Maria Ferzola Lipiros

BS, Mathematics & Chemistry, University of Scranton; Secondary Mathematics, Drexel University; Finance & Accounting, Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Why I TEACH: I TEACH because nothing gives me more joy than seeing that look of sudden understanding on a student’s face. Whether helping to increase a child’s confidence in Math, supporting a student to finally reach their goal score, or learning that someone I mentored just received an acceptance to their dream college, I truly couldn’t imagine doing more important work than positively impacting the life of another person through education.

On the weekends when I’m not teaching: I am always exploring all of the incredible things Philly has to offer with my husband, John, and son, Luke. Some of our favorites include riding the carousel at Franklin Square Park, feeding the birds at the Philadelphia Zoo, and going for brunch at Farmicia or Mixto followed by a long walk. If it’s a really great weekend, we stop for ice cream at Franklin Fountain and then I’m curling up with a new book at Liberty Lands Park while Luke takes his afternoon nap!

My favorite city/place in the world: Florence, Italy. As an Italian American on my first visit, I immediately felt at home. The cobblestone streets, incredibly rich art and history, handmade pasta, and charming artisan shops completely swept me off my feet while on my honeymoon. I know my husband played a role in that too!

Rebecca Rozek

BA, English Linguistics & History. University of Wisconsin-Madison.

MA, International Education. SIT Graduate Institute.

Why I TEACH: I love learning about each student’s strengths and interests, and then connecting that knowledge to the specific project, assignment, or goal at hand. I’m definitely someone who squirrels away ideas and resources for later, and I am happiest when sharing resources with students. But it’s always the greatest when a student introduces something new to me!

On the weekends when I’m not teaching: I’m most likely being walked by our dog. Yes, she brings the energy and definitely walks me. Or, cooking with my husband / adding to our record collection at Philly flea markets and thrift stores.

My favorite city/place in the world is: Shanghai! I had the opportunity to work abroad there for over a year. I’ll always have a place in my heart for Shanghai because it was so fulfilling and challenging to navigate a new education system, different cultures, languages, and literally to get around a city of that scale.

Megan Maschal

BS in Business Administration, Bucknell University; Minor in Mathematics; Colorado Teaching Certification in Mathematics Education (7-12)

Why I TEACH: Being in an Operations role at TEACH, I don’t do too much direct student tutoring but I still get to pop into our classes and oversee the different projects we have going on. It is so rewarding to see the growth that students make from the time we first start with them to the end of our time together. Seeing that progress makes it all worth it!

On the weekends when I’m not teaching: From the end of May to the end of September, you’ll find me in Beach Haven— at my grandparents’ house, on the beach, sailing, or helping out at my family’s candy store and fudge shop (especially at the end of August when we lose all of our employees when they go back to college). I grew up on Long Beach Island year-round and can’t seem to get away from that special place!

My favorite city/place in the world is: Queenstown, New Zealand. I studied abroad in NZ for a semester at the University of Otago. It’s a beautiful country with the nicest people! I’m also a HUGE Lord of the Rings fan so visited most of the movie film locations including Bag End in the Shire while quoting every scene. Nerd alert!

Jeanette Boorstein

BSc in Mathematics, University College London, England

On the weekends when I’m not teaching: You can find me at my local farmer’s market shopping for fresh produce, in my kitchen cooking for my family, or out hiking and picking wild mushrooms in the woods and swimming in the lakes. I also enjoy craft beer and going to see live country and rock music.

My favorite city/place in the world is: Stockholm: for its fresh air, stunning beauty, cozy cafes, and all the water (clean enough to swim in). And, on the opposite end of the spectrum, Bangkok: for its markets, its vibrant, fragrant, hot, humid energy and a pulse that makes you feel so alive, and the best streetfood in the world!

Tina D

BA in Strategic Communications: Advertising/Marketing, Susquehanna University

Why I TEACH: I love having the opportunity to connect with people from all walks of life and helping them achieve their academic goals and seeing their progress along the way!

On the weekends when I’m not teaching: I am watching foreign films, re-watching Marvel movies or exploring different parts of the city.

My favorite city/place in the world is: London because the city’s diversity and atmosphere remind me of Philly except the people are more polite.

