunting a process preparing for college apps can be. I love getting to know my students and finding ways to help them achieve their goals so that they can feel excited about the amazing college experiences that lie ahead!
Upcoming courses:
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Eleanor Roosevelt HS
SAT course - begins August 28, 2010
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Eleanor Roosevelt HS
SAT course - begins September 30, 2010
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Reston, VA
American University, New York University
I used to be fascinated with elephants. Then, for a time, it was flamingos. Now my interests include audio engineering (my major), watching obscure movies and medical procedures on TV, and daydreaming about the day when I will have enough time, space and moxie to take apart an entire saxophone and put it back together in working order.
Revolution Prep takes an innovative approach to standardized test preparation and uses strategies that are both simple and highly effective. Also, I like to participate in activities that require me to use the word "Pythagorean."
Upcoming courses:
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NYC Lab School
ACT course - begins September 13, 2010
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Eleanor Roosevelt HS
ACT course - begins October 30, 2010
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Fairfax, VA
University of Virginia, Columbia University
I am a graduate student at Columbia University where I am studying operations research in the engineering school. I hope to use my degree to improve people's lives in the areas of medicine and infrastructure development. Prior to starting graduate school, I worked as an economic modeler for an arts non-profit and a government contractor. I attended the University of Virginia where I majored in mathematics and economics. I have a sister and three stepsisters and a dog named Louie.
I have always had a natural ability with standardized tests. I also enjoy helping people. Revolution Prep offered me the opportunity to do both. I feel strongly about working for a company that is socially conscious and Revolution Prep is exactly that.
Williamsville, New York
Binghamton University, University of Virginia
I love to travel. When I was a kid I decided that I would visit all 50 states. I haven't succeeded yet because I discovered that traveling out of the country is even more fun. In college I got the chance to live in Paris, France (one of the many cool things about college) and I've made my way through Greece, France, England, Spain, Italy, and India. When I'm not trekking around the world, I spend most of my time watching TV shows that my mom says will rot my brain. Hasn't happened yet. Moms aren't always right.
When I was in high school, I thought the SAT's were long, hard, and boring; and they have only gotten longer, harder, and more boring. I teach for Revolution Prep because I want to show students that the test is not as impossible as it might first seem.
Mesa, Arizona
Stanford University
No matter where I move, or what else I am doing, I continue to find myself tutoring or teaching in some capacity. Being a pretty huge nerd myself, I place an enormous value on education, and believe that every child should have the opportunity to learn and progress. In teaching for Revolution Prep, I hope to help make it a little bit easier for each desiring student to reach their very own pie in the sky: college! I am so excited to be part of the Revolution!
I just moved to New York City to dance professionally after graduating with a degree in Psychology and Performing Arts in June 2008. When I am not prancing around, I read, explore new places, travel just about anywhere, and do anything that involves being physically active. If and when I finish my dance career, I'll invest my energy in developmental psychology. For now, I am loving New York!
Dallas, Texas, or maybe Decatur, Illinois
George Washington University and Oxford University
In the last few years I've been an academic advisor and mentor, writing tutor, freelance editor, executive assistant and food importer. Before that, I got a master's in Linguistics at Oxford University, and before that I got a BA in English with a minor in Geography at George Washington University. Yep, books and maps. Before that, I was just another midwestern high school student. I still like books and maps, but I also love running, boxing and baking.
I teach for Revolution Prep because the SAT doesn't determine who is smart and who is not, and it doesn't determine one's self-worth. It is just a test, and it is all about learning to play by its rules!
New York City
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute / Manhattan School of Music
Although born in New York City, I spent my toddler years in Mexico and Paris. We then moved to the Netherlands, where I went to the French Lycee for a while, and later, the American School of the Hague. Alongside English, I speak Spanish, French and Dutch. Really!
I majored in Math at RPI, came to NYC for a job in banking. After a few years, I went back to music school and got my Masters in Music Composition. I currently teach math and music full-time at the middle and high school levels.
Other fun facts:
• I have written music for and musically directed theater works Off-Off Broadway
• I have worked for graphic design and production companies and trained employees in the use of desktop publishing
• I have freelanced as a movie translator
• I have run summer music festivals
• I am an origami fanatic
• I love to make home made ice cream and pasta
Beyond having a great program, I am particularly struck by Revolution Prep's mission of making their facilities available to students regardless of socio-economic status. If we are to educate future citizens of an increasingly complex society, it is vital to provide all students with skills that will open up opportunities for them.
Washington, DC
Vanderbilt
I'm originally from DC and headed south to warmer weather for college. At Vanderbilt, I majored in Theatre, then moved to New York three years ago to attend an acting conservatory. My first teaching job was in a public elementary school where I helped the kids learn to write their own plays, which my fellow teachers and I then performed for the kids on a Broadway stage. When I'm not teaching or acting, I enjoy reading, hiking, growing herb gardens (I blame squirrels and the poor soil quality in Queens for my lack of success in this area), and writing.
I connect with Revolution Prep's goal of equalizing education, and appreciate that they encourage creativity and problem-solving among their teachers. The Revolution Prep strategies are also simple and fun, and help to remove the mystique and fear that surrounds the SAT.
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