Chicago Metro Manager of Instruction
At Revolution Prep I manage a diverse group of incredibly talented instructors and together we are able to impact the lives of thousands of teens in the Chicago area. It?s a truly rewarding experience that I would not trade for any other job!
The Chicago region has some absolutely fantastic instructors from all walks of life. We have actors, paramedics, nuns, tour guides, all working together to create an entertaining, lively, and interactive classroom for our students. We work to improve the lives of all students, not just those in our classes, through community service projects at local high schools and elementary schools. Chicago is a hard working city, and our instructors are great examples of Chicagoans going above and beyond!
- National merit scholar
- Masters degree in psychology
- President of National Honors Society
- Completed undergrad in three years (not really an accomplishment, just a random fact)
Chicago Metro Instructors
Omaha, NE
Loyola University Chicago
I grew up in Nebraska, home of the Cornhuskers and thousands of other corn-related things. I moved to Chicago in 2004 in search of somewhere actually colder than Nebraska, as well as to attend college at Loyola University where I studied Economics, History, and Education . I completed a year of Law School at DePaul University, however, it was not a good fit for me, but I love Chicago so much that I stayed and currently give architectural boat tours of Chicago (think Vince Vaughn in The Break Up...but a little cooler). I plan to go back to school to get my Master's in Education. I played sports throughout high school and still love running along the lakefront in the City.
Revolution Prep has an amazing mission that I believe very strongly in. Helping students succeed on the ACT furthers their college opportunities and ultimately job opportunities, while hopefully giving them useful, long term knowledge in the process. The college applications and the ACT were a stressful time in my life. I want to make the experience less stressful and more enjoyable (dare I say... FUN???) for students. I love teaching and interacting with kids and try to find any way that I can to help them. I have a wide variety of interests and passions and think that makes it easier to relate subjects to students in an interesting way. I relish the opportunity to be there for students as they make their journey along this difficult, yet exciting path.
Skokie, IL
University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana
I graduated from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana with a BS in Media Studies (and concentrations in English and history). I took a bit of a roundabout path to my degree by switching majors a few times and even transferring universities (I started out at Boston University). Because of this, I've garnered extensive collegiate experiences from which I've gleaned trinkets of wisdom I hope to share with the college-bound students I get to meet and teach. In my spare time, I most enjoy spending time and having conversations with my family and good friends. I love reading (contemporary short stories, media-related topics, etc.), public broadcasting, cooking (there's nothing like smashing garlic), playing with my puppies, and in general trying to soak up the best details of life.
There is something palpably refreshing about Revolution, which is not necessarily a statement one would usually make about a standardized test prep company. For me, what I most enjoy and respect about Revolution comes down to three elements: the good people that make this company, the teaching philosophy, and the integration of a social conscience into the fundamental nature of the business. These qualities are rather rare and unique to Revolution - they make the company a place where jobs and tasks can be challenging but where moving forward through such things really does not feel like work. It's lovely.
Upcoming course:
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St. Patrick HS
ACT course - begins July 24, 2010
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Valparaiso, IN
Indiana University Bloomington
I am a recent graduate of IU Bloomington, earning bachelor's degrees in Economics and English Literature. During my tenure there, I participated in Club Ultimate, community basketball and frisbee leagues, co-headed a poetry circle, and played music with a melange of musicians, eventually releasing one EP. I've now moved back to Chicagoland in hopes of starting a career in editing/publishing.
Communication and the learning process are fascinations of mine, and education is the joint application of these. Revolution Prep is the perfect environment for me to make a positive difference in other peoples' lives while developing myself as an active member of the community and growing as an individual.
Upcoming course:
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Carl Sandburg HS
ACT course - begins July 24, 2010
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Redding, CT
Northwestern University
I graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and a proficiency in ultimate Frisbee. I worked for a biotechnology firm after graduation, but now I am focusing my energies on teaching. I still play ultimate year-round, which means I will not have any knee function after 30; however, I've prepared myself for that. I also love to cook multi-course dinners, and I tend to play any piano I can find.
I have had a passion for teaching others since high school, when I gave private music lessons and tutored for SAT prep and for the AP classes I was taking. Now I have the opportunity to do this again, and Revolution Prep's approach to teaching is very much aligned with my natural teaching style, so it was an easy decision for me to make!
Chicago
Marquette University
I live on the southwest side of Chicago and am employed in a number of school districts as a substitute teacher. I have taught preschool, third grade, fifth grade, and high school Social Studies. Every year, I take courses to further my own education in the field of teaching. I am now taking courses to obtain certification to teach English language learners. I will soon be starting a program for an elementary teaching certificate (I am middle school/secondary certified).
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, seeing movies, shopping, golfing, snowboarding, traveling, and eating out.
I took an ACT prep course in high school and learned valuable skills that allowed me to receive a great score on my ACT. Revolution's program is unique in the sense that it gives you an all-around plan of action to take the ACT. Not only do you gain a core understanding of important concepts, but you also "train for the test" by taking our practice exams. I believe in this program because I have seen it work!