Gabriel A

BA in Chemistry and M.S.Ed in Learning Sciences, University of Pennsylvania

Why I TEACH: I realized in my junior year of college that my life purpose has always been youth empowerment; while I get to engage Haitian youth in my church community, I TEACH because this work aligns so well with that purpose and my drive to guide students to a deeper understanding of subjects like math and chemistry. I love the moment when a student achieves something that they thought was too challenging at first and especially when I see students encouraging one another in groups!

On the weekends when I’m not teaching: From Friday night to Saturday, you will most likely find me at church working with young people and serving in other ways. Sundays are much more variable, but I love to work with my friends on youth empowerment projects like TBRT and managing the social media for my personal poetry projects.

My favorite city/place in the world is: My favorite city isn’t a city at all; it is the village where my mom grew up: Cotes-de-Fer, Haiti. I’ve only been there once, but I loved being able to commune with nature and escape the busyness of cities. There was a waterfall that was closed up after that natural disaster in Haiti and my family helped to clear away rocks and debris. By the end of the few days we spent there, we made a mini-waterfall and a little oasis as well!

Simran A

Neuroscience/Biopsychology at The College of New Jersey, Osteopathic Medicine at The University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey, Public Health (MPH) at The George Washington University

Why I TEACH: I truly have a passion for teaching and helping students learn, especially since I have been in their shoes wanting to learn and be the best version of myself. During high school, college, medical school and currently, I have had the pleasure of helping many students realize their own potential and actually see their grades and test scores improve through one-on-one private tutoring. In addition, I aim to build a student’s confidence by encouraging them to take the first step and remind them that learning can also be fun!

On the weekends when I’m not teaching: I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, traveling around the world, going to the beach, working out and cooking new recipes. 

Favorite place/city in the world is: Nairobi, Kenya 

Bosede A

Ania B-W

BA in History, SUNY Geneseo; MA Modern European History, Brown University; ABD Modern European History, Brown University

Why I TEACH: I come from a long line of academics and life-long learners. My family has instilled in me not only a love for learning but also taught me its value. Additionally, I recognize that education serves as a gateway to a better future, that sadly many do not have access to. Working with students provides me an opportunity to pass that love of learning to the next generation.

On the weekends when I’m not teaching: I love to travel! Whether it is domestic or international, discovering new cultures has always been a passion of mine. When I am not traveling, I love spending time with my husband and two kids. We are an active family, so on most weekends we like to go to the zoo or a museum and spend time together. And when I do get a moment to myself, which is rare, there is nothing better than a great book!

My favorite city/place in the world is: This is a hard question, there are so many it is hard to choose. If I had to narrow it down I would begrudgingly choose three. Poznan, Geneva (Switzerland) and Paris. All three hold a special place in my heart for different reasons and all three are places that I visit as often as I can. Poznan is the city I was born in, as such it will forever be “home.” It is a beautiful city where most of my family still lives, so visiting always feels like a homecoming. I consider Geneva my second hometown. Growing up my family spent three months out of the year living there: it is where I took my first steps, said my first words and made lifelong memories. Lastly, Paris. I first “discovered” Paris through literature like Alexander Dumas’ Three Musketeers. Traveling there as is a a young adult felt magical and I instantly fell in love with the city’s ancient streets, museums, great food and vintage shopping.

Lila C

BA in English, College of the Holy Cross and M.Ed., Johns Hopkins University

Why I TEACH: Our youth is our future! I can think of no greater way to prepare our kids to compete in the global economy and live fulfilling lives than to help them understand the beauty and power of language and literature. Tutoring gives me joy because I get to know each learner on an individual level. I can tailor my instruction of discrete skills, mindsets, and work habits around their own strengths and needs. As a result, we can achieve breakthrough results a lot more quickly.

On the weekends when I’m not teaching: On the weekends, I’m spending time with my husband and children and when I’m ready for some “me” time, you can find me at my favorite yoga studio in Narberth.

My favorite city/place in the world is: My favorite city is Napa and its surrounding areas. I love healthy food, good wine, and lots of sunshine!

