Hello, and welcome to my Outschool page! I graduated with a Master of Arts in Teaching from Teachers College, Columbia University, with a New York State Teaching Certification. Before that, I earned a Bachelor of Arts with Honors from Barnard College of Columbia University. My major was in American Studies, with a concentration in the Natural and Built Environment in Antebellum America. 

I've also completed several field schools and hands-on programs including: archaeological excavation at the Ancient Roman site of Hadrian's Villa; Medieval paper and book conservation in the village of San Gemini; architectural preservation in Venice; and natural science conservation (taxidermy, fossils, gems, skeletons, coral, etc.) at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City.

Over the years I've wanted to become an environmental lawyer, an architect and landscape architect, an archaeologist, a preservationist and conservator, a photographer, a pastry decorator, an editor, a park ranger, and more. My greatest passions, however, have always been teaching and learning. I have experience leading crash courses and volunteer tutoring for over ten years, in various subjects. I love helping students learn how they learn best and increasing their curiosity and confidence to become lifelong learners, in the process. 

It is important for students to learn through inquiry and exploration, in order to increase content absorption, application of skills, and general interest and relevancy of the subject matter. I aim to have students critically analyzing and engaging with artifacts and primary source material as often as possible. I also encourage student contribution, as my classroom is a place where we can all learn from each other. 

Learning is a process and that process is different for each person. I welcome parent and student conversations about how I can better serve your learner, including providing supplementary material or other supports, as needed. 

Over time I hope to offer courses on Outschool in history, science, literature, and writing, as well as one-on-one tutoring, for various ages (suggestions welcome!). Thank you for visiting my page, and I am excited to see your learner in my class soon!

Take care,
Rachel