PrepNow Tutor - Ian M.
Teacher and entrepreneur Ian is detail-oriented and conscientious. His mind works in creative and often unorthodox ways; he also has a wry sense of humor. Ian attended University of Pennsylvania for his bachelor’s degree in materials science and engineering. He later returned to school to earn a master’s in curriculum and teaching from Fitchburg State University. While Ian has worked as a revenue analyst, a machine manufacturing project manager, and a financial copywriter, the bulk of his career has been spent teaching high school mathematics. He currently owns and operates a children’s claw machine business!
In 2005 Ian was offered his first teaching job. He has consistently worked in education since. Ian has taught all the basics—pre-algebra, algebra 1, 2, and 3, geometry—as well as more advanced courses like conceptual physics and finance. He has also tutored test prep focusing on SAT, ACT, and the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System. He is most proud of improving his school’s statewide mathematics scores by the largest margin in the state in only his second year teaching. He later coached his high school students through earning University of Texas mathematics credits at double the pass rate of previous years. Ultimately, he considers his greatest professional achievement to be succeeding as a math instructor for a range of students from diverse backgrounds.
“I seek to understand a student’s emotional and intellectual starting point with a given subject through conversation, observation, and diagnostics,” says Ian. His intent is to help the student connect their own interests and goals “with the mastery of relevant material so that true ownership of the learning process takes place.” He also creates an environment where a student can discover answers rather than being pushed toward them. “I find students internalize material best if they’re steered toward certain fundamental topic conclusions and outcomes.”
While Ian was an active student in high school—he played baseball and basketball, ran track and cross-country, participated in both student council and National Honor Society—he takes a much more laid back approach these days. He loves to read, listen to podcasts, and play wiffle ball. When not wrangling his five cats and twenty chickens, Ian often entertains his children with his inimitable sense of humor!
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