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Create equitable and engaging learning environments for student success with our Culturally Responsive and Trauma-Informed Teaching course on Udemy. 100% of the proceeds go toward our Tutoring Programs.

Tutor Spotlight on Michael

Thank You For Being Such A Vital Part Of Our Team, Michael. We Look Forward To Sharing More About You So Others Can Get To Know You Better!

Tell us a bit about your backstory and what lead you down your current life path.

I have been an educator for 20+ years. It is my passion. I will complete my Master’s degree in May 2021. So, I have been tutoring to get a feel of all levels of learners. I want to prove that everyone can learn. It’s up to me to show them how.

What or who inspired you to pursue your career, Michael?

My mom asked me to try substitute teaching. One summer vacation, I did. I liked it. I was good at it. So, I changed my major from Business Marketing to Education.

What is one thing you are most proud of achieving in your life?

I am most proud when I run into former students who tell me that I was their favorite teacher or coach. Giving is better than receiving. Watching students graduate is an awesome feeling. Teaching goes way beyond the classroom and concepts. I am proud of being a contribution to their success.

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person you are grateful for who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story?

My first year of coaching athletics was hard. I knew the sports but I didn’t know how to motivate my teams. Coach Young, our Athletic Director, sat me down and gave me lessons on building good teams. He taught me how to set high standards and show the students how to reach them. It was the most inspirational knowledge that I have ever learned. 

Share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started teaching/tutoring.

I tutored a student who is diagnosed as Autistic. He has now (2 years ago) started public school. Last week his mom messaged me an assignment that he had done in class. He told about a vocabulary game that we would play and the memory was a great joy to him. That is so interesting because I didn’t know the impact that I made on his life, and he will never forget it.

What do you enjoy most about teaching/tutoring, Michael?

I enjoy giving students an education. When learners come to me for help, I am thrilled to serve. Once they grasp that concept and their light switch turns on, it’s like a party in my heart. Here’s the joy. I’ve given them something that no one can ever take away from them.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I love to exercise with my wife. I also workout once a week with my son. I love playing with my grandkids. I never stop reading books – sometimes two at a time. I love growing spiritually.

Tell about an amazing trip you took. Where did you go and what did you enjoy most?

Hawaii was my favorite trip, so far. I had always seen the rowing races on television but I got a chance to join one. I was so tired during the first lap. My whole body was burning. I had an amazing time!

Is there something exciting you are working on now? What is it and why did you choose to start it?

I’m volunteering at a food pantry several days each week. I started out just to help fight poverty. I get to see huge smiles on kids’ faces. Adults become happy and thankful. It’s fantastic being a part of something that helps the community.

The road to success is difficult and requires tremendous dedication. What advice would you give to a young person who aspires to follow in your footsteps and emulate your success?

“Keep on truckin!” Never give up because if you do, you will miss the prize that’s so close by. I used to hate it when I would stop striving too soon and the next day my answer would arrive. I learned patience. It is a great asset to my life.

What are you most passionate about? Can you share a story?

Education is my passion. My first year teaching was a 6th grade class. I didn’t know how to do a math problem that I was teaching. I had some smart kids in class, so I asked one by one to come to the board and show us how they got their answers. I used the teacher’s guide to support me. I took notes on every problem, went home and studied until I understood the concept. To this day, they do not know that they taught me.

Please share your favorite Life Lesson quote. How is it relevant to your life? 

At a young age, I battled with depression. It made me negative and I made some bad choices. I learned that when I decided to “do what is right” my circumstances turned out okay. I still live by that quote. It has become easy to follow and I have come to love who I am.

Is there a person in the world with whom you would love to have a private lunch and why? He/she might just see this! 🙂

I would love to have lunch with President Obama. I want to hear about how he overcame adversities. I want to know the inner workings of our government. I would ask about his spiritual walk. I would thank him for setting a great example for our youth.

Thanks, Michael! We Are So Lucky To Have You On The Team!

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