John C

BS in Mathematics, Gwynedd-Mercy University; MS in Educational Leadership, Saint Joseph’s University

Why I TEACH: I TEACH to assist students in realizing that they are better mathematicians than they might realize. One of the most rewarding parts of working with students is when they suddenly understand an idea that they once found to be impossible.

On the weekends when I’m not teaching: Well, it seems that my weekends are pretty much dedicated to grad school work these days! However, I use it as an opportunity to explore as many coffee shops and study lounges in Philly as I can. In my free time I am a big fan of cooking, reading, and exploring new cafes and restaurants in the city.

My favorite city/place in the world is: I would not want to live anywhere else in the world than Philadelphia, but my favorite place I’ve ever visited is Costa Del Sol in Spain.

Yoni D

B.S. in Mathematics, McGill University

Why I TEACH: As a tutor, I love being able to work with students who are often extremely intelligent and motivated, but are not yet performing at their potential. There are so many students in this situation who simply need material presented to them in a different way, before they grasp concepts in math and science that seemed so daunting at first. Seeing the gears turning in their brain and finally clicking into place is just as exciting for me as it is for them!

On the weekends when I’m not teaching: There’s nothing like a lazy NFL Sunday, watching the Eagles (hopefully) winning! In my free time, I enjoy going to the gym or training judo, as well as going to see live music with friends.

My favorite city/place in the world is: Besides my own hometown of Philadelphia, I love visiting my parents hometown of Haifa! It’s a beautiful city with so much culture, and incredible beaches.

Mike D

BA in History- Michigan State University;
MA in Teaching- Wayne State University;
Certificate in College Counseling- University of California Los Angeles;
EdD (forthcoming) in Curriculum, Teaching, Learning, and Leadership- Northeastern University

Why I TEACH: “The Future Belongs To Those Who Prepare For It Today” -Malcolm X. Teaching is my commitment to social justice. It’s the way in which I hope to change the world. It’s an existential activity through which I hope to model behavior for others to emulate. Imagine if we all invested our time into the well-being of our youngest generations of thinkers, do-ers, and agents of change. Our future would surely be amazing.

On the weekends when I’m not teaching: Drinking coffee, walking my dog, or writing.

My favorite city/place in the world is: Boulder, CO- With the mountains nearby, plenty of delicious food, and nice people, what more could you ask for?!

Marian D

BS in Management, The Pennsylvania State University – Smeal College of Business
MS is Education, The University of Pennsylvania – Graduate School of Education

Why I TEACH: I love working with students as a tutor because it gives me the opportunity to focus all of my energy on helping a person reach a new level of understanding. I believe learning can be fun, interactive, and engaging; and I enjoy finding creative ways to solve problems and explain answers.

On the weekends when I’m not teaching: On the weekends you can find me with family, at church, or hanging out with friends. In my free time I paint portraits, bake cakes, and work on growing my small business – KakeMi 90 Second Cake.

My favorite city/place in the world is: My favorite city in the world is Rome because it feels like I’m walking through history.

Michael E

BS, Chem Eng, Cornell University
MS, Chem Eng, University of Wisconsin – Madison

Why I TEACH: I love the sense of relief that a student feels when they realize they CAN master difficult material.

On the weekends when I’m not teaching: Downhill skiing, snowboarding, cooking

My favorite city/place in the world is: I love living in Philadelphia because it is diverse, walk-able, affordable, and full of great restaurants.

Sarah E

MS in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale

Why I TEACH: I teach because I love helping people become their best selves. It is the greatest feeling to help a student reach new levels of understanding of a subject. Even better is to see him or her get into a dream college as a result of our work together.

On the weekends when I’m not teaching: In my free time I enjoy swimming at the Villanova pool, walks with my dog and playing with my daughter.

My favorite city/place in the world is: I loved when I visited Lisbon. It is this beautiful marriage of the Renaissance with the present. You can find a medieval castle on top of a long narrow cobblestone street, running through a village of ancient churches and artisan shops. Or you can get grilled fish and potatoes on the water. It’s so beautiful there.

