Los Angeles Instructors
Lucas Adams
Hometown: Encinitas, CA
College: UCLA
About Me:
I'm from Encinitas, CA, and I graduated from La Costa Canyon High School, where I played basketball and tennis, and did debate, in that order. I went to UCLA and after cycling through a few majors ended up studying Japanese - not because I love anime, but because I wanted to read Japanese literature in the original (which simply makes me a different kind of nerd, I suppose). I spent my third year studying abroad in Tokyo at Waseda University. After I graduated from UCLA, I taught for two years at a high school in Hamamatsu, Japan through the JET Programme. After my second year was up, I moved to Tokyo and worked for a while as a videogame translator. Recently, I got all Japanned-out and came home. Still, I am prone to weird outbursts of Japanese, I frequently bow my head at people unconsciously, and in conversation, regardless of relevance to the topic at hand, I will talk about Japan. These are all problems I am working on. Otherwise, I read a lot, I listen to a lot of music, I travel a lot, and I enjoy languages.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I started teaching for Revolution in my second year at UCLA, back when the company was just starting up in Los Angeles. Having taken an SAT class myself in high school (not on my own volition, of course) which I found tiresome and unhelpful, I was impressed at the vision of the two founders of Rev Prep for something better, and impressed at the concept of job that didn't involve waiting tables. I really enjoyed teaching for the company during that year, and so came back to teach again after spending a year studying abroad in Japan. Now, after graduation and two more years abroad working as an English instructor, I'm anxious to get back to work for Revolution because I enjoy working with kids - through a curriculum I sincerely believe is effective - and helping them towards their college success.
Boomie Aglietti
Hometown: Orinda, CA (Bay Area)
College: Yale University
About Me:
I'm a writer, but I've always had a strong interest in education (I've taught enrichment classes for underprivileged kids, and I used to be an editor at SparkNotes).
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I like making learning interesting.
Drew Baldwin
Hometown: Los Angeles
College: Yale University
About Me:
I grew up in Los Angeles, CA and left for boarding school in Boston when I was 14 years old. I majored in Humanities at Yale University with a focus on the Italian Renaissance. Last year I started a company, Tubefilter, which is involved in the world of web television and online entertainment.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
The SAT is a rite of passage we all have to go through. My primary goal is to ease anxieties about this beastly test and to uncover all of the tricks and traps that make the SAT seem more difficult than it is. Beyond teaching test taking techniques, I aim to instill confidence in students that will help their performance in school and in life.
Peter Barber
Hometown: Lincoln, Nebraska
College: The University of Nebraska-Lincoln; The Master's Seminary
About Me:
I grew up in Lincoln, Nebraska, and went to a small high school (28 people in my class!) just outside of Lincoln. When I graduated I went to the University of Nebraska on an acedemic scholarship (a little work on these tests can really pay off!) and earned my degree in history. Now I'm in school at The Master's Seminary here in Los Angeles and hope to finish my master's degree in 2009.
My relationship with God is definitely the most important thing in my life, I particularly enjoy serving Him by working with high school and college youth! My family is also very important to me. I have a brother, three sisters and a brother-in-law who (along with my parents) live in Lincoln.
When I'm not studying or working with the college group at church, I like to do most anything sporty. My favorites are baseball, golf, and all things Huskers (I also played football and basketball in high school). I'm a bit of a movie nerd. Star Wars and Lord of the Rings are my favorite movies. I also like a good comedy, suspense, or musical. If you listen closely in class, I'm sure that you'll catch more than a few references here! :)
If you want to know more, gimme a call, or you can visit my MySpace page at www.myspace.com/sowthpaw1231!
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
To help you! I love teaching, especially high school and college students. It's when people form habits and make decisions that shape who they are for the rest of their lives.
Ian Batstone
Hometown: Vancouver, BC (Canada)
College: Cal State Fullerton & Cal State Dominguez Hills
About Me:
I'm the son of parents who moved around a lot. So even though I'm basically from Southern California, I was born in Canada, lived in Illinois, Texas, North Dakota, and spent 3 years in Ghana, Africa as a kid. I developed a bit of a taste for traveling, and like to collect musical instruments from different countries. I've recently been living in Compton and have been teaching in public high school and junior high for about 4 years. I am now teaching adult school and Revolution Prep!
I've been married to a great girl for 6 years and now have a 2 year old daughter who is cuter than you (that's her on the left).
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I love teaching and tutoring. Teaching can be tons of fun if done correctly. Revolution has a great vision that I feel like I can be a part of. I'm one of those saps who likes to help people, so I love the fact that Revolution is less expensive but just as competitive as other SAT Prep organizations.
Robbyn Beck Sarmiento
Hometown: Pomona, CA
College: UC Irvine, University of Southern California
About Me:
By day, I'm Ms. Sarmiento, the most awesome 7th grade math teacher you wish you ever had. By afternoon and evening, I'm just Robbyn, the youngest of 6 kids (5 of whom went to USC! Fight on!) who grew up in Covina, CA. I love to travel; I've been to 45 of the United States, Canada, Mexico, Jamaica, Australia, New Zealand, France, Switzerland, and I studied abroad in Italy for 3 months and can without a doubt say it was the best time of my life (when you get to college, STUDY ABROAD! If I teach you nothing else, which I promise won't be the case, but really, I hope you STUDY ABROAD). I also love to dance; I grew up doing ballet, jazz and tap (and won a national championship when I was 9), but then got into swing and salsa dancing in college. I love all water sports and hanging out at the beach or river. I also love my husband, Edgar, who I married on April 26th! But enough about me, what about you?
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I loved my college experience and want to help kids get to the university of their dreams, too. The SAT is such a big factor in that process, so by helping kids prepare for this pivotal test, I can have the greatest impact.
Nathan Bennett
Hometown: Visalia, CA
College: UC Davis, University of Cambridge, Harvard, Claremont
About Me:
As you may have guessed from the universities I have attended (see above; College), I love learning. I shipped off to UC Davis with no idea of what I wanted to do, and enjoyed exploring different classes so much that it took me three years to decide on my two majors (somehow I still managed to graduate in four). After studying abroad in England (at Cambridge), I returned to the states with a renewed interest in History and Religious Studies. Following my graduation from Davis, I went to Harvard to earn an M.A. in Religious Studies, with a focus on the Roman Empire and early Christian History. I am now currently working towards a Ph.D. in the same subject at Claremont. My days consist of cafes, reading, translating Greek and Latin, absorbing the ideas of the greatest ancient philosophers, and generally thinking big thoughts about the past. It's a good life.
Of course, I can't keep my nose in the books all the time. When I'm not reading, you can generally find me outside running, swimming, or playing soccer, or watching the beautiful game with friends (I love that sport!). I also have a passion for costume parties.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
College was such an adventure for me (encountering new ideas, meeting interesting people, seeing foreign places), and it is my sincerest hope that every young person can share in that experience. Not only is the guidance and preparation Revolution provides the best, it is also crucial for making that happen. I love teaching with Revolution because it allows me to assist students in realizing their aspirations, and because imparting my (considerable) knowledge of college to them is really fun.
