Video Interview: Peter Rastrelli

Matthew Pietrafetta founded Academic Approach in 2001 and currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer. Since 2001, Matthew has supervised the organization’s instructional services, curriculum, and technology development. Whether working with lead trainers to provide high-quality support to Academic Approach’s tutors or collaborating with educators to deliver instructional support that drives higher student achievement, Matthew is committed to improving the quality of Academic Approach’s instructional practices and services. Matthew earned his M.A., M.Phil., and Ph.D. degrees in English Language and Literature at Columbia University in New York City. After teaching in Columbia’s Core Curriculum and preparing New York City high school students for college entrance exams, Matthew worked to define a model of test preparation based less on strategy and more on skills-development. Academic Approach views test preparation as a means to an academic end: teaching vital college readiness skills that not only raise scores but also prepare students for academic success both on and beyond the test.