Dynamic Science Teacher with a B.S. in Chemistry

Jim R.

My name is Jim and I am a Virginia middle school science teacher in a town called Culpeper. I was recognized as the 2022-23 Teacher of the Year for my current school and I have been teaching science for a little over 10 years. When I majored in chemistry in college I became very active in tutoring not only friends and other students in the chemistry department, but also as a work study job in our university's learning center. There, I especially enjoyed tutoring general chemistry. Many students would come to me in despair and I took great pleasure in helping them leave calmer and more confident in their own abilities. I work to help each of my students by developing unique strategies to help them as individuals.

One such strategy is helping my students to become adept at using the methods/systems presented by their teachers or the text. If those systems are not useful to the student or even in existence, then I help them create ones that will work with their learning style and strengths. A three step method for solving problems in chemistry, physics, or any kind of "word" problem is a cornerstone of my physical science course.

Often, a student can develop a dependency on their tutor that can prove academically unhealthy. They want the tutor's affirmation at every step of a process and once the tutor is not beside them, they cannot engage in that process alone. The key to success is that they believe that they can do it on their own, that they have the necessary knowledge and skills to complete the process and the experience of doing it themselves; that last part is crucial.

No matter what the content, I enjoy helping students meet their individual goals by finding what works best for them. I am excited to help you achieve success in whatever academic discipline you seek to master. I look forward to working with you!