Ben Bensinger
Hometown: We moved a lot. I went to high school in northern California.
College: U of Maryland
About Me:
I have taught for over twenty years. I am a sports fan and, like most English teachers, love to read.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I love working with young people, and I find the SAT fascinating.
Mark Bowden
Hometown: Rockford, IL
College: Northwestern University
About Me:
I grew up in rural Illinois, and much as I loved the hypnotic swaying of cornstalks in the wind, I left as soon as I could. I attended Northwestern University where I got a BA in Political Science and Economics, because I am exciting. While there, I also managed the Greatest Radio Station in the History of the Universe, WNUR.
After graduating, I taught for two years on Chicago’s South and West sides through Teach for America, which was a challenging and rewarding experience. After that, I suddenly always felt like teaching people.
I eventually moved to Los Angeles because I had my fill of the Midwestern winters, and I definitely haven’t regretted it. In my spare time, I read, write, pretend I am a chef, watch as many movies as possible, run as fast as I can, and practice lucid dreaming and time travel.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I started teaching in Chicago Public Schools right out of college. During this time, I got to see a lot of great teaching and a lot of terrible teaching. The best teachers I saw had clearly worked tirelessly to understand the strengths, weaknesses, and learning styles of each of their students. Unfortunately, many educators I saw were content to apathetically recite scripted lesson plans to classrooms full of frustrated students.
I teach for Revolution because they encourage that same level of care and preparedness I’ve seen in the best teachers. The Revolution curriculum is truly exceptional, yet it allows plenty of space for me to focus on where my students need the most help.
James Bowman IV
Hometown: Boise, Idaho
College: Chapman University 08
About Me:
I recently graduated from Chapman University with a BFA in Creative Writing and a BA in theatre performance. For the past four years I have taught drama and improv to students aging from 6 to 18. I also perform weekly in a OC improv comedy group and in my free time I am always up for a game of ultimate frisbee.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I am thrilled to be teaching and tutoring students with Revolution Prep. Rev Prep does a great job of taking something every student dreads--the standardized test--and making it fun and interesting (and if not fun and interesting, at least more bearable and less scary). The Rev Prep curriculum gives every student a chance to succeed, and I am excited to be a part of it.
Kathryn Bowns
Hometown: Altadena
College: UC Berkeley
About Me:
I grew up in Altadena and attended Westridge School in Pasadena. I had the great fortune to be able to attend UC Berkeley for six years, where I spent the greatest years of my life. While at Berkeley I managed to shift my concentration from English, to Comparative Literature, to Classics Languages, and finally to Celtic Studies, where I finally remained. Since I picked the most archaic (and interesting) subject to study, I can now confidently critique every movie made about King Arthur, as well as pronounce the longest name in the world (in Welsh): Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch). I love traveling and have been to Japan, Alaska, Mexico, and Europe. I can say with absolute certainty that Wales is the greenest place I have ever seen! I adore music (including a weakness for Queen) and spent several summers working at the Hollywood Bowl and getting to experience every type of music under the sun. I’ll read anything from William Blake to Stephanie Meyer, love cooking crazy and convoluted concoctions, enjoy hiking in the beautiful pacific northwest (including long walks on the beach, dinners by candlelight, etc.), and occasionally vacuuming my very sweet and very long-haired cat.
As I come from a family composed mainly of doctors and teachers, it was almost preordained that I would choose one or the other. I chose both—I am a teacher and tutor at Revolution Prep while studying for a possible Dental Hygiene degree. My head is filled with Latin, Greek, English literature, the True History of Tristan and Isolde, and tons of insane grammar rules along with a healthy dose of anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, and “How to get a 5 on the Bio AP”. I will happily unload this information on anyone who wants (or needs) it. Most especially, I just truly love teaching, and am always thrilled to take on new assignments. Dymuniadau gorau!
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
Revolution Prep focuses on high quality instructional methods combined with huge amounts of enthusiasm and fun. The company focuses on making sure students do their best and have a great experience at the same time, which is the highest priority for a teacher. Because of it's fantastic strategies, really fun teaching environment, awesome colleagues, and great students, Revolution has become the best job I've ever had.
Ashley Bragg
Hometown: Orange, CA
College: UCLA
About Me:
I was born and raised in Orange, CA until I moved to Los Angeles to attend UCLA. I graduated this past Spring with a Bachelors degree in Physiological Science. I am now working, volunteering and conducting research as I decide what is next. I plan to attend graduate school to study medicine, nursing, public health, or medical research. In the mean time, I volunteer at Common Ground HIV Community Center in Santa Monica conducting educational workshops for homeless youth. I also volunteer for Project BRITE (Bruins Reforming Incarceration Through Education) through UCLA. I work to help incarcerated youth keep up on their studies, attain their GED and act as a friend and mentor during a difficult time. I am also conducting research on substance abuse and HIV/AIDS through a UCLA research lab. Before college, I worked closely with my personal physician to create an in hospital tutoring program for long-term patients at hospitals in Orange County. When not busy tutoring, volunteering or studying, I enjoy relaxing at the beach, watching sports (Go Angels!), and spending time with friends and family.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I have always loved learning. Even while spending a majority of my childhood in a hospital, I read constantly and insisted on having a daily tutor. I have experienced first hand the power personal attention can bring to one's education. Revolution Prep shares the same philosophies and ideas regarding education. Regardless of one's educational background or financial ability, Revolution Prep will help students succeed.
Meghan Brown
Hometown: San Francisco, California
College: University of California, Irvine
About Me:
I recently graduated from UC Irvine with a degree in Drama, where I was an Honors in Directing student focusing on playwriting who liked to act and took musical theatre, fiction, and poetry classes. Basically—I have many interests. At UCI I also ran my own grant-funded theatre company and participated in the Duke in London Drama Program and the UCI New York Satellite Program. (Yes, college is great. Great great great.)
Writing is my favorite thing in the world. I also like fortune-telling machines, magic tricks, short stories with unreliable narrators, giraffes, raspberry lemonade, the Cupid and Psyche myth, and getting emotionally invested in movie trailers. Addison was my favorite character on Grey’s Anatomy, and I’m kind of bummed that Private Practice is lame. I love teaching and am excited to help students increase their college options through decoding the SAT.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
My personal philosophy is that there is nothing more engaging and interesting than learning, but that there are many, many, things more engaging and interesting than the SAT. So what would be the point of taking a boring prep class about a boring subject? Basically:
SATs = Boredom = Low scores
SATs * Uninteresting Prep Class = Lame = Not Helpful
SATs * RevPrep = Engaging! + Interesting! = Success!
