Sam Girardeau

I was born and raised in Denver, Colorado, and received my bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Colorado, Boulder. After graduating, I worked for two years as a paraprofessional in Denver Public Schools as a math tutor for students in grades 3-5. During that time, I decided to pursue medicine, and I returned to Metropolitan State University of Denver to take pre-med courses. I fell in love with all the subjects I was studying, from biology, to physics, to organic chemistry. I became a tutor for general chemistry and organic chemistry as well as a teaching assistant for the general chemistry labs at the university. At the same time, I also tutored adults who were pursuing their GED at the Mental Health Center of Denver. I found that I had a passion for teaching that I could not ignore. My enjoyment of scientific subjects has mixed with a love for working with students, leading me into the realm of education.

I went on to teach an eighth grade science classroom as I pursued a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis in culturally and linguistically diverse education. After teaching in the classroom, I have found that individualized instruction is crucial to the development of deeper understanding within STEM courses. However, this can be difficult to achieve in a large classroom environment. Through one-on-one tutoring, students can receive specialized support that will boost their confidence with classroom content as well as improve their study skills. As a classroom teacher, I held after-school tutoring sessions for my students twice a week, and I found that it was a great way to help them catch up and receive targeted feedback and support.

Having worked in a variety of educational settings, I have learned how to meet students where they are at, whether we’re studying science or preparing for the SAT and ACT. I seek to inspire joy in learning while keeping content relevant. This comes from building strong connections with students and adapting to their learning styles. Every student brings a unique skillset to the table, with a diverse array of strengths and needs. As an educator, it is my job to examine all facets of the student and provide them with tailored instruction that will help them achieve their goals.

In my free time, I enjoy reading fantasy novels, binging the latest TV shows, and going for hikes.