PrepNow Tutor - Kristopher S.
Kristopher is a dedicated, patient educator with experience teaching and tutoring math, science, English, humanities, and moral education. He attended Liberty University, which was founded by Jerry Falwell in 1971, and there Kristopher earned several degrees: a BS in religion (apologetics); a BS in elementary education (interdisciplinary studies); an MS in exercise science and wellness; and an MS in nutrition. He earned his degrees while serving as a medical lab tech in the army; after his contract ended, he taught for one year at Covenant Classical Christian School in Columbia, SC, and knew that teaching was in his future.
“I would have stayed, but I had married in April of that school year and moved to live with my wife in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) while obtaining her visa to emigrate to the United States,” he explains. He taught 2nd and 5th grade for two years at Wales International School in Abu Dhabi while completing his master's degree in exercise science and wellness. “After obtaining her visa, my wife and I moved to Dexter, MI, where I now teach math, science, and PE at Wing Classical Academy,” he adds.
Kristopher’s education journey is tied to his faith. "While in the army, God confirmed His calling for me to become a teacher, so after completing my BS in religion, I immediately started my bachelor's degree in elementary education,” he says.
His proudest teaching moment occurred while helping a few of his current 5th-graders. He emphasized that “geometry is akin to puzzle solving; use what you know to figure out what you don't know.” Having studied triangles, squares, and rectangles, all four of his students successfully calculated the area of a rhombus (before knowing it was a rhombus and without any specific formula) in various, correct ways. “Seeing my students accomplish this in different ways was a wonderful confirmation to me that my teaching was effective and that they were learning to truly apply their learning to new situations,” he reflects.
Kristopher’s patience and passion for learning are pillars of his approach. “As a teacher/tutor, I am very patient and understand the importance of allowing students to engage in their own learning. Rather than simply give them formulas to solve, I ask them to consider how they would go about solving a problem,” he shares. He aims to help students become active participants in their learning, particularly in math, so they can apply concepts with confidence and creativity.
His teaching philosophy is also rooted in holistic student-family dynamics. “Education is not simply the dissemination of facts; it is the transfer of a way of life. Thus, I believe in partnering with parents to help educate the whole student: mind, body, and spirit,” he notes. “I believe God designed people to be educated holistically like this. Even Aristotle recognized this, saying that education that does not affect the heart is no education at all. Consequently, I challenge my students to connect their learning to larger ideas and concepts, asking them to engage in their very humanity.”
While in the army, he won the titles of Soldier of the Month and Soldier of the Quarter for his medical company at Fort Jackson, SC. At Liberty University, he was on the dean’s list and elected to Omega Nu Lambda National Honor Society in April of 2020. In high school, he ran cross country and participated in the National Honor Society, English Honor Society, Peer Assistance and Leadership, and several Christian school clubs.
In his free time, he loves reading, playing chess, and solving various kinds of puzzles. He also regularly attends church, volunteering as needed, and enjoys discussing readings with his family. “I really, really enjoy read-alouds at school! I currently read stories to my child, such as the Berenstain Bears, and occasionally incorporate read-alouds in my math classes. I am very good at changing my voice to suit different characters.”
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