About
*Passionate educator from New York City, I taught high school math in San Antonio, TX for four years and I am now a graduate student at the Harvard Graduate School of Education where I am studying educational leadership with a concentration in higher education. Along with my masters program I am also a student conduct educator at MIT's Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards. I gain joy in my job assisting students who struggle or that are looking to make significant growth in terms of meeting personal and academic goals.
*I have worked with summer programs such as EXPLO, where I taught middle school Chemistry and served as an instructional coach.
* At Bowdoin College, I served as the General Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, and Italian teaching assistant from 2016-2018.
*I have been a full-time Algebra I teacher and Math Department Head at IDEA Mays College Prepatory, a title I school on the west-side of San Antonio, for 2-years.
* I was named the IDEA Mays College Prepatory Teacher of the Year from 2019-2020.
*I hold a bachelor's degree from Bowdoin College in Chemistry and Romance Languages & Literatures.
* Masters in Education in progress at Harvard
https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-medina-323513128/
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Before getting started, I like to build rapport with my students. I like to include ice-breakers or activities to get to know each other better because it can be intimidating getting assistance from an adult. Then, I would like to know what subject and chapter the student would like to improve on. I would like to make the time spent together effective. If a student requires a full-on teach, that is also helpful for me so that I can prepare keypoints and practice problems that would ensure the students success.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I earned my bachelor's degree in 2018 from Bowdoin College in Chemistry and Romance Languages & Literatures. I spent a semester at the University of Bologna, where I studied Italian culture and literature. After graduating from Bowdoin, I joined Teach for America San Antonio. I have been teaching Algebra I in San Antonio for the past 2 years and I served as my school's Math Department lead for this year. I then taught Geometry at KIPP UPREP for 2 years, where I also served as the assistant grade team leader. I have mainly been teaching math; however, because of the diverse subjects I studied during my undergraduate studies, I am able to teach Chemistry, Spanish, and Italian. Currently, I am working on my masters in educational leadership at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I do not have a standard pricing system; however I am able to discuss prices or match rates you may have been previously paying.
How did you get started teaching?
As a child and into my teenage years, school has always been a constant for me. I felt safest and most valued at school. Teachers built my confidence, they were there when I struggled academically and emotionally. I knew since being a student that I wanted to assist others, like myself, attain their goals through the pursuit of education.
During my senior year of college, I learned about Teach for America and I jumped at the opportunity. I enjoy teaching and I view myself as a life-long educator and student.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with all levels and types of students. I have worked in Title 1 schools in Texas with a majority of students who are on free or reduced lunch. I have also worked with students with learning disabilities and I have experience supporting them by providing supports as detailed in their IEPs or 504 plans. I've worked with college level students and students of affluent backgrounds looking for higher level work.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Look for someone who is willing to work through struggles with you and that is patient. Not everyone sees or understands concepts the same way and your teacher should be cognisant of that.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
I think students should be transparent with their teachers and be direct about their needs. As a teacher, we are there to assist. You do not need to have everything figured out as a student. Come to us with your needs and we will do our best to guide you and find answers/solutions to your problems.