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 R

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 M

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 B

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’m a helper by nature and teaching gave me an outlet to do so. I grew up teaching my immigrant parents and baby nieces how to read and write. In middle/high school, I ran my own homework club out of my house where I helped the younger kids on my block with their homework. When I was in college, I got a job as an Italian tutor helping students of all levels on topics as simple as basic grammar to semester long projects. As long as I am in a position to help others, teaching is what I can always bring to the table.

On the weekends when I’m not teaching: I am hanging out with my family, trying out new restaurants or exploring different sights/events in the city.

My favorite city/place in the world is: Have you ever visited a place and it just felt like home to you? For me, that was London. I think it’s because the city’s diversity and atmosphere remind me of Philly. The one exception is that the English are more polite!

Omosi A

BS in Biology and Psychology, Philadelphia University (now known as Thomas Jefferson University East Falls Campus)

Why I TEACH: For me, what drew me to education the most is all the experiences I had growing up and the want to create those same spaces for the younger folk who look like me. Throughout college, I was able to learn more in-depth about the educational inequities for black and brown youth, I didn’t even realize were a thing simply because of the environment I was privileged to grow up in and be sheltered from. This fired me up to want to do something about it, and given my love of people and engaging with others, I thought what better way to do that, than to be on the ground doing the work. I thoroughly love and take advantage of any opportunity that allows me to create safe, brave, welcoming, inclusive education spaces for all youth. While especially showing our queer, black, and brown youth, that you are seen, valued, cared for, and heard and school and education can be a safe brave space for you to explore and attain the future you want. So creating that access for our students is what continues to push me to want to do really empowering work for our youth through teaching and tutoring.

On the weekends when I’m not teaching: Hmmm, I am a very curious adventurous soul, so truthfully anything allows me to travel, design, and create, I am all about. I love love love playing video games, I am in the works of building my own PC strictly for gaming. I love any and all things music and food related, so trying out new venues and restaurants. I am into renovating homes and doing small home projects for friends, family, and my community. Love being outdoors and on the water, so anything that gets me moving and active while also being outdoors. I enjoy working out and spending quality time with my partner. We love to just have fun with one another and coexist, so we are always trying new things together. I also love watching live sports. You can catch me at Sixers games pretty frequently and any time I travel to major cities, checking out their basketball team’s games as well. Last but not least, who doesn’t love a little bit of retail therapy, so you might catch me at the newest sneaker releases, trying to snag a pair of Air Force 1’s High Tops, or just shopping around for some new pieces.

My favorite city/place in the world: I would have to say Philly and DC are tied for my favorite cities. Philly is where I became who I am today, so it will always have a special place in my heart. DC is where my partner and I have had so many awesome memories and really bonded and connected, so it’s one of our favorite mini-vacation/getaway destinations. Some of my favorite places in the world would have to be my partner’s family farm in Puerto Rico, Dave and Busters and spending time emersed in new cultures, wherever that takes me! I love to travel.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Bosede A

BA in Psychology and Minor in Mathematics, University of Pennsylvania

Why I TEACH: I started tutoring because I enjoy being able to change a student’s perspective on the difficulty of a subject. As a tutor, it is my goal to help my students understand concepts better. If they don’t understand it the first way I present the information, I break the concept down and present it in a different way, sometimes multiple ways, until they understand it. My job is complete when the light bulb in their head turns on and a smile forms on their face because they have finally grasped that difficult concept that was challenging them.

On the weekends when I’m not teaching: My weekends consist of binge watching shows on Netflix, catching up with friends and family and attending church service on Sunday.

My favorite city/place in the world: My favorite place in the world would be Nigeria. Whenever I think of Nigeria I get excited as memories from my childhood, of family members and of my post undergraduate vacation come rushing back. The food, culture and experience is vastly different than in America. I can’t wait for my next trip back to Nigeria!

Edward A

BA in Communication and Sociology, University of California, Santa Barbara

Why I TEACH: I teach to leave a positive mark on the word. I teach because education is liberation. I teach because my students deserve to see people who look like them in positions of authority. I teach because it makes me feel good inside.

On the weekends when I’m not teaching: I’m running around with my nieces or enjoying the outdoors.

My favorite city/place in the world: Cairo, Egypt. I love looking at the pyramids of Giza in awe.

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!

Juliette A

Bachelor of Music in Instrumental Performance and Minor in Business Administration, University of Northern Colorado; Master of Music Literature and Performance Arts, Eastman School of Music

Why I TEACH: For as long as I can remember, I have enjoyed pursuing academic excellence and helping others do the same. My academic experiences (and the individuals who encouraged me along the way) opened so many doors in my life and career, and I feel privileged to support students in their own academic journeys. I love learning from my students as I go over materials with them — it’s endlessly rewarding to see them grow into well-rounded learners, and to challenge my own thought process to better accommodate different learning styles!