Meghan = Proud to fight the good fight.
Ryan Chaffee
Hometown: Andover, MN
College: Yale University
About Me:
I grew up in Minnesota, where they have all those lakes. While studying English at Yale University, I directed a performing comedy group, played in rock bands, and let off any remaining steam with my fraternity. After graduation, I spent the summer in Russia shooting a documentary about Seattle high school students who traveled to a St. Petersburg school to install a donated computer lab. I worked for a few years in New York for a record label, then headed West to pursue my screenwriting dreams.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
In my life, many doors have been opened for me. Achieving on the SATs is what opened that first door, and few things have proved as satisfying as helping fellow seekers open that first door for themselves.
Henry Chung
Hometown: San Dimas
College: UCLA
About Me:
I'm a CA native and studied philosophy at UCLA with a bit of accounting thrown in here and there. I graduated before my 21st birthday planning to go into audit but I learned through interning that it wasn't for me so I am back at square one (or maybe square 1.5). I'm currently getting ready for the June '09 LSAT so I'm in the same boat (sort of) as you guys. I'm a Lakers fan but I love Lebron "the King" James... and I am a rabid Arsenal fan as well (please do not talk to me about Manchester Utd).
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
Revolution has a curriculum that doesn't involve memorizing the dictionary and learning how to add numbers 2 to 2000 as fast as you can. We teach strategies and concepts that work, are efficient, and are useful even after you finish the SAT.
Daniel David
Hometown: Buffalo Grove, IL
College: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
About Me:
I'm Van Nuys born but Chicago bred, and I recently found my way back out west for a film internship in Santa Monica. Back in school, I kept busy with sports like basketball and ultimate frisbee, and I was active in musical theater and a cappella groups. I spent the past year in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic teaching English and journalism at a bilingual high school. I got to work on my Spanish fluency, and I even picked up some salsa dancing on the side (the jury is still out on my merengue abilities).
I minored in creative writing and doubled majored in journalism and English at the University of North Carolina, and I considered being a sports journalist out of college. As you can see from my degrees, writing plays a major part in my life; I just moved out to LA so I could get into the film business and make movies.
It's been a great year so far, but nothing can compare to the year of all years I had in 2005: I celebrated on Franklin Street when the Tar Heels won the NCAA basketball title, I grew a playoff beard as the White Sox won the World Series, and I traveled the world on a cruise ship while studying abroad on Semester at Sea (with stops in Venezuela, Brazil, S. Africa, Mauritius, India, Myanmar, Vietnam, Cambodia, China, Japan, and Hawaii).
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I miss teaching, plain and simple. I taught high school for the past two years--one in Florida, the other one in the Dominican Republic--and I had to take a break this year, so tutoring at Revolution Prep is my way of keeping that connection. Also, I was fortunate to attend Carolina, a school that I wanted to go to and a place that I loved, and it'll feel good to enable kids to score high and pursue their favorite schools.
David Drummond
Hometown: Galt, CA
College: Saint Mary's College/UC Riverside
About Me:
I have a Masters in physics from UC Riverside and am continuing there to get my Ph.D. I like to listen to music, watch movies, and play sports (which is so cliche, but sorry - it's true). In my spare time, I hang out with my wife and golden labrador puppy.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I love teaching because it allows me to help people do something that they couldn't do before. It is so rewarding when a student really understands something that used to be baffling. Revolution Prep gives me the chance to help people conquer the SAT and get into the college of their dreams! Also, it's great to put those SAT test makers in their place!
Megan Duffy
Hometown: Chicago, IL
College: Northwestern University
About Me:
I grew up on the south side of Chicago and went to a public magnet high school downtown, then proceeded to Northwestern because I apparently just couldn't get enough of the Windy City! I double-majored in Theatre and Sociology at Northwestern and spent a semester in London studying at an acting conservatory. After graduation and 22 years in Chicago, I decided it was time for a change of scenery, so here I am in L.A. enjoying the sunshine and the hour it takes to get to the beach, the desert, or the mountains!
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
EVERYONE deserves the chance to go to the school they want to go to, and getting into that school can sometimes be such a crap shoot... why not get control over one of the few things you CAN control?
William Duong
Hometown: Garden Grove
College: UCLA
About Me:
I graduated from UCLA with a degree in Physiological Science. Although I am looking forward to a career in medicine, I have developed a strong passion for teaching, becoming a UCLA tutor for 2 years. I was also the Director of Education for UCLA's high school outreach program, Citylab, and continue to mentor incoming UCLA freshman through UCLA's Academics in the Commons Program.
During my free time, I like being active, going to the gym, and playing a variety of sports. I am an avid Lakers fan, and I especially love eating Chinese food!
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I love teaching! Whether it is the fact that people have to listen to what I have to say (HAHA) or being able to help others achieve their goals, teaching is a source of fulfillment for me.
Blake Edwards
Hometown: Belleville, IL
College: Yale University
About Me:
I recently moved to LA to pursue my dream of sitting in traffic. My advice to everyone: reach for the stars.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
It's great to see things 'click' for students over the course of the class -- they might start off wanting to give up immediately on a particular problem, but by the end of the class they'll tackle the same problem with absolute ease.
Emily Ferenbach
Hometown: Las Vegas, NV
College: Yale University
About Me:
I was born and raised in Las Vegas. Seriously. In high school I was extremely involved in policy debate, traveling the country with my team to go to debate tournaments almost every weekend. When I wasn't busy dominating my opponents with my verbal prowess, I spent some quality time beating the SAT into submission. It did its best to keep me from going to Yale, but in the end, I was victorious.
Once I got to college, I decided to go in a different direction and study film. I'll be starting an MFA in Film and Television production at USC in January. I'm new to L.A., so I've been loving exploring the city. Los Angeles beats the pants off of anywhere I've lived before in terms of weather, and I'm really digging all the outdoor concerts and film screenings that go on here.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
The SAT is an obstacle that students must overcome to get where they want to be going. It should not be something that holds anyone back from his or her goals. If someone is having trouble on the SAT, I truly believe that the Revolution curriculum can help him or her improve. The SAT can be a challenge, but it is not impossible, and I love that I can help students take control of a portion of the college application process by doing as well as they can on this exam.
Veronica Fruiht
Hometown: Santa Rosa, CA
College: Cal Poly (BS), Claremont (PhD)
About Me:
I got my BS in psychology from Cal Poly, SLO (the best in the west) and now I'm working on my PhD at Claremont Graduate. I'm studying positive psychology, which is about looking at what goes right with people, instead of what goes wrong. Born and raised in Sonoma County (north of San Francisco) I am a Northern California girl, and a Giants fan. I'm really crafty (Martha Stewart trembles at my name), and my favorite things are office supplies, Project Runway, my bicycle, and coffee.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
Coming from an economically diverse high school where most people didn't think they could EVER get into college I am passionate about making sure that all students gets the tools and support they need to go to college. The SAT is just one more hurdle to keep students without confidence out of higher education, and I appreciate that Revolution is really in this to teach students they can beat the SAT. Also, I'm kind of a nerd, and this is an excuse to spend my free time at school.
