From Finance to Tutoring: A Journey of Passion

What if the key to academic success wasn’t just about studying harder but about learning smarter?

In this episode of the Cultivating Excellence podcast, Steve Feldman, Founder and Chief Growth Officer of Private Prep, shares insights on tutoring, academic coaching, and standardized test preparation, emphasizing the importance of both subject expertise and student motivation. He advises parents to involve their children in the decision to seek academic support, ensuring they are invested in the process while also developing strong study habits and executive functioning skills. Regarding standardized tests, he highlights the shift in the test-optional movement post-COVID and recommends taking full-length diagnostic tests to determine the best fit between the SAT and ACT. Steve also discusses making math engaging through real-world applications and encouraging students to develop a growth mindset rather than focusing solely on grades. Ultimately, he stresses the importance of maintaining a positive parent-child relationship by celebrating effort and progress rather than just high scores.

Tune in for expert insights on tutoring, test prep, and how to help students build confidence, motivation, and long-term academic skills!