This week we’re putting the spotlight on iLEAD Online Math & Science Tutor Justin Albright. If ever our learners need support with geometry, trigonometry, calculus, or physics, Justin is just a click away!
Please tell us about your background and how you came to be at iLEAD Online.
I recently finished my BS in Astronomical and Planetary Science and will be going back to school for a MS in Space Systems Engineering. I have been a part of the iLEAD network of schools for seven years.
What is your role at iLEAD Online? What’s the best part about it? What’s the biggest challenge?
The past four years, I have been a part of iLEAD Online as a tutor and currently I’m focused on supporting learners in higher-level math courses, such as geometry, trigonometry, calculus, and physics.
I would say the most challenging parts of the jobs are having to switch between a tutoring session covering algebra and the following session having to jump to something like calculus. Staying on my A-game in all levels of math is crucial to both my own and the learners’ success.
What do you LOVE about iLEAD Online? What sets it apart from other schools?
My favorite thing about iLEAD Online is the flexibility learners can take advantage of. They have the time to complete the courses while being able to follow outside passions. I think that is very cool and something a traditional school may not have the luxury of offering.
Are you involved in other activities at iLEAD Online?
Something special about iLEAD Online is the frequency of field studies to colleges. Although we’re an online school, having in-person college trips is very engaging and eye-opening to some of the high school learners attending.
In your opinion, what makes a great leader?
A great leader is someone who can acknowledge their faults and look past one’s own self-interests in order to reach a collective common goal.
There are great social-emotional learning opportunities at iLEAD Online. Can you share a story about seeing learners using them in action (or yourself)?
One of the best things about iLEAD Online to me is the incorporation of the 7 Habits. When things get a bit overwhelming for me — whether work, college, or personal life — using Habit 7, “Sharpen the Saw,” comes in handy. Using time to recharge in order to put my best foot forward is a great tool in my day-to-day life.
What does a day in your school life look like?
A typical day for me starts off at 8 AM facilitating at iLEAD Lancaster and working with grades K-8. We work on a wide range of things, from coding to robotics. Once my day is done, I head home and set up for my iLEAD Online tutoring sessions, ranging from 4:30-8:30 AM. Depending on how booked I am, I end my days watching a movie with my fiancée or playing video games with friends online.
Please name five fun facts about you. Extra credit for lots of details!
- I love playing video games, preferably fighting games. When I have time, I compete across the country in Super Smash Bros. Melee! Thanks to this game, I have had the opportunity to travel to 13 different states and two different countries!
- I just recently picked up playing tennis. The game is very fast-paced and exciting. Although I am an amateur, I look forward to getting better later down the road.
- I enjoy reading books about philosophy. Even if I don’t have the time to sit down and read, I love listening to audiobooks during car rides.
- I don’t know how to swim.
- My favorite type of music is hip-hop/rap. I listen to a wide range of artists from the ’80s to present.
Join us in celebrating Justin for all he does for our learners who are embarking on higher-level mathematical adventures. His leadership and commitment are an inspiration to us all.