RICH tutors
experienced instructors. exceptional results Instructors

“The Saturday Academy is a wonderful place for students and teaches to grow. It’s a place where I can feel truly useful, where I can be with a terrific group of dedicated teachers, and where I can help students who have clear needs and goals. As a math teacher specializing in learning difficulties, this is the kind of challenge I love most. It calls on all my resources, all my imagination, all my persistence. I feel privileged to be part of the Saturday Academy.” — Sheryl Gilbert, RICH instructor

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Making a Difference

RICH operates from a pedagogical foundation that asserts the greater a student’s academic need, the more important the experience of the teacher. This simple belief in the importance of talented, seasoned instructors distinguishes RICH from other supplemental educational service providers.

Thus, RICH’s instructors are professional tutors who work at a reduced rate to educate some of Washington’s most challenging students. With an average experience level of twenty years, RICH’s tutors are experts in their fields. Whether it is breaking down the syllables of a word, the parts to a math problem or just finding what makes our unique scholars tick, RICH’s professionals get to the core of their students’ needs.

Staff in our partner schools could not be happier with RICH’s work, and they like