Miles Backer

Biography

I have always loved story telling. Whether it’s Lord of the Rings or a biology textbook, as long as it has something cool to say, I’m intrigued. Throughout high school and college, my time as a peer tutor and summer camp counselor taught me the best ways to share awesome information with people in the most effective ways possible— like a story. I firmly believe there is little difference between a lecture on quantum chemistry and a saga from ancient Babylon; both are trying to teach, and both are trying to keep you enthralled long enough for you to learn.

My scholastic journey led me to UC Santa Cruz, where I started as a bio-molecular engineer for my first two years before realizing that my true passion was in the amazing concepts more than anything else. I wanted to find a major that focused on engaging people with complex information in creative ways, which led me to history and anthropology. My work as a history major taught me advanced research and writing skills, while my minor in anthropology helped instill an objective, analytical view on data.

I believe my work as an educator has been continuous since I first started saying “Hey, did you know…” on elementary school playgrounds. I have worked alongside countless professors and teachers as a teaching-assistant, taught natural and local history to camper goers, and worked at a museum to get the public engaged in history and art. Each of these has helped shape my teaching philosophy, but the main constant in all of them is that people want to learn! My job as a tutor is to help facilitate the joy in uncovering new information, not to endlessly lecture at you.

I am excited to be here at AJ Tutoring as a SAT, English, and history tutor. I remember how involved the SAT process is, and I’m thrilled that I can help alleviate some of that stress for students.

When I’m not tutoring I love taking hikes in the redwoods, reading sci-fi and fantasy books, playing guitar, and watching anything animated.