High school/college educator specializing in Earth sciences

Jeff S.

I thought I was going to be a scientist. I earned two masters degrees and a Ph.D. in atmospheric science from an Ivy League institution and then began a research career. Somewhere along the way, I realized that my passion wasn't for research but for teaching. I spent eight years as a college professor with no research obligation, enjoying teaching environmental science, meteorology and sustainability but becoming increasingly frustrated with large class sizes. Family considerations led me to leave that job and accept a job teaching at a private high school in Connecticut. It is the best job I've ever had, and I've expanded my teaching horizons into physics and chemistry (9th through 12th grade).

I have acquired extensive experience as an on-line teacher, having taught for multiple schools over the past 15 years - usually environmental or Earth science courses, and class sizes ranging from a single student to over 20. I do not have a lot of direct tutoring experience, but I have worked individually with many students and tend to have small class sizes. I am very patient and enjoy getting to know as much about my individual students as possible - what their strengths are, their major challenges, their interests etc. Although Earth and environmental sciences are my main thing, I also teach basic high school chemistry and physics.

The students are what make it most fulfilling for me. I love learning, and I love passing on what I've learned (I feel that I owe it to all of the wonderful teachers who helped build my career). I also love learning what makes individual students tick, getting to know them and helping them develop the tools that will help them shape the world around them.