Joseph Garand
Hometown: Pasadena
College: UC Santa Barbara
About Me:
After growing up in Pasadena, CA, I wanted to give the East Coast a try. Consequently, I decided to attend Duke University. However, after two years of battling Mother Nature, I realized that I am, and always will be, a California guy. So, I transferred to UCSB. I'm currently living the good life in Santa Barbara while I finish up my BS in mathematics. Why math? For the girls, of course. Chicks dig mathematicians. (Nota bene: I may be lying.) Actually, most people think that I’m a certifiable lunatic for voluntarily studying math, but I try not to let the haters throw salt in my game. When I’m not poring over pages filled with semi-comprehensible proofs, I enjoy sports, the beach, movies, music, video games, and just kicking back with friends. Although I take my studies and my teaching very seriously, I am quite easy-going. As the wise sage Mickey Rivers once said, "Ain't no sense worrying: If you have no control over something, ain't no sense worrying about it -you have no control over it anyway. If you do have control, why worry? So either way, there ain't no sense worrying."
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
You can kill a revolutionary but you can't kill a revolution! ***non-Rage Against the Machine answer***: I love teaching and am very interested in educational methods. Since I beat the SAT like a dirty rug, I could work for any SAT prep company. However, unlike many of its competitors, Revolution Prep is dedicated to its students and is devoted to creating new and innovative ways of preparing students for the SAT. Therefore, I chose to join the Revolution team, a choice that I do not regret.
Kristy Hanson
Hometown: Miami, FL
College: University of Michigan
About Me:
I'm a former music student/English major, and I continue to be a big reader and lover of language. My non-teaching work is as a musician, specifically, a singer-songwriter. When not teaching I can generally be heard singing (to myself or to others), and found with an acoustic or electric guitar in hand. Oh, or I'm with with my hubby, usually hiking or hanging out at our favorite coffee shop.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I found Revolution Prep through a friend who teaches for Revolution and loves it. And now that I'm part of it, I can say that I teach for Revolution Prep for a couple reasons: first, because the SAT tormented me for a good portion of my adolescence, and I want to help kids DEFEAT it, and second, because I am really excited about getting to know a wide range of students and see if I can pass on what I've learned over the years and with Revolution. I'd like to give students skills that will help them not just with the SAT but also with college and the rest of their lives! This is a lofty goal, I know, but it's one that I think is achievable.
Owen Hou
Hometown: Not sure, lived in too many places.
College: University of California, Berkeley
About Me:
Outside of Revolution Prep, I serve as one of the College Counselors at La Salle High School. I enjoy the one-on-one interaction with students and I also enjoy travelling and visiting college campuses all over the country. You can find out more of my travels on La Salle's blog at http://lasallehsblogs.org/communities/collegecenter/default.aspx.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
It is a good class and it is a good opportunity for me to find out how much math our school's students know.
Ashley Hsieh
Hometown: Pasadena, Ca
College: University of Southern California
About Me:
I graduated from USC (fight on!) where I studied Cinema-Television and Business Administration. Sophomore year, I studied abroad in Beijing and it was one of the best experiences in my life. I definitely encourage everyone to study abroad and travel as much as he/she can. Besides traveling, I enjoy many things such as watching movies, cheering on the Lakers, and buying vintage anything.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I had a fantastic time at college. Academically, I learned a great deal, but perhaps more importantly, I definitely grew as a person (definite cliché alert!). Because of my experiences, I want to help other kids get into their dream colleges. The SAT may serve as an obstacle for many, but Revolution Prep gives students the instruction and strategies necessary to score high.
jordana jaffe
Hometown: Tustin, CA
College: Harvard
About Me:
I graduated from Harvard, where I spent the majority of my time taking history and literature classes, writing for the school newspaper, and protecting my thin California skin from the tundra-like weather! I'm an older sister, which means I've been a teacher for most of my life, but I've taught creative writing classes professionally as well. In my spare time, I love to write, read, hike, support my sweet tooth, and explore Los Angeles.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I love meeting and working with such bright, motivated students!
Cameron Johnson
Hometown: Oakland, CA
College: University of Southern California
About Me:
9 out of 10 physicians agree: Cameron Johnson is awesome! Cameron grew up in the hills of Oakland, California. In 2003, after graduating from the Head Royce School, he moved to Los Angeles to attend the University of Southern California. There, he earned a degree in Political Science with a minor in writing for Screen and Television, and spent four months traveling the world. In addition to teaching with Revolution Prep, he is an aspiring television writer and a professional photographer.
Which is why, of course, all those doctors think he's awesome.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I teach for Revolution Prep because I believe firmly in both their curriculum, and in their social mission. I've worked as a tutor since 2004, and Revolution Prep is the first company I've worked with whose curriculum gives consistent score increases for students at all skill levels.
What's more, the social mission and financial aid programs serve to level the educational playing field, and open the world of higher education a wide-range of capable, dynamic students, regardless of their socio-economic status.
Diana Keeler
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
College: Occidental College
About Me:
I really enjoy teaching! I'm very enthusiastic, passionate, and fun. I have a double degree in Music and Film, and a minor in Education. I love sports and throughout school I played soccer, basketball, volleyball, and ran cross-country. I'm also very into playing the piano (for 19 years!), recording my own songs in GarageBand, and singing in the shower. Anything more you want to know - just ask!
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
Because it's the best job ever!
Keith Lawler
Hometown: Ventura
College: University of California, San Diego
About Me:
Director of Technology & Design
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
Love the kiddos
Breanna Levee
Hometown: York, Pennsylvania
College: New York University, University of Southern Califo
About Me:
I'm what most would consider a professonal student. Originally from a small town in Pennsylvania, I tried my luck as an English major at NYU. I was there for two years and managed to complete an Associates while exploring three different majors. I then decided why not Biology and oh yea why not California. I graduated from USC (fight on Trojans!) in 2008 with my bachelors in Biological Sciences with a minor in Biotechnology. In the fall of 2010 I will begin graduate school to complete my Masters in Biology. After it's all said and done I will be off to law school to begin a career in patent law for the biotechnology industry. I have a passion for animal rights and ran a school organization at USC. Things I love (aside from school of course): surfing, hiking, my dog Maximus, my cat Sunno, playing the violin and the guitar, singing (as long as no one can hear me), bike riding, snowboarding (or what I refer to as falling down really well), and of course my students!
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
Aside from hearing myself talk for three hours at a time, I had the pleasure of tutoring students through the No Child Left Behind program for two years and it was such a rewarding experience. I have also worked with Revolution, teaching classes and offering private tutoring, for over two years now. I have worked with students of all levels of ability and knowledge from France, to Northern California, to all over Los Angeles and Ventura counties. I really enjoy working with students to help them achieve their goals.