Upcoming course:
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Glenbard East HS
ACT course - begins July 27, 2010
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Andover (Minneapolis), MN
Wheaton College
I grew up in a frozen tundra (aka, the land of 10,000 snowfalls). In high school I was really involved in Mock Trial and choir (sadly, I was not blessed with the athletic gene). When looking at colleges, I wanted to go someplace out of state, somewhere near a big city, and somewhere warmer (granted, you can get much colder when you're in MN). I succeeded in two out of the three by going to Wheaton College. While at Wheaton, I was greatly involved in the choir program, the opera program, and the theater club. I graduated with a degree in Music Performance (voice).
When looking at jobs, I was really impressed with Revolution Prep's financial aid program and their desire to find fun, passionate teachers (a category which I obviously fit into). After meeting some of the other teachers and managers, I was even more impressed. Revolution Prep really follows through on its philosophy. Students' success really is the #1 goal.
Upcoming courses:
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Lisle HS
ACT course - begins July 24, 2010
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Neuqua Valley HS
ACT course - begins July 26, 2010
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Waubonsie Valley HS
ACT course - begins July 27, 2010
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Naperville, IL
Michigan State University
I am a recent graduate of Michigan State University with a degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. I will be attending Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine in the fall, and plan to be a surgeon. (I've known I wanted to be a doctor since the age of five!) In my spare time, I love to swim and do triathlons. I've been teaching swim lessons and giving oboe lessons for the last six years, and tutoring high school and college students for the past year. Currently, I'm the head swim coach for the Tall Grass Swim Club in Naperville. I play the piano and oboe, and arrange musical performances for the residents of several local nursing homes. Some of my likes include Harry Potter, downtown Chicago, and the Blackhawks.
I love seeing the excitement that comes from understanding and knowing that I've made a difference in the students' lives. I had such a blast in college that I want everyone to reach their full potential so that they are able to go to the college of their choice and enjoy it as much as I did!
Chicago
Loyola University
I am a student at Loyola University majoring in Biology. Before I came to Loyola, I was majoring in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I love math, but not enough to be an engineer! I work nights as an EMT in addition to teaching for Revolution Prep. Some day I hope to be an ER doctor to continue to feed my obsession with blood, guts, and adrenaline rushes. In the meantime, I am happy to be living in Chicago and spending time with my friends and my cool dog Thor. My hobbies include collecting vinyl records, baking cupcakes, screenprinting, and learning to play the ukulele.
In the past, I taught CPR through the American Heart Association. I also taught Engineering 100, a four-week introduction to the College of Engineering at the U of I. After graduation, I hope to teach high school biology for a year through Teach for America before entering medical school.
I love to teach and Revolution Prep offers me a chance to make a difference in the lives of local high school students.
Upcoming course:
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Columbia College
ACT course - begins July 24, 2010
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Wichita Falls, Texas
University of Chicago
I grew up in small town Texas and, after college, ventured to the midwest for graduate school. My master's degree at the University of Chicago is in sociology of education and statistical methods. I work at a policy research center at UofC, studying and writing about reading development in children, how teachers learn to support students, and the impact of student mobility on schools.
I'm happiest when I am running on the lake shore or have a tennis racket in my hand.
As part of my work, I've studied how standardized tests are constructed, how questions are written, and what the "tricks of the trade" are. In short, I know more about the ACT/SAT than any sane person should. Revolution Prep was a perfect fit.
Elmhurst, IL
Johns Hopkins University (BA Neuroscience), University of Illinois at Chicago (MD/Ph.D - current student)
Hi! My name is Alicia and I am a recent graduate of Johns Hopkins University, where I majored in neuroscience. In college I worked as a tutor in chemistry, physics, and neuroscience. I really enjoy teaching and watching my students succeed! This summer I am starting an MD/PhD program at the University of Illinois at Chicago with hopes of becoming a pediatric neurologist. In my free time I enjoy cooking, traveling, playing the flute, and scuba diving.
The curriculum and teaching method at Revolution Prep are both extremely strong. I feel good about the material that I am teaching with Revolution Prep!
Vail, IA
Creighton University
Greetings! I was born and raised in a small, tight-knit community in western Iowa. I graduated from Kuemper Catholic High School, and matriculated to Creighton University where I earned dual degrees in Theatre and Political Science. After touring professionally as an actor, I entered and graduated from law school. Currently, I am working on a Ph.D. at Northwestern University where I investigate and analyze the performance practices of litigators.
I want to equip students with the skills necessary to pursue and acheive their educational goals. Likewise, Revolution Prep is an organization that focuses on a student's life during and after "the test." Join us!
Des Moines, IA
Northwestern University
I graduated from Northwestern in 2007 and then headed to Arizona to work as an engineer. After being let go from my engineering job I decided to relocate back to Chicago to look for work and explore some other career opportunities, including a possible move into education. When I'm not tutoring I enjoy running, playing ultimate frisbee, playing guitar and hanging out with friends.
I was drawn to Revolution Prep due to their growth and commitment towards making their services available to all students, regardless of economic background.
Phoenix, AZ
Loyola Marymount University
I am currently working towards an MA and PhD in English Literature at Loyola University Chicago. I received my BA in English Literature and History. Despite my academic pursuits, I have always had a love of science, especially astronomy, experimental physics, and non-Euclidean geometries. I ride my bike every chance I get and play competitive soccer.
I enjoy being a vehicle for change by helping people achieve academic and professional goals. As arbitrary as standardized tests can be, they are a means to an end-- and the end is opportunity and personal growth.
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