I have been teaching history and social sciences classes to middle- and high-school students for more than 20 years. Most recently, Itaught government and history at a boarding school in Connecticut, though the bulk of my career was at an independent school in Miami, Florida. There, I taught a wide range of AP, Honors, and College Prep humanities and social science classes; I also developed several new courses and served as an Academic Dean, helping to craft new research and writing curricula, with a focus on media literacy.
I have experience working with students on both fundamental skill-building as well as advanced (including AP-level) academics, and I enjoy helping students with essay writing, organizational and note-taking strategies, public speaking and presentation skills, and time management. I also work with students on the skills necessary for success on standardized tests, particularly verbal, reading, and writing sections.
I hold a BA in Political Science from Brown University and a JD from the University of Pennsylvania Law School. In addition to teaching, I enjoy reading, running, and hiking; I also have an extensive vinyl record collection, and loves discovering new music.
The best teachers help students develop the skills to become independent learners. While I can certainly assist with discrete assignments and test preparation, my goal is ultimately to help students build skills for long-term success. Learning how to read carefully, think critically, organize ideas, and communicate effectively will ultimately translate into more discrete gains like better test scores and grades, but they will also transcend those more immediate goals.
I approach every student with the understanding that we all think differently and approach our work from a unique perspective. My first goal is always to understanding an individual student’s needs and learning style, and to assess relative strengths and areas of growth. By assessing those things that make each of us unique learners, we can really put each student's strengths to work, as we seek to chart a meaningful path forward.
Boston Public Library: one of my favorite spots in the city!
What has stuck with me most is the writing. The essays I produced with his guidance were some of the most formative works I did before college and law school. He didn't just teach me to write. He made me want to. And he showed me that effective communication isn't something you finish learning; it's something you keep working on.
- Jake W., class of 2018
He was crucial in helping me grow as a writer. He was always available to meet and discuss essays, helping me develop my own style while learning to write academic papers. He was very clearly invested in the success of every student, not just with regard to their grade, but in terms of their development as a scholar and critical thinker. He put in countless hours of effort and time into our growth.
- Leticia C., class of 2022
I remember him often sharing a particularly strong passage or highlighting a nuanced perspective that someone had explored in an essay. It wasn't about identifying the one "right" answer; it was about demonstrating the many thoughtful ways you could arrive at one. For him, learning is a process rather than an end result. This was what I really learned from him. More than any specific lesson or assignment, he taught me to be curious, to think independently, and to embrace the process of figuring things out.
- Cole M., class of 2015
His goal isn't just a recitation of facts or knowledge, but rather to make sure we understood and could articulate deeper concepts. He cares deeply and individually about his students' development and success. He believed in me even when I didn't always believe in myself, recognized my strengths and weaknesses accordingly, and acted as a mentor to me. Anyone would be lucky to have him in their corner.
- Henry S., class of 2018
He is one of the best teachers and mentors I've ever had. His approach with students is inclusive, kind, and genuinely fun - he has a way of making students want to show up and learn. Whenever I struggled with an assignment or concept, he always took the time to sit with me and talk it through with genuine patience and excitement. There are few people more passionate about their work, and that intentionality truly gets the best out of students.
- Addy W., class of 2020
He never let me take the easy way out; he always pushed me to improve and deepen my understanding. His willingness to challenge his students comes from a profound belief in their abilities, a confidence which each and every one of us has benefitted from enormously. Throughout those challenges, he acts as a mentor and collaborator, taking the time to discuss ideas, provide extensive feedback, and generally ensure he can meet you where you’re at while still pushing you forward.
- Ivy M., class of 2018