Drew – Middle School Math

Drew is a former middle school math teacher who, after attending Tulane and Cornell Universities, taught for three years in New York City through Teach for America.  By just his second year of teaching, Drew was listed among the top 10% of NYC teachers.  In his third year, Drew established his school’s first honors program and successfully moved a majority of his students through two years of curriculum in one year, placing them a full year ahead in algebra.  When he’s not showing his students how incredible and useful algebra can be, Drew enjoys both hunting around town for the city’s best food and talking a big game and then losing at pick-up games of basketball on the weekends.

“Drew is the first math teacher to reach Shakeema.  He really turned her life around academically.” – Adra P., mother of Shakeema

“Because of what Drew did for him, John is much more willing to learn and much more confident…..There aren’t many teachers like him.” – Yolanda R., mother of John

Sarah – Middle/ High School Math

Sarah joined Teach for America after earning a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Rice University.  She taught 7th grade math for two years.  She taught a wide range of students, including on-level math and pre-AP (who were required to master both 7th and 8th grade objectives in one year).  She built strong relationships with students by offering 1-on-1 tutoring every morning, sponsoring the Anime Club, and participating in school dances and talent shows.  After two years of teaching, she worked as a design engineer for two years where she continued to hone her own applied mathematics skill.  She recently started her own photography business and is now working as a portrait photographer as she earns her counseling degree.

“Sarah has the rare gift to inspire students to tackle difficult topics and master them! Her enthusiasm for learning is contagious.” - Carol C., Master Teacher, Houston, Texas

“(Sarah) is the quintessential math teacher! She nurtures, inspires and encourages students to strive for academic excellence” - Walter Jackson, Ed. D., Taylor High School Principal, Houston, Texas

“Sarah was an outstanding teacher who set high standards for both herself and her students in 7^th Grade Math.  She had excellent classroom management and built strong relationships with her students and her teammates.  She has a strong grasp of her content area and was successful with Pre AP and on level students.” - Patrick Cherry, Albright Middle School Principal, Houston, Texas

Kevin – High School Math

Kevin is a high school math teacher, who is in his third year of teaching in St. Louis. He is a proud Redbird after attending Illinois State University for his bachelors and is recently a Triton alumni, where he received his Masters of Education. In just his first year, Kevin was named his school’s teacher of the month and established several programs at his school. In both years of his teaching, Kevin’s students have averaged two years of growth, which has placed them on a successful track for college. Kevin enjoys reading, exploring new restaurants that St. Louis has to offer, and following his Redbirds in sports.

“(Kevin) demonstrated patience and care for my daughter. His service was flexible and thorough. My daughter actually enjoying math now and say her grade go from a D to an A!” – Maxine F., mother of Jordyn

“I am impressed with (Kevin)’s understanding of student needs and his ability to assess individual students so they reach academic excellence. Students who he has tutored and teaches have seen significant improvement in their grades and test scores. Overall, their academic confidence as soared. I could not be more pleased with the performance of (Kevin) and would highly recommend him.” – Terrell H., former Principal