Bill F

B.A. in Anthropology with a concentration in Human Biology and a minor in Biology from Temple University

Why I TEACH: How much time do you have? To me, education is communication with the sole intent of creating progress. I get to help students learn and make sense of the world around them. It is a life-long task. Although my work is never finished, there is always a path forward. I try to instill the joy of progress in all of my students. In helping them move forward, I get to constantly push myself forward as well. I am just as much a student of the world as they are; we’re just on different chapters.

On the weekends when I’m not teaching: Besides hanging out with friends and family, I love learning about music. I try to learn any instrument I can get my hands on. I’m the kind of a person that hears a Beyoncé song and forgets to dance, because I’m too busy thinking about the fact that she just went through five key changes in less than a minute.

My favorite city/place in the world is: I love the rainforest! The sheer density of biomass and biodiversity is awesome. Practically everything you see or touch is alive. Being there feels like you’re on a different planet. 

Meredith H

BS in Biomedical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering, University of Pittsburgh

Why I TEACH: I teach because it gives me the opportunity to help students apply their own unique strengths and experiences to better understand academic subjects. I enjoy helping students understand concepts they once thought impossible and watching the boost in their confidence. Overall, I find a great sense of gratification in helping students achieve their academic endeavors.

On the weekends when I’m not teaching: I enjoy running and practicing yoga. In the summer, I enjoy gardening and going to the beach.

My favorite city/place in world is: Philadelphia! (Of course) The city really has everything including great restaurants, museums, history, and sports. It is also easy to navigate the city by foot or bike and explore the many great neighborhoods of Philly.

Lorraine H

BS in Mathematics, Penn State Harrisburg; Master in Leadership Development, Penn State Great Valley; pursuing a Master in Special Education, Saint Joseph’s University

Why I TEACH: I TEACH to foster and nurture a love for learning within others. I love working with students as a tutor because it provides me with opportunity to really get to know each student – and to help develop her/his fullest potential!

On the weekends when I’m not teaching: On the weekend you can find me in the pool at the local YMCA and spending time with my church family. In my free time I love to go camping and hiking.

My favorite city/place in the world is: My favorite city in the world is Salzburg, Austria. It is a magical place with beautiful scenery and rich culture.

Chris H

BA in Communication with a concentration in Peace and Justice Studies, Villanova University

Why I TEACH: I love connecting with students and using their interests to motivate and challenge them in learning.

On the weekends when I’m not teaching: On the weekends, you can find me at a local festival, exploring another town, hanging out with friends, or turning my kitchen into a bakery. I love to play volleyball, travel, and volunteer with local organizations in my free time.

My favorite city/place in the world is: This question is a hard one to answer. I think my favorite city in the world is The Big Apple. With its rich history, eclectic personality, cultural diversity, and countless offerings, New York City never ceases to amaze me.

Layla H

BA in History and Education, Swarthmore College

Why I TEACH: I love giving my students the support they need to really excel and achieve. As a full time teacher I know that sometimes students need a bit of one on one attention in order to focus and learn.

On the weekends when I’m not teaching: You can find me at the dog park with my dog Mozzarella or exploring a new restaurant in Philly! Food is life!

My favorite city/place in the world is: I was fortunate enough to visit Istanbul a few years ago and was amazed at how beautiful the entire city is. The history, culture, and food were so amazing to experience.

John H

 Masters of Mechanical Engineering from Drexel University. 

Why I TEACH: I became a teacher because it is so rewarding to share a piece of knowledge that becomes useful to another person. 

On the weekends when I’m not teaching: Rock climb, hike, hunt mushrooms, play board games

My favorite city/place in the world is: My garden. It’s the place I’m most invested in, and I’m really excited to see our fruit trees flourish!

Cooper K

BA in Sociology with a focus in Social Stratification from the University of Maryland, College Park

Why I TEACH: I teach because I love working with kids and believe that given the right assistance all children can thrive. I love working with students as a tutor because it provides me the opportunity to help serve others and have fun while doing so.

On the weekends when I’m not teaching: In my free time I love to rock climb! Catch me outside or in an indoor rock gym.

My favorite city/place in the world is: San Francisco–so much potential!