Douglas Lieblich
Hometown: East Setauket, NY
College: Yale University
About Me:
I grew up in a small suburb in Long Island where I attended a public high school. I was lucky enough to have a backyard with a duck pond teeming with frogs, turtles, and the occasional blue heron. I filled my days playing baseball, basketball, and piano.
During my tenure at Yale, I developed a passion for comedy and history. I wrote and edited the campus humor magazine and worked as a tour guide for the Yale Center of British Art. I began my tutoring experience in college where I taught high school students math, science, history, and writing, helping them with their homework and preparing them for the SAT II.
Upon my graduation I moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in writing and shaping young minds. In ten years, I hope to write for a television show. In thirty years, I hope to be a professor in humorology.
Oh, and I love jazz. Put on Bill Evans or Thelonious Monk and I'm in heaven.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I teach at Revolution Prep because I enjoy working one-on-one with intelligent motivated students. I like to build a strong and comfortable rapport with my pupils so that I can tailor each lesson to his/her strengths. My favorite aspect of teaching is watching an increased sense of academic confidence in my students Seeing my them empowered, ready to take on new challenges they never before believed possible, is the most rewarding part of my job.
Joshua Lord
Hometown: Long Beach, CA
College: UCLA
About Me:
I've been privileged to have some of the greatest jobs in the world in my attempt to follow the road less traveled. I started at 16 as a forklift operator and scrap metal expert at ARC Recycling in Long Beach. Yeah that's right, metallurgy...recognize. From there I took a job as a beach lifeguard and EMT at US Ocean Safety, where I have recorded 56 rescues, an EMT-B certification, and a righteous tan. I still go back every summer for two weeks to bodysurf, ATV, and fish-taco my way to enlightenment. From there I became an assistant manager at the late 9000 Lounge on Sunset Blvd and, in a few short months, became the youngest GM of a nightclub/restaurant/bar on Sunset. Pretty sweet. Once that expired, it was a brief stint in the banking world, a research position at the UCLA Neuroscience Lab, and various freelance bartending gigs that led to a transistion to Revolution Prep where I now work full time as a Regional Manager and Instructor Extraordinaire.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
Nothing makes me happier than kids who get something out of what I teach them, and that feeling I bring home after every class or tutoring session surpasses all the fun I've had in my last 25 years, without a doubt.
Greg Machlin
Hometown: Waterville, Maine
College: Brown University (B.A.)/University of Iowa (M.F.A)
About Me:
I taught writing-intensive college classes for three years at the University of Iowa, training students in how to write (among other things) short essays. I now tutor individually and teach for Revolution, and teach younger students chess. I've always been strong in math, so teaching the SAT is an ideal fit.
In my other life, I'm an award-winning playwright who writes comedies about vampires.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
The SAT can be a seriously traumatic and stressful event for many high school students. It doesn't have to be that way. I speak as someone who's taught for another test prep company that shall remain nameless: Revolution Prep understands teens in a way no one else does. The people at Revolution get that motivation and dealing with test anxiety are half the battle.
I find Revolution Prep's intelligent strategies and focus on the important, real-world psychological aspects of the test to be very helpful, and I've seen them work; in one class I taught, my students' scores increased by an average of 267 points.
Dina Mahmood
Hometown: Newport Beach, CA
College: University of California, Los Angeles
About Me:
I grew up in Redlands, CA and moved out to Orange County during high school with my family. I recently graduated with a BA in Geography and Environmental Studies from UCLA. Going to UCLA was a great experience. Throughout my four years at UCLA, I worked towards advocating for greater access to higher education. My passion for education and its ability to liberate those who pursue knowledge led me to pursue my master's degree at UCLA at the Graduate School of Education. When I am not teaching and putting together lesson plans, I love playing with my kitten, "G", and cooking vegan food.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
Because I've always wanted to legitimately say that I am part of the revolution. But seriously, I have always enjoyed tutoring and teaching. I have a knack for making especially boring tests, like the SAT, into a test that students feel confident tackling.
Peter Marlenga
Hometown: Wausau, WI
College: University of Wisconsin - Madison
About Me:
There are many things that can be said about me but I'll just mention the verbs - traveling, eating, learning, swimming, biking, and running.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
It's so great to hear from the students when the test scores come back. Really, that's why!
Daniel Montgomery
Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina
College: USC!!!
About Me:
I'm an actor in Hollywood with a great head on my shoulders and a passion to help others succeed, learn, and grow. Also, I'm a hilarious, warm, fun, smart, sassy, creative, freshly-painted, attractive, comforting guy, and I really know my stuff. Plus, I love to teach. ;)
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
Why? Because we like you! Revolution is a hilarious, warm, fun, smart, sassy, creative, freshly-painted, attractive, comforting company, and they really know their stuff. Plus, I love to teach.
Alexandra Moss
Hometown: New York, NY
College: Harvard University
About Me:
I'm a New York City kid who grew up taking the subway to high school in Brooklyn and rooting for the Mets. I studied Government at Harvard (along with Latin and Ancient Greek) and spent a year at Oxford doing Politics and History. But as it turns out, I've ended up mostly working in music since graduation - which of course is what brought me to LA. I tutored students privately and in after-school programs throughout college and worked with special-needs teens while in England. I love teaching, largely because I had many passionate and devoted teachers who always made learning fun and engaging.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I teach for Revolution because being able to do well on standardized tests is such a huge deal and Revolution's strategies are such a huge help. Preparing for my SATs and performing well shaped so many choices I had, it means a lot to help students achieve the scores they want and feel awesome on test day.
Tristan Mullis
Hometown: Corinna, Maine
College: Bowdoin College, Brooklyn Law School
About Me:
I came to Los Angeles in June after spending the last five years in New York City. I originally grew up on an apple orchard in central Maine and first left home for what would be an amazing experience attending Bowdoin College. I followed that with my time in New York where I worked for the City government investigating complaints of misconduct, and subsequently graduated law school.
In September, I married my girlfriend of four years. The two of us live in Glendale with an absolutely insane orange cat. In my free time I enjoy seeing friends, watching sports, and dominating my fantasy football league.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I teach for Revolution Prep because I find the approach both innovative and effective. It takes a much more active stance on handling the exam and focuses on putting the student in a position to attack the questions as opposed to passively sorting out what the College Board throws at them. Along that same thread, the company gives its instructors leeway in presenting material in a way that allows them to integrate their own personality into the classes to best communicate the concepts at hand.
I have a tremendous respect for the work that Revolution Prep does in supporting the community by way of scholarships and free courses in under served areas. This demonstrates a commitment to ensuring that mastery of the exam techniques and content are not limited to those who afford high-level courses. It instead allows any student who is willing to put in the time and effort to maximize their talents.
