PrepNow Tutor - Marcus W.
With 11 years of classroom experience, Marcus helps students build confidence by understanding the why behind their learning, not just the right answer. In addition to teaching as a university adjunct, he has taught kindergarten and 4th and 5th grade ELA and social studies; additionally, he has extensive experience tutoring high school English, writing, science, math (pre-algebra and algebra), general study skills, and test prep (particularly SAT/ACT reading and writing).
Marcus holds four degrees: a bachelor’s in English from McDaniel College; a master’s in public policy and administration with a concentration in educational leadership from Rutgers University (Camden); a master’s in teaching from Relay Graduate School of Education; and a PhD in childhood studies from Rutgers. “I came to teaching as a mid-career shift after realizing it was the most meaningful and impactful way I could support young people,” he shares.
Since college, he has held several positions in the realms of education, youth services, and public policy, beginning with teaching English in Thailand through the Peace Corps. His extensive background in youth mental health programming, truancy case management, collegiate opportunities, and program evaluation at the Walter Rand Institute for Public Policy gives him invaluable insight into the best teaching practices and learning modalities. In addition to tutoring, he teaches all subjects in K-5.
“One of my proudest moments was leading my fifth-grade class to the highest recorded social studies scores at KIPP New Orleans in 2019, which reflected both student growth and strong instructional practice,” he reflects.
Marcus’s “assessment-based approach” focuses on building on students’ strengths while simultaneously addressing any weaknesses or learning gaps. “I bring patience, structure, and encouragement to every session, meeting students where they are and helping them move forward,” he shares. He’s sensitive to the trials and tribulations of adolescence and ensures each student feels seen, heard, and comfortable asking questions and learning from mistakes. “I prioritize respect, communication, and setting tangible goals, celebrating progress along the way. I believe students learn best when they feel supported, understood, and empowered,” he adds. His ultimate goal: “To make challenging material feel manageable and learning feel possible.”
As a doctoral student, Marcus’s devotion to the field and academic excellence earned him the David K. Sengstack Fellowship from the Department of Childhood Studies at Rutgers. Alongside his studies over the years, he enjoyed being involved in theatre, the debate team, Odyssey of the Mind, jazz band, tennis, and wrestling.
These days, he enjoys writing short stories, working on a book, going for walks, attending trivia nights, and exploring cities to discover new foods and visit museums. Fun fact: Marcus speaks fluent Thai!
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