Literal Rocket Scientist and HS Phys Teacher (In Training)

Brandon S.

Hi, I'm Brandon! I'm currently finishing up my BS in Aerospace engineering at CSULB, while concurrently earning a credential for Teaching High School Physics, where I will spend a few years before entering a PhD Program. I am the president of an experimental liquid rocket propulsion team and am involved in active thermal-fluids research.

I've been consistently frustrated with the systems and strategies that are typical in both high school and college classrooms. I yearned to learn WHY the universe is the way that it is, not just the "what" that is the center of most teaching. The heart of this issue is that teaching "why" requires a deep understanding of the headspace of the student, which can only be done through individual conversation. I take an almost interrogative approach to tutoring- I aim to fully understand how you see the concept yourself by asking you a series of questions. I then guide you in such a way to make you discover the relationships yourself from first principles.

I've always been the "tutor friend" because of my empathetic approach and passion for education. I've tutored friends in everything from high school Algebra to university thermodynamics. In high school I was noticed by a guest teacher and hired as a curriculum development intern for a computer education non-profit. I have also been a lead instructor in a scratch course for 4th graders and regularly teach rocketry concepts and skills to the team I currently lead.

Pain is NOT a prerequisite for learning. It should feel like an act of discovery, with many opportunities to fail and get back up in an environment free of judgment. The universe is beautiful and I can't wait for the chance to learn about it with you.