Camille Newbern
Hometown: San Diego, CA
College: University of Southern California
About Me:
I am a born and raised Southern California girl. I grew up by the beach and, for obvious reasons, have had a hard time leaving it behind. When it came to choosing a college, I narrowed it down to New York and LA. But the East Coast was way too cold, so I’ve been in LA ever since. I graduated from USC with a degree in American Literature.
I am currently a very busy young lady. I wake up at the crack of dawn most mornings and head out to the gym, where I am a Pilates instructor. After teaching and getting my own workout in, I head out to pursue my true love…acting. (What did you expect? We’re in LA.) The afternoon is spent auditioning, rehearsing, etc. Later in the afternoon and evening, you may find me preparing young minds to tackle the beast that is the SAT. With whatever time I have left, I’m in class, studying for my Masters in School Psychology. In my free moments, I love travel (my family takes at least one big trip and one smaller trip a year; last year was India; the year before was South America), dance, the arts, being with friends and family, my dogs, reading, laughing, etc., etc., etc.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
College is one of the greatest opportunities you will have in life to do exactly what you want (within reason, of course!). You’ll be able to study whatever you want, wake-up whenever you want, hang out with whomever you want… you’re basically free to experience life on your own and it’s awesome! The catch, because there always is one, is that there’s a lot of preparation involved to help you get there. You need to do well on the SAT to get into the school of your choice. I love Revolution Prep because it provides you the tricks and tools necessary to succeed on the SAT and beyond.
Jayce Newton
Hometown: Long Beach
College: UCLA & George Washington
About Me:
I have a BA from UCLA in American Lit and Public Policy and a MA from George Washington in International Affairs. I've lived and taught in the Czech Republic, Turkey, Morocco and Montreal. For fun I like cooking, eating, surfing, the Lakers and Bikram Yoga.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
Other tutoring methods simply force feed students the strategies, but Rev Prep is invested in the student's success and takes care to ensure that actual learning is taking place. The best tutoring company I've worked for.
Ian Nicholson
Hometown: Thousand Oaks, CA
College: UC Berkeley
About Me:
I finished school at Berkeley in May 2008, graduating with a Bachelors in Civil and Environmental Engineering. In addition to teaching for Revolution, I currently take classes part time at Moorpark College and work as a planning intern and ranger for the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. I plan on going back to grad school, and my academic interests are in urban planning, policy and design. My hobbies include photography, running, reading, and any activity that takes me outdoors.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I teach for Revolution because I believe in our ability to affect positive change in our students' lives, as well as our socially conscious mission.
Jason Richman
Hometown: Lake Forest, IL
College: Stanford University
About Me:
I recently graduated from Stanford University, with a B.A. in English and a minor in Economics. I hail from the frozen tundra of the Midwest, and now want to leave the snow forever in exchange for the bright sun and palm trees of the west coast. I am obsessed with all things entertainment, coming off of a summer working in production for Showtime Networks (Weeds, Dexter, Californication, The United States of Tara, The Tudors). Sometime down the road, I aspire to be a film and television producer, my name shining up in lights.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I think the SAT is stupid. It purposely tricks you, and is out to simply ruin your day. That's where Revolution Prep comes in. I want to help everyone succeed and learn to catch these tricks before you even begin to fill in a bubble with your number 2 pencil. I am here to help, and can't wait for each and every one of you to own this test by the time that infamous Saturday morning rolls around.
Benjamin Samit
Hometown: Tarzana, CA
College: Brown University
About Me:
Born and raised in Los Angeles, I went to high school at Oakwood School in North Hollywood. After that, I ventured east to attend Brown University. I spent an amazing four years there, studying everything from religion to the sciences, but my primary focus was on writing and directing for the stage and screen. After graduating, I moved to LA (i.e. back to Mom's) to pursue my film making dreams. So far, so good... In the few years that I've been out here, I've already sold a few scripts!
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
Without the SAT prep that I got in high school, I know that I wouldn't be where I am now. It helped me get into a great school, which in turn gave me so many wonderful opportunities. I'm at Revolution because I want to give back. There's no greater feeling than helping a student get closer to their dreams...
Matt Sheelen
Hometown: Hopkinton, MA
College: Northwestern University
About Me:
I recently graduated from Northwestern where I was a theater major. I moved out to LA with some friends to pursue acting/improv and it's been great so far. I am a HUGE sports fan especially Boston sports - Red Sox and Patriots. I am obsessed with the television shows Arrested Development and Lost. When I'm not teaching SAT's, I'm teaching elementary kids for LAUSD. I can’t wait to meet you guys in one of my classes!
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
Teaching is fun. College is awesome. The SAT is...not. I took the SAT back before it became the ridiculous monstrosity that it is and I didn't think it was very fun then. Now, it's become even crazier and it's time to fight back. I love working with students of all ages and helping high schoolers do well on the SAT is kind of a blast. I teach for Revolution Prep because they have the best program to help students do well on this exam.
Blake Silver
Hometown: Delray Beach, FL
College: Northwestern University
About Me:
I grew up in Colorado and found myself moving to sunny South Florida only to head off to the cold Chicago climate for college. Well now it's my turn to choose and I said gimme that warm California sun!
I'm also here for the more practical reason of pursuing a career in the entertainment industry. Acting, writing, directing, producing...you name - I love it!
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
They are an awesome company and I believe in what they stand for.
John Sonntag
Hometown: Santa Monica, California
College: University of California San Diego
About Me:
I grew up in Santa Monica, California and began my life as a Revolutionary student when they first began at Santa Monica High School. With their help I was accepted to and recently graduated from UCSD. I majored in American History with a minor in Film Studies. When I'm not teaching I am usually down at the beach pretending to know how to surf or watching an old film that most people have probably never heard of. Also, although many have tried, I have yet to meet a person who can stump me at Simpsons trivia.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I teach for Revolution Prep because I want other students to have the same great learning experience with Revolution that I had. I am also a very patient person who is willing to go the extra mile to help any student with whatever question they might have.
Kirk Sullivan
Hometown: Saranac Lake, NY
College: University of Southern California
About Me:
I grew up in a small mountain town and made my way out to LA to go to USC. After feeling the warmth of the sun in the months of winter, I swore to never again live where snow falls for almost half of the year. I love basketball, film, ice cream, The Wire, movie theaters, spaghetti, and teaching people the dirty little tricks of the SAT. Choose ME as your tutor!
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I am very eager to help kids DOMINATE the SAT. I get along well with everybody and I consider myself a skilled communicator.
Honora Talbott
Hometown: McLean, VA
College: Amherst College
About Me:
I'm an actor in New York who also loves performing improv comedy.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I remember how stressful the whole college application process was, especially taking the SATs. My scores increased dramatically from taking a prep course, and so I really love helping other people do the same. Revolution Prep is such an amazing program with the best staff and teachers, and I'm just thrilled to be one of them.
