Ben Grenier

Biography

I’ve always found joy in learning, especially the moment when something confusing suddenly clicks. That joy is what first drew me to teaching, long before grad school or tutoring. As a teenager in Boy Scouts, I led merit badge classes at summer camp and discovered how rewarding it was to explain something clearly and see it land. Since then, I’ve kept returning to education in one form or another, drawn by the chance to both expand my own knowledge and help others make sense of something new.

I grew up in Southern California and earned my undergraduate degree in Earth Sciences at UC Santa Cruz. After stepping away from school for a few years, I found my way back to physics and am now pursuing a master’s degree in astrophysics at San Francisco State University. Along the way, I’ve come to value the process of learning just as much as the outcome. I believe education is most powerful when it’s approached with curiosity, sincerity, and a willingness to meet challenges head-on.

At AJ, I tutor Algebra, Geometry, and Physics. These subjects challenge students to think critically and build strong foundations. In teaching labs at San Francisco State, my philosophy has always been to help students develop problem-solving habits they can trust and grow more confident in their own thinking. From the university level to the elementary level, every student is unique and deserves tutoring tailored to them. With any student, though, I’ve found that thoughtful, honest engagement often makes the biggest difference.

To me, education is one of the most meaningful ways we invest in each other. I’m grateful to play a small role in that, helping students grow in understanding and self-assurance.

Outside of teaching, I enjoy reading, hiking and camping, and watching movies. I also love spending time with friends around the Bay, whether that’s tabletop gaming, going to Giants games, or seeing live music.