Witold

Certified Tutor

I was born in Poland, and obtained M.Sc. in Biology at the University of Warsaw in 1983. In 1984 I left Poland, and spent several years in Canada, where I obtained a second M.Sc. in Parasitology at the University of New Brunswick (1986), and then Ph.D. in Immunoparasitology at the University of Calgary (1990). After completing post-graduate training at the University of South Alabama, I settled in Moscow, Idaho, to work as a research scientist, studying bacterial and viral diseases of cattle. I greatly enjoyed my research work and published over twenty peer-reviewed papers. I decided to become a teacher, feeling an increasing need to share my knowledge and understanding of Nature, and completed a licensing program at the University of Idaho. While taking the required courses in education, I took additional courses in physics, chemistry, geology and geography, and was certified to teach all natural science subjects.
I taught for one year in a small rural school in Bruneau, Idaho, and then for 12 years in North Valley Academy, a public charter school in Gooding, Idaho. I taught Life Science, Earth Science, Physical Science, Biology, Chemistry, and a mixed science course with elements of Astronomy and Environmental Science.

I am passionate about teaching Science, and assisting students in learning about the world. In addition to the pleasure and satisfaction that can be gained from being able to understand Nature, learning science brings many important practical benefits. Understanding and knowledge of basic principles of biology, physics, and chemistry makes one a well-rounded person, able to function confidently and more securely in everyday life. Cooking, managing tools and appliances, exercising, taking care of one's health - all aspects of living involve elements of science. While even extensive scientific background does not guarantee safety, ignorance of scientific principles adds an unnecessary risk to our activities. In teaching science, I strive to balance these practical aspects with the pleasure of looking at the world with an informed mind.

My teaching was classroom-based, with experiments and demonstrations. However, our school made extensive use of a digital educational platform (Agilix Buzz), and my program included many interactive websites that are freely available or inexpensive. During the Covid19 epidemic, the teaching was done online, using Zoom for class meetings. I was working with individual students, small groups, and regular class groups as needed. Thus, I am familiar with the opportunities and limitations presented by online instructions, and I am prepared to use the online resources to deliver thorough instructions, and engage in two-way communication.

The students I taught were a diverse group. Some had only limited command of English or very modest backgrounds in math and science - and some excelled. Thus, I have practice in adjusting the instructions to the academic abilities and interests of students. While I understand that not everyone is equally interested in science as I am, I want my students to overcome their inhibitions, discover their abilities, and fully exploit their potential that they may not be aware of. I attach great importance to questions, and encourage students to ask them. It is difficult to make progress in learning without questions, and it is important for me to make students feel that they can ask questions without undue hesitation.

I find great satisfaction in assisting students in developing interests in science, and in gaining insights into the workings of Nature.