PrepNow Tutor - Josie K.
A passionate educator, Josie loves making complex topics approachable and meaningful for students; she also is a global development professional with wide-ranging experience. She holds a BA in history plus a BS in economics from Pennsylvania State University, as well as an MA in global human development from Georgetown University. Josie has focused her career on global development, education, and refugee support, serving as an AmeriCorps VISTA at the Utah Refugee Center; she has also worked with organizations such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Catholic Relief Services, and Spark MicroGrants. Through her work, Josie has been committed to research, impact measurement, and program development across youth, livelihoods, and the humanitarian sector.
Josie started tutoring in high school when she lived in Bosnia and Herzegovina as a Kennedy-Lugar YES Abroad exchange student; there she taught English to both elementary school students and adult learners. Later, she continued volunteering as a tutor at a juvenile detention facility, where she worked one-on-one with students in math and science. “One of my proudest moments was watching a student—who initially avoided math entirely—begin to engage with problems on his own, eventually explaining a solution to another student,” Josie recalls. “This experience taught me that tutoring is about more than academics; it’s about helping someone build confidence and believe in their own potential.” Josie continued tutoring across disciplines throughout her undergraduate and graduate studies, in fields such as writing, math, economics, and more.
"My teaching and tutoring style is student-centered, adaptive, and supportive,” Josie says. “I believe that every learner is unique, so I strive to understand each student’s strengths, challenges, and learning preferences before tailoring my approach. I prioritize creating a safe, patient, and encouraging environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and making mistakes, because I see those as essential parts of the learning process.” Josie focuses on three main pillars: first, building confidence alongside knowledge; second, breaking down complex concepts into manageable steps; and third, connecting lessons to real-life applications to make learning relevant and engaging. Josie’s educational philosophy is rooted in the belief that teaching is not just about transferring information but also empowering students to become independent learners and critical thinkers. “Especially in tutoring settings, I see my role as a mentor who helps students build the skills and mindset they need to succeed beyond the classroom,” Josie says. “This approach was shaped by my experiences working with diverse learners—from juvenile detainees to international students—and by my own academic journey, which has shown me the power of encouragement and tailored support."
As a student Josie had many accolades. She was selected as a Donald F. McHenry Global Public Service Fellow and received numerous awards, including the Schreyer Honors College Paul Axt Prize for excellence in interdisciplinary scholarship and the History Department’s Best Schreyer Honors Thesis Award.
In high school, she ran cross-country and track and participated in lacrosse, basketball, student senate, Model UN, student publications, and various volunteer roles. She remained active in college, engaging in sports, mock trials, and several internships and organizations.
Outside of work, Josie has a deep passion for reading and enjoys outdoor activities. “Outside of work, you’ll most often find me running, hiking, or camping—spending time outdoors helps me recharge and stay grounded.” A fun fact about Josie is that during college, she started training to earn her aeronaut’s license as a hot air balloon pilot.
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