CHICAGO, IL (September 11, 2008) – For most test preparation companies, tutoring kids is delegated to recent college graduates, leaving children’s educational development to young adults who just finished test-taking themselves. At Academic Approach, not only are the instructors experienced, but many have left prestigious academic institutions to be part of the organization.
Academic Approach was founded in 2001 by Matthew Pietrafetta, who wanted to bring a new level of depth and value to test prep tutoring and online test prep courses Pietrafetta’s philosophy of “teaching beyond the test” has attracted like-minded, seasoned educators with unique appeal unparalleled by any other test prep organization.
Appealing to Instructors
The philosophy and methodology at Academic Approach allows unique potential for experienced candidates, as described below:
“With Academic Approach, I have the freedom to create and shape each session to the specific needs and interests of my charge, move at an appropriate pace, supplement standardize test prep with literature that develops his appreciation for language, and reinforce those habits of mind central to lifelong learning - all this while being guided by a curriculum as purposeful, as productive, and as playful as any I have ever taught,” said Gary Hendrickson.
Hendrickson has 30 years of teaching experience in private, public and international schools such as Phillips Academy in Andover, The Bishop’s School in La Jolla, CA and Phillips Exeter Academy.
“Signing on with Academic Approach allowed me to take that one step further: to join an intellectual community of tutors, in other words, professional one-on-one teachers,” said Stephanie Wratten.
Wratten holds a Bachelor’s in Biology from Williams College, where she graduated cum laude, and completed an MFA in Photography from the Rochester Institute of Technology. She has more than 15 years of teaching and tutoring experience in a variety of settings.
“Professionally, I have always felt most satisfied when working with fellow educators who understand that great teaching requires not only a passion for one's subject area, but also a solid understanding of the science of the mind and an ability to infuse art into the classroom,” said Anna Kontos.
Kontos is a graduate of Dartmouth College and Harvard University. A reading and literacy specialist, she has taught in both public and private schools, most recently at The Meadowbrook School of Weston where she served as English department curriculum coordinator.
“Academic Approach has afforded me an opportunity to participate in the designing of a substantive, foundational curriculum for skills-building in high school,” said Courtney Federle. “Academic Approach gives me an opportunity to engage students one-on-one.”
Since completing his Ph.D from Berkeley, Courtney Federle has been an Assistant Professor at the University of Chicago (UC), the Director of International Student Admissions at UC and a teacher in the Upper School at the Latin School of Chicago.
Experienced Roster Continued
Some of Academic Approach’s additional staff includes the following:
Cary O'Brien -- Cary O’Brien holds a Master's in English from Columbia University in New York and has taught numerous undergraduate writing courses at Columbia College, while working towards his doctorate. O’Brien was selected in 2001 as a Writing Fellow to tutor at Columbia University's Writing Center. There, he instructed undergraduate and graduate students on writing projects, ranging from first year composition course work to doctoral dissertation chapters.
Harvard Knowles -- Harvard Knowles taught for many years in the English Department at Phillips Exeter Academy, where he also served as a dormitory adviser and coach. He continues to teach each spring at Exeter a senior course in Moby Dick.
Michael Shear -- Michael Shear holds a Bachelor’s in Urban Education from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and a Master’s of Education from Boston State College. Shear taught for 35 years as a mathematics teacher at Northeast Metro Tech in Wakefield, MA.
Adam Bradshaw – Adam Bradshaw graduated cum laude from Union College in Schenectady, NY with a Bachelor’s in Physics in 2000, and then received his MAT in 2001. He has taught at Norwell High School for seven years.
Liz Hopwood – Elizabeth Hopwood has a Bachelor’s in English from Connecticut College and recently graduated with highest honors from Salem State College with a Master’s in English. She has taught 10th, 11th, and 12th grade English and currently teaches College Writing and Basic Writing at Salem State College.
Kirsten Johnson -- Kirsten Johnson has a Bachelor’s Degree from Wellesley College, where she graduated cum laude, and a M.Ed. in Secondary Education specializing in Spanish and English as a Second Language from The George Washington University. For the last 15 years, she has taught in both public and independent schools.
Academic Approach Difference
Academic Approach’s experienced educators don’t take the common approach of trivializing test material for better test scores. Rather, they use tests like SAT’s and ACT’s as a means to anticipate the demands of higher curriculum and inspire their students. Instructors use every lesson as an opportunity to explain how a rule or principle will manifest itself not only on the test but also in everyday life. Their approach works and successfully transforms the standardized tests into opportunities for real edification. Students leave Academic Approach with life lessons, and the confidence to succeed in college and beyond.
About Academic Approach - Teaching Beyond the Test™
Academic Approach is dedicated to enriching the academic skills of students as they prepare for the rigors of standardized test taking and academic life beyond. With offices in Chicago, Boston, and New York City, their experienced educators assess the learning needs of students and devise a customized, flexible plan for helping students reach their potential. They educate through one-on-one instruction, online courses or a combination of both. They’re best known for “Teaching Beyond the Test™”. Visit www.academicapproach.com to learn more.