Emily Taylor
Hometown: Sacramento, CA
College: Stanford & UCLA
About Me:
While at Stanford, I picked up a BA in psychology and an MA in sociology. Then I started my own academic consulting business and worked with over 500 students in the Sacramento area. Plus, I was an assistant professor of sociology. After 4 years, I migrated south to attend business school at UCLA Anderson. I thought it was going to be the best two years of my life, but then I came on board at Revolution Prep as the Premier Services Manager. For fun, I like running, trying new restaurants, traveling, Netflix, board games and costume parties.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I've taught for other companies and Revolution is by far the best.
Alexis Teague
Hometown: Hanford, CA
College: UCLA
About Me:
I was the first in my family to go to college, and I graduated from UCLA with a degree in Spanish Literature. I spent a semester studying in Spain, then taught ESL classes in my hometown for a couple of years. Now I'm living in Los Angeles again - acting, substitute teaching in elementary schools, and teaching SAT prep classes with Revolution Prep.
When I'm turning around to write something on the board, you might be bothered by how familiar the back of my head looks. That's because it's famous! I worked as one of Mary Jane's stunt women on Spider-man 3.
I love to read and am always in the process of knitting something strange.
I'm excited to meet you!
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
College can help you get places. Great SAT scores can help you get into college. When I'm a part of Revolution Prep, I can help you get great SAT scores. I'm excited to be involved in your path to success.
Philip Thomas
Hometown: Marion, VA
College: University of Southern California
About Me:
I grew up in a small town in the Appalachian mountains of southwest Virginia (cue banjo), thus ensuring major culture shock once I flew to LA for college. How small was that town? Put it this way - when I meet people from VA here in CA, even THEY don't know where I'm from. I started as a journalism major at USC, but decided to transfer into the film school after having a true epiphany during a cinema class I had taken to fulfill an arts requirement. Needless to say, my family was thrilled to learn I'd moved to CA to major in movies. Along with my tutoring assignments, I do film programming for AFI (the institute, not the band). In addition to being a film geek, I dig reading and music, having grown up playing both the piano and the sax. I am an avid college football fan, which could be a holdover from my time as a member of the Trojan Marching Band. I'm also the proud recipient of a commemorative paperweight denoting my boat's 1st place finish in the Novice 8 race in the San Diego Fall Classic a few years back (apparently, that and $3 will get me a latte at Starbucks). I'm told I possess a rather sardonic sense of humor, which may or may not be apparent herein.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
Too many students get caught up in the drama surrounding standardized tests, resigning themselves to what they perceive as a fate over which they have no control. Pfffft, not on my watch. I want to both instruct and, hopefully, inspire, so my students feel empowered to tackle the challenge head-on, and then carry that self-confidence with them as they move forward in life. My role is to serve as a co-conspirator in my students' efforts to upset the testing apple cart, if you will (and I understand you will).
David Torstenson
Hometown: Beatty, Nevada
College: University of Southern California
About Me:
I was born and raised in rural Nevada and worked at a gold mine at the age of 18. Upon deciding that I didn't want to mine gold for the rest of my life, I high-tailed it to LA to study journalism at USC. USC was such a blessing, as it opened SO many doors for me! I've since had the opportunity to insult Hugh Grant on the red carpet of an awards show; sing bad karaoke versions of Bon Jovi songs in Japan; work with inner-city kids and play rock music in New York City; and teach science and math at an English-speaking school in Northern Iraq. I'm now back in Southern California working on a documentary about Volkswagen Buses and teaching with Revolution Prep!
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
Three reasons:
1. Teaching is incredibly rewarding.
2. College is SO worth the time spent studying for the SAT.
3. Revolution Prep makes the whole experience a LOT of fun!
Alison Trumbull
Hometown: Baltimore, MD.
College: Point Park University
About Me:
I went to a really awesome arts high school for acting and I went to college for musical theater. My perfect life would include being a drama therapist for at-risk children, taking at least 2 vacations per year, acting in amazing life-altering films and plays, growing a bicep or two, and last but not least, playing a Disney princess in the Ice Capades!
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I think that it's insane that the SAT is actually used as a factor in college admissions; it represents such an insultingly limited portion of a person's whole intelligence. SO, I have decided to fight back. Step one - Become a teacher for Revolution Prep. Step two - Give every high school student in America the tools they need to ace the SAT (which is not as hard as the College Board would like you to believe it is). Step three - Watch the SAT become useless as a college admissions tool because everyone is getting a 2400 on it. Step four - Enjoy! The system has imploded! BAM! (I should start an angsty band I feel.) But, despite my rantings, I actually do enjoy the SAT just because I like puzzles and filling in bubbles.
Wynne Tsing
Hometown: Oak Park, CA
College: University of Pennsylvania
About Me:
I grew up in "the Valley," which of course to you local Los Angeleans is the San Fernando Valley, but it made me an automatic "valley girl" at college back East. I went to the University of Pennsylvania where I majored in Communications, and studied Brain and Behavior...and everything else that interested me that I didn't learn in school! College for me was a way to find myself and see the world, and that's exactly what I did, studying in China and France and traveling a whole lot. But now I'm back in sunny LA, as I really missed my pop culture (It felt kind of odd watching "The OC" in Guatemala). I love learning and teaching, have an endless fascination with the power of the human mind, and am 100% dedicated to living an inspired life!
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
As if the pressure of being a stellar, well-rounded student isn't enough, colleges decided to torture us with a standardized test that's more intimidation factor than actual smarts. Test taking is a skill, one that we're never formally taught, but Revolution really breaks it down for the SAT to teach you this skill in a relaxing, easy-to-understand and fun way. Oh, and all the teachers are...awesome!
Branden Turner
Hometown: Los Angeles, Ca
College: UC Berkeley
About Me:
I am a doctor in the making. I am an alumni of UC Berkeley where I studied Integrative Biology and African American Studies. I am also a huge sports fan (Go Lakers, Dodger, and Raiders!) and it definitely is how I relax. I have been working in education for the past 9 years as a tutor, college seminar instructor, and substitute teacher, teaching everything from the History of Hip-Hop to Biochemistry. I love to try new things as well, so bring it on!
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I have a passion for working with students! I have been teaching and tutoring for as long as I can remember. I just enjoy it so much, so to have the opportunity to work with other people who share my passion and also get to meet amazing students just makes sense.
Andrew Vega
Hometown: Upland, CA
College: UCLA & LMU
About Me:
While my roots are in East Los Angeles, I grew up in the small suburb of Upland, California. I hold two BAs from UCLA in English and American Literature, with a minor in Education Studies. I also hold an MA in Secondary Education from Loyola Marymount University. I am currently in my third year teaching American Literature and AP Literature at a high school in the Crenshaw District of Los Angeles, where I got my start as a member of Teach For America. When I'm not teaching, I can be found at concerts all around Los Angeles or catching a movie at Arclight Hollywood.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I teach for Revolution Prep because it includes a commitment to social justice by providing scholarships for students at Title I schools. I also really love the curriculum and have a great time working with such an amazing and fun staff.
