PrepNow Tutor - John N.
A paleontologist with a background in geology and biology, John has a passion for teaching and helping his students better understand the world and how it works. He holds a BS in geology from the University of Oklahoma and an MS in geosciences from the University of Iowa. “I have completed research in paleontology, specifically pertaining to early crocodile evolution and Cambrian trilobites,” John shares. John has taught both grade school and college-level courses across a variety of subjects, including ACT and SAT prep.
John has been professionally teaching since earning his bachelor's degree, but he has been tutoring informally since middle school. “My proudest moment as a teacher was when I had a student in an Earth Science class go from failing every quiz at the start of the semester to making the best final presentation at the end of the semester,” he shares. Throughout his career, he has tutored students in K-12 in a variety of subjects, including algebra, geometry, AP Biology, physics, and test prep. At the college level, he has taught geology, biology, earth science, and environmental science.
John’s tutoring style emphasizes deep conceptual understanding over rote memorization. “My teaching style is based primarily on ensuring the students understand the methods behind problem solving, rather than memorization of information,” John says. “This way, they are able to adapt their thinking to new problems in both the classroom and in life and combine their understanding across multiple fields.” By encouraging students to connect ideas across subjects, John fosters critical thinking and long-term learning.
As a student, John was involved in the art club, Geology Society, and the Vertebrate Paleontology Society; he also received awards for his outstanding academic achievements. He is an avid drawer and enjoys both digital and on-paper art. He also rock climbs.
John has published a scientific article on Cambrian trilobites in the Canadian Journal of Earth Science and is currently working on publishing an article on extinct crocodiles. “I have identified and named a species of trilobite, Peltura hutchinsoni,” John shares.
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