On the weekends when I’m not teaching: I’m usually practicing my instrument, the bassoon, or listening to music. I also love painting with watercolors, playing with my cat, and visiting museums.

My favorite city/place in the world: My grandparents’ house in Châteauneuf-en-Thymerais, France

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 

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.

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!

Matt C

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

Zakiyyah H

BS in Early Childhood Education, West Chester University

Why I TEACH: Teaching is one of the most amazing and rewarding feelings I can imagine. Enjoyment, appreciation, and passion are a few of many words that sincerely express my enthusiasm for education. I treasure the moments of seeing a child progress and grow and having an impact on their life. Educators are the key to our children’s future. One of my favorite sayings is “If it weren’t for teachers, we wouldn’t have doctors. Doctors save lives but teachers shape lives.”

On the weekends when I’m not teaching: I enjoy spending time with my family, friends and my 80-pound lap dog, Mandi. I enjoy working out, practicing yoga and watching a good movie. In the summer I enjoy relaxing by a pool or at a beach.

My favorite city/place in the world: I wouldn’t necessarily say I have a favorite place. However I love to travel, learn and experience other cultures, great food, and meeting new people. Honestly anywhere I can stand in the water and see my feet will have me at hello.

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!

Anna G

BS in Economics and Psychology, University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana; Masters degree in Math Education, City College of New York

Why I TEACH: I was a teacher in New York City for 14 years and recently relocated to Philadelphia to be closer to family. I’m especially passionate about helping students realize that all people can understand and enjoy mathematics and helping students believe in their potential and find the courage to keep trying in the face of challenge.

On the weekends when I’m not teaching: I enjoy cooking, throwing pottery, playing outside with my kids, and reading.

My favorite city/place in the world: Northern Michigan on the lake that my family vacations at every summer and southern California where I visit my best friend and swim in the Pacific Ocean.

Jenn G

Bachelor’s Degree in History (2010) and Masters Degree in Education (2020), both obtained through Arcadia University in Glenside, PA

Why I TEACH: I love unconventional teaching, showing students of any age that learning can happen in fun ways – often when you’re least expecting it!

On the weekends when I’m not teaching: I love to travel & explore museums, or hang at home and bake. I’m also an avid reader.

My favorite city/place in the world is: I spent a semester in Dublin, Ireland when I was in undergrad, and it still holds a special place in my heart.

Rabi J

BS in Education & Public Policy, BA in African American Studies, Minor in Civic and Community Engagement, Pennsylvania State University

Education, Culture and Society M.S.Ed (candidate), University of Pennsylvania, Graduate School of Education

Why I TEACH: I teach because I want to contribute to the development of our youth and help mold the next generation of critical thinkers.

On the weekends when I’m not teaching: I like to read, write, watch documentaries (mainly true crime), listen to music, do community service with my sorority, and hang out with friends

My favorite city/place in the world: My favorite places are New York City and Philadelphia.

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.

Jessica M

BS in Biology, Lebanon Valley College; Masters in Museum Education

Why I TEACH: I have a deep passion for STEAM learning outside of the traditional classroom, whether in museums, zoos, outdoors in nature, your backyard, or just your living room.

On the weekends when I’m not teaching: I like spending time hanging out with my family and playing outside.

My favorite city/place in the world: My favorite place is to be anywhere quiet!

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.

Neda M

Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology, Temple University

Why I TEACH: I became a tutor because I love working with kids and being able to be a support system for them through their education

On the weekends when I’m not teaching: I like to spend time with my friends and enjoy the outdoors.

My favorite place in the world is: Anywhere I can be by the beach

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.

Aaron P

BA in Music & Economics, New College of Florida; I’ve given lectures at Temple University and the University of Pennsylvania on theories of consonance and dissonance. I presently do research on improvisation and electronic music with Professor Thomas Patteson of the Curtis Institute.

Why I TEACH: I have a passion for learning and for developing interpersonal connections- so teaching is a natural fit. I’m a 4th generation educator and proud of it.

On the weekends when I’m not teaching: When I’m not working, you can find me wandering the city playing Mbira as I go about my day. I love to bird, go to shows, rehearse, and sample the culinary landscape. I read nonstop.

My favorite city/place in the world: At home in the Everglades. Best Critters. Best Vibes. Best Sonics.

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!

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!

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.

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.

Geneva S

B.S. in Biology, Temple University

Why I TEACH: I teach because I believe knowledge is a gateway to opportunity and there is always something that can be learned and unlearned.

On the weekends when I’m not teaching: I love traveling. Seeing and exploring new places is a must and hopefully there is good food as well.

My favorite city/place in the world: Barcelona, Spain

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.

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.

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.