PrepNow Tutor - Andrew K.
Andrew has worked in IT and various corporate fields since the late 1980s. He holds a BS in business and information systems from the University of Phoenix–Detroit Campus and an MBA from Wake Forest University. Building on the training he gained from these degrees, Andrew has enjoyed a full career in IT-related and corporate fields. Some of the industries in which he has worked include oil and gas, IT support, banking, retail, and professional consulting. Indeed, he currently runs his own professional career consulting firm, helping small businesses and providing general career consulting to any professionals who need it.
Even as he flourished in the business world, Andrew had a talk with his dad one day, and what he calls a “click” led him to consider teaching. He began by teaching part-time at the collegiate level, offering courses in programming, networking, accounting, and finance. Once he got started, he knew he had transitioned to his second career path. Indeed, following his college teaching, Andrew was lucky to find his true academic calling: high school teaching. In that arena, Andrew has taught computer programming and computer science courses (including AP offerings), web design, project management, and many other business courses. In addition, he has test-prep experience, having worked with many high-school students on PSAT, SAT, and ACT preparation.
Andrew banks on a flexible teaching style and always strives to be approachable to students. He says, “If a student and I begin with one goal but the student notes that another area needs extra attention, we can pivot to that area and make up the difference later.” This openness to student-led initiatives allows Andrew’s students to take ownership of their learning. At the same time, though, Andrew uses his decades of project management and business training to direct students in organized and purposeful ways. On the whole, Andrew has a balanced academic outlook, and he believes that teaching and learning should be fun and joyous.
Outside of teaching, Andrew has also consistently found joy in physical challenges. In his youth, he was an all-state cross-country runner and ran track for his high school team. He later stepped up in the ranks to run competitively at Michigan State University. He still enjoys road running to this day, and his future plans include his first marathon. Finally, Andrew also runs after his daughters, spending as much time as possible with them. He calls them his “world” and proclaims that they make him proud every day.
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