High School Teacher Specializing in APUSH and Ancient World

Jake S.

I hold a Master of Science in Education in Reading and Literacy (B–12) from the State University of New York at Geneseo and a Bachelor of Arts in History and Adolescent Education (7–12) from the same institution. I am certified to teach Social Studies in New York State and am currently a candidate for my professional certification. My academic training focused on building strong reading, writing, and analytical skills—particularly helping students learn how to interpret complex texts and develop clear, evidence-based arguments.

I currently teach AP U.S. History and Ancient World History at the high school level, where I work with students in grades 9–12 in both classroom and small-group settings. My teaching focuses on helping students break down challenging material, organize their thinking, and develop strong historical arguments using evidence. I also serve as an instructional leader and department chair, where I mentor teachers and analyze student data to improve instruction. In my AP U.S. History course, I helped increase the student pass rate by over twenty percentage points by focusing on targeted writing support, structured practice with historical documents, and individualized feedback.

My approach to tutoring is supportive, structured, and student-centered. I work to meet students where they are academically while helping them build the skills and confidence they need to succeed independently. Whether we are reviewing content, practicing essay writing, preparing for exams, or strengthening reading comprehension, I aim to make sessions engaging and productive while creating a comfortable environment where students feel encouraged to ask questions and grow as learners.