Summer K

BA in Health and Societies (Global Health Concentration); Minors in French and Francophone Studies and Fine Arts (Photography), University of Pennsylvania

Why I TEACH:  I TEACH because all that I have achieved, I owe to amazing teachers and educators at every step of my educational and developmental journey. I TEACH because I want to pay it forward by impacting students to become lifelong learners. I love that the students also teach me in the process and I also love the fact that I get to use my creativity to affirm and draw out what students already have inside of them.

On the weekends when I’m not teaching:  When I am not teaching, I am either fulfilling business orders or working on marketing and strategy for both my small business (Divine Summer, LLC) and non-profit organization (Rebound Liberia). 

My favorite city/place in the world is:  My favorite place in the world at this stage in my life is Liberia. I was born there, but I left when I was 6 years old. I recently moved back for a year to start up my NGO, Rebound Liberia after graduating from Penn. My year there was filled with so much positivity and light. I loved experiencing my people and culture from the lens of a recent college grad. It was truly a coming of age experience.

Susan F

BA in Journalism (Penn State University), BA in English (Bloomsburg University), M.Ed. Curriculum & Instruction (Bloomsburg University)

Why I TEACH: I love helping students make progress and find their confidence!

On the weekends when I’m not teaching: Either exploring the city, or in the summer, maybe at the beach! I love to read, write, listen to podcasts, and spend time with friends and family.

My favorite city/place in the world is: Paris. The food and the culture. It’s enchanting!

Creson L

BS Chemistry/Biological chemistry track, Carnegie Mellon University; finished the Pre-Health Specialized Studies program at the University of Pennsylvania

Why I TEACH: I TEACH because I want to be able to share my knowledge and help others with their schoolwork, standardized tests, etc. as my teachers and tutors have done the same for me in the past. I love working with students as a tutor not only because I want to help them in their academics, but also because I can build personal relationships with the students and hopefully become a mentor to them.

On the weekends when I’m not teaching: On the weekends, I can probably be found at a library or on the streets running. I love to run (my way of meditating), listen to different kinds of music depending on how I’m feeling, and watch movies that are based on true stories or are thrilling/suspenseful.

My favorite city/place in the world is: My favorite city is Pittsburgh, because even though I’m reminded of my stressful undergraduate days, that is where I’ve met my lifelong friends, the many great professors I learned under, and the best undergrad adviser. There’s also many activities, events, food places (Millie’s ice cream is the best ice cream I’ve ever had), etc. in Pittsburgh.

Kate M

BA in Psychology and Elementary Education, The College of Mount Saint Vincent
MA in Urban School Leadership, Temple University
Certifications: K-6 all grades, 4-8 math and science, k-12 administration Lindback Distinguished Teaching Award Recipient 2019

Why I TEACH: I love making learning personalized and having students feel successful. There are so many different ways to learn and acquire information. Finding the best fit for each student is the key to success!

On the weekends when I’m not teaching: I love to hike and be outdoors. I try and find different trails to explore as often as I can.

My favorite city/place in the world is: My favorite city in the world is Philadelphia because it is filled with amazing people and amazing food.

Molly M

“BS Communications and Creative Writing, University of Miami
MS, Urban Education, University of Pennsylvania”

Why I TEACH: I teach because great teachers changed the trajectory of my life. I teach because learning is an act of liberation. I teach because our students deserve teachers who love and believe in them. I am privileged to be even a small part of my students’ journey to success.

On the weekends when I’m not teaching: You can find me on the weekend playing with my child, serving at church, or curled up with a book.

My favorite city/place in the world is: Philadelphia is my home and the home of many of my favorite people. It’s real and raw and full of creativity.

Jessica M

Joe N

BA in Music Industry- University of New Haven and M.Ed. Teacher Education (Mathematics)- University of Pennsylvania

Why I TEACH: I love getting students to reach their full potential and to never consider themselves “not a math person”. Working in one on one or small group sessions allows me to give individualized attention to pinpoint students’ needs.

On the weekends when I’m not teaching: In my free time, I love bringing my son to the park and showing him the wonders of nature. Outside of being outdoors, I love playing music with my friends and family.

My favorite city/place in the world is: My favorite city that I have been to is Austin, Texas. I love the rich culture of music and food. I lived there when I was fresh out of college, but I moved back to Philadelphia to be around my family.