Madeline Walter
Hometown: Maplewood, NJ
College: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
About Me:
Born in New York City and raised in Northern New Jersey, I ventured south to go school at UNC-Chapel Hill. I went to college with a Robertson Scholarship, meaning that I also studied at Duke University, and even lived behind enemy lines for a semester.
After spending two years as a public policy major, doing such interesting things as making a documentary on coal mining in Kentucky and teaching kids in South Africa to shoot video, I decided that something was missing: acting and English. So, I changed my major, cancelled my registration for the LSAT, and wrote my first play, which had its New York Premiere in 2007, the year I graduated from college.
After working in selection for the Robertson Scholars Program for a year (interviewing students and reading applications), I followed my dreams of acting and writing across the country, and I've been in Los Angeles since September of 2008. Although I miss Northeastern pizza and Southern polite drivers, I'm proudly beginning to call LA my home.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I once was a neurotic high school student. Neurotic, like 13 college applications, 20 sharpened pencils at every test, itemized lists of questions that I wanted to ask in in every class that I took, ever. I realize that everybody is not quite as tightly-wound as I was, but I know firsthand how anxiety-inducing the college application process can be, particularly the SAT.
I also worked in selection for the Robertson Scholars Program at Duke and UNC-Chapel Hill, ultimately helping to choose 40 scholarship recipients out of 40,000+ applicants to Duke and UNC. Through that process, I was able to come full-circle and witness a lot of confused and nervous students and parents.
I want to reduce that anxiety as much as possible by teaching students that the SAT is not filled with mystery or impossibly difficult questions. It's one (relatively small) hurdle that you need to jump over, and with proper guidance, it's easier than you think. I promise. (I wish someone had told me that.)
Oh yeah- and I like to teach. A lot.
Justin Walter
Hometown: Naperville, IL
College: Boston College
About Me:
I’m originally from the Chicagoland area and am a Boston College Alum with degrees in Political Science and Philosophy. At BC, I had an amazing experience and was involved in activities such as tutoring underprivileged students, being an Orientation Leader, answering phones on a 24-hour suicide hotline, going on an international service trip, and hosting/producing a variety and reality-TV game show. I also studied abroad and worked in Sydney, Australia for five months and worked in NYC for three. After graduating, I moved to LA where I'm working in a wide variety of fields and run my own adventure company that produces teambuilding events and game weekends.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
College is four of the most memorable, exciting, and fun times of your life! I’m excited to help students achieve their goals and to work for a company that has figured out the best way of reaching that success.
Omari West
Hometown: Washington, D.C.
College: Columbia
About Me:
I has over three years' standardized test teaching experience, and managed a franchise The Binary Solution Test Prep Corp. in New York. I have taught over three hundred students. I scored in the 95 percentile on the SAT as a high school student, and the 97th percentile on the LSAT. I generally focus on two distinct student types: higher-scoring students who want to improve their performance from the 85th-99th percentile, and lower-scoring students (scoring 75 percentile or less) who may need remedial instruction in basic math and verbal skills.
With high-scoring students, I approach teaching from the standpoint of helping them to manage time and master test-taking strategies. With lower-scoring students, I like to deconstruct the exam into less logically complex parts, and then gradually rebuild to the level of complexity expected on the exam (think wax-on/wax-off from the movie Karate Kid).
I am a graduate of Columbia, with a B.A. in Political Science. I also attended Columbia Law School, and have worked in law, business and politics for over ten years.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I work for Revolution Prep because I thoroughly enjoy observing and facilitating the intellectual, emotional and spiritual growth of myself and others. I am a big fan of personal development, and view the SAT as not only a gateway to college, but to the next level in self-development for teenagers. It not only challenges their minds, but their emotions as well. Very few things fulfill me more than to see the light in a young mind turned on.
Mark Williams
Hometown: Corona
College: Azusa Pacific University
About Me:
I am an avid oil painter who also enjoys football. I coach varsity football for Upland Christian High School. Even though I love football art is my passion.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
To give the students at my school a chance for higher education.
Rick Yeh
Hometown: San Gabriel, CA
College: Univeristy of California - San Diego
About Me:
I attended UCSD for four years and graduated with a degree in Political Science/International Relations and had an absolute blast doing it. I'm at a crossroads in my career-life, and am currently self-searching of my next career path: whether to pursue my lifelong dream of teaching, or suck it up and go to law school!
I enjoy playing tennis, video games, watching TV shows, and traveling the globe. I've been to many places like Asia, Northern and Southern Europe, South America, and also French Polynesia. I intend to explore more of the world in my many more years on this planet ;)
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I believe teachers make a huge difference to the lives of students. A teacher can easily sway a student's opinion on a particular subject, causing them to either completely detest a subject, or love it so much they choose it to be their career for the rest of their lives. I plan to be a teacher of the latter half, to inspire my students and hopefully make my subject matter fun to learn at the same time.
I teach at Revolution because it's a different kind of test prep company. It's small enough to provide personalized services, but also has enough resources to provide a quality education. I really enjoy the young, laid-back, yet professional atmosphere Revolution offers. I think they're a great company to work for or take classes from, and wish they were around when I was in high school!
John Zheng
Hometown: Santa Monica
College: UCSD
About Me:
My life has always been about balancing the important things in life. Whether it was dealing with family, academics, or sports my experience with high school and college has taught me how to efficiently use my time. I always remind my students that it is not how much you study for an exam but HOW you study for an exam.
My style of teaching consists of three elements. First, I get to know the student on a more personal level (find out their hobbies, study habits, goals, etc.). Second, I explain the strategies, game plan, and expectations of being one of my students. Third, I motivate my students to do the best they can (I often use humor and treats to make them smile).
As far as my experience goes I have been tutoring students since I was in high school. I have been apart of the Red Cross's UPWARD BOUND program tutoring underprivileged students. In San Diego County, I was an AVID tutor for Poway High School and Black Mountain Middle School. This past summer I worked as a tutor and teaching assistant for a math academy at Clairemont High School (Algebra, Geometry). A few things about me: I graduated in the spring of 2008 from UCSD with a BS in Biochemistry. I am currently applying to medical schools. My passion for teaching stems from all the great teachers that went the extra mile to help me get to where I am today.
Why I teach at Revolution Prep:
I know first hand that Revolution Prep techniques and strategies work. I want to spread the success to all my students! This company means so much to me because Revolution Prep cares for their students. Revolution does not turn any student away because of financial difficulties. On top of that all the teachers I have met sincerely care and try hard to get their students the best scores possible. Because of this caring environment I am proud to be apart of Revolution Prep.