October 2011

How long have you been with Summit? I'm in my third testing season with Summit.

What do you do outside of Summit? I'm currently working on my PhD in Philosophy, teaching a course at Fairfield University, and teaching a self-defense class once a week. What free time I have I spend reading, cooking, cycling, hiking, and cleaning cat hair off the furniture.

Which subjects do you teach? I teach all the subject areas for both the SAT and ACT tests.

What kind of teacher are you? I’m probably an old fashioned teacher in that I think repetition and drilling are useful tools for test prep. Want to be able to do that tough math problem? Practice doing 30 like it (but remember to take frequent breaks to laugh at a joke and to marvel at how much you’ve accomplished). 

What was your favorite subject in school? I always loved whichever classes allowed me to think most creatively and presented me with the most challenging ideas, so in high school I tended to respond more to teachers than to the subject matter itself. One year I loved history, another literature, and in others theology and sociology.

Where did you go to college? I went to college in my hometown, at the University of Akron in Akron, OH. The state of Ohio has a program that pays for high school students to take college courses, so I actually graduated high school with one full year of college already completed!

What was your major? In college, my philosophy classes were consistently the most challenging and interesting. In fact, I found the ideas so riveting that I remember being literally on the edge of my seat in some classes. By the time I was ready to think about declaring a major I had already completed all the requirements for the Philosophy major. 

What do you love most about teaching for Summit? I really love meeting lots of interesting and mature high school students. Forget negative images of teenagers fed to us by the media; every week I meet with young people who demolish those stereotypes and promise to become driven and successful adults.

What have you learned from your students? Everything’s more fun when it’s a game. Texting is the best way to get in touch with a teenager. Candy is the perfect reward for a job well done.

What is your greatest Summit tutoring success story? Success for me is being able to pinpoint a student’s roadblock and help him or her break through it. I’ve worked with several students who have been sure that they have skill limitations but who, on closer examination, are actually hemmed in by their own negative thoughts. My most satisfying moments have been seeing students abandon these unhelpful self images and gain the confidence to excel.

Dawn has helped countless students maximize their scoring potential, but she is only one of our expert tutors and teachers. Call us today at 1-800-MYTUTOR (800-698-8867) to speak with a Program Director to learn more about One-on-One, In-Home Tutoring and Classroom Programs in your area.

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