Jon P

University of Southern California, BA in Cinema-Television Production, Minor in Computer Science

Why I TEACH: I enjoy the challenge of taking an idea and figuring out how to convey it in a way that’s easily understood by different students with different learning styles. I usually learn a lot myself in the process!

On the weekends when I’m not teaching: I like to design both board games and video games. I love games and puzzles in all their many forms! 

My favorite city/place in the world is: Los Angeles. It’s where I grew up and many of my favorite people live there. I visit whenever I can!

Dalea R

BA in Literary Studies and the Creative Arts, American University of Paris, MFA in Fiction, University of North Carolina, Greensboro, M.Ed. in Secondary English, Carbini University

Why I TEACH: I love getting the opportunity to work with students face-to-face and seeing the drastic progress they can make in a short time, with focused work and dedication. I love that I get to be a part of students’ success stories, and watching them succeed and reach their goals!

On the weekends when I’m not teaching: I have lots of hobbies, so on a given weekend, you can find me playing roller derby with my team, the Hooligans, or rock climbing with my friends, or hanging out at home playing board games!

My favorite city/place in the world is: I love traveling, and there and many many parts of the world I haven’t seen yet, but I especially love Barcelona, because it is the home of my favorite artist, Salvador Dalí, because of the amazing architecture, and because there are eye-catching pieces of street art and cool things to see around every corner!

Marly R

BA in Biology and Spanish, Saint Joseph’s University

Why I TEACH: I TEACH because I love helping students learn and understand different areas of education more. It is an amazing, symbiotic experience where as you teach the students material, they also teach you about other things. I have so much joy knowing that I have impacted at least one student and helped them along their journey of developing more knowledge that they can share with the world.

On the weekends when I’m not teaching: On a weekend, you can find me with my friends doing new and different things in Philadelphia or other areas. Besides this, I love to watch movies, especially reruns and look at them from different perspectives.

My favorite city/place in the world is: My favorite city in the world is NYC, not just because I am from New York. However, NYC is beautifully filled with people from all different backgrounds, experiences, and aesthetics. The culture is so diverse and there are so many opportunities to take advantage of!

Nikitha S

BA in Psychology, Bryn Mawr College

Why I TEACH: My favorite quote is ” Everybody is a Genius. But If You Judge a Fish by Its Ability to Climb a Tree, It Will Live Its Whole Life Believing that It is Stupid.” Every student has something to offer and learns about the world around them in different ways; I want to be able to identify and foster those interests unique to each individual.

On the weekends when I’m not teaching: On the weekend you can find me at Sabrina’s enjoying a heap of french toast or writing by the Schuylkill River. In my free time I love playing tennis and trying out my “best” puns on friends who are obligated to listen to them.

My favorite city/place in the world is: Barcelona is my favorite city in the world! It was the first city I visited outside the country without my parents, and I immediately fell in love with the live music playing on every street corner, and how the mammoth churches made you feel like you were part of something larger than life!

Ishita S

BS in Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh; Certificate in Pre-Health Specialized Studies, University of Pennsylvania

Why I TEACH: My favorite part about being a tutor with TEACH is helping motivated students achieve their highest academic potential. I am grateful to have the opportunity to work with students who are eager to learn and see the look on their faces when they finally master a concept they were struggling with.

On the weekends when I’m not teaching: On the weekend, I like to spend time with my friends while exploring Philadelphia or watching movies. In my free time, I enjoy trying new foods, dancing, running, baking, and reading.

My favorite city/place in the world is: It would have to be Rochester, NY because that’s where I grew up and where my parents, brother, and best friends live.

Emily S

BA in English, MFA in Creative Writing

Why I TEACH: I love helping students unlock new concepts and master information that will help them boost test scores and succeed in the college classroom.

On the weekends when I’m not teaching: I love getting lost in a good book, catching up on my favorite podcasts, taking care of my garden plot, spending time with friends, and checking out my favorite local shops.

My favorite city/place in the world is: Obviously, Philly is the best in the country. Globally, I think Stockholm, Sweden is a really awesome place. It’s a port city, so everywhere you walk there are boats docked against the backdrop of colorful Swedish buildings. Everything is super clean, and the city itself is full of public art, unique museums, and natural outdoor spaces. During the spring, it’s an incredibly bright and cheery place to be, especially because it’s so high up on the globe.

Patrice S

Masters in the Art of Teaching, James Madison University
BA in Spanish
Minor in ESL

Why I TEACH: As a teacher, you have the opportunity to cast a pretty wide net of what you actually teach. Transferring the knowledge of a content you love is just one part of it for me. I also find great joy in empowering students to challenge what they thought was possible, to get curious about why they are learning, and to effort through those difficult problems, which in turn helps them build resiliency in life. Plus, that “aha moment” is just pure magic.

On the weekends when I’m not teaching: Outside of the classroom, you can find me teaching/practicing yoga, exploring natural fabric dyeing and sewing, and jamming to 60’s music.

My favorite city/place in the world is: For a short time, I lived in Buenos Aires, Argentina, teaching English. The city was alive with music and had an awesome creative energy. It was truly inspiring to me and I hope to make it back some day soon.

Nicole T

BA in Mathematics and MAT in Secondary Mathematics Ed

Why I TEACH: I teach for the Ah-Ha moments. I especially love working as tutor so I can specialize instruction for one student at a time to meet his/her/their needs.

On the weekends when I’m not teaching: I love cooking and taking in the local arts scene like the opera, ballet and museums.

My favorite city/place in the world is: Paris, Fance – the food and the feeling of being there is like no other place.

Yoonnie T

B.A. in Education, University of Florida, M.Ed., University of Florida

Why I TEACH: I love connecting with students and using their interests to motivate and challenge them in learning.

On the weekends when I’m not teaching: On the weekends, you can find me at a local festival, exploring another town, hanging out with friends, or turning my kitchen into a bakery. I love to play volleyball, travel, and volunteer with local organizations in my free time.

My favorite city/place in the world is: This question is a hard one to answer. I think my favorite city in the world is The Big Apple. With its rich history, eclectic personality, cultural diversity, and countless offerings, New York City never ceases to amaze me.

Christina T

Masters Degree Reading, Saint Joseph’s University

Why I TEACH: I love the ability to design lessons to reach the needs of an individual student. The activities are personalized and designed for that student’s specific needs.

On the weekends when I’m not teaching: You can find me at my daughter’s cheerleading competitions and my son’s baseball and basketball games! I also LOVE cooking and trying out new recipes!

My favorite city/place in the world is: Philadelphia but a dream city to visit is Naples!

Elena V

B. A., Chemistry with distinction (ie. 1 yr research + thesis); minors in Hispanic studies and Gender Studies and Women’s Studies (GSWS); magna cum laude. University of Pennsylvania School of Arts and Sciences (2014-2018)

Candidate for M. S. Ed. in secondary education-science through urban teaching apprenticeship program (UTAP). University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education (2019-2020)

Why I TEACH: I have been tutoring math and science since I was in high school and I have never grown tired of that moment when what you’re trying to teach a student clicks with them. That Ohhhh moment makes me feel good and it makes them feel good too. I have always had a love of learning and teaching even when I was little and it has led me to believe that every student has the ability to succeed given the chance and resources they need. Given that this is one of the very tenants upon which TEACH is built, I couldn’t be happier to be a part of the team providing quality resources to ALL of the students we serve.

On the weekends when I’m not teaching: Watching Netflix and knitting, or reading a really good book.

My favorite city/place in the world is: Philadelphia; the food and the people; both never leave you bored or unsatisfied.

Lauren W, M.Ed., ET/P

BS in Early Childhood Special Education & Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of Vermont
M, Ed. in Educational Psychology, Temple University
Professional Educational Therapist
Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner

Why I TEACH: I love helping students become cognizant of their individual learning styles/needs, encouraging them to be confident learners.

On the weekends when I’m not teaching: Spending time with my family

My favorite city/place in the world is: Burlington, VT

Zac Y

Bachelors in Secondary Education and History, Certified Social Studies and Special Education

Why I TEACH: I love helping students make connections between history and their experiences.

On the weekends when I’m not teaching: I love to play and coach basketball.

My favorite city/place in the world is: Philadelphia is my favorite city. It is where I have lived most of my life and I love the people, the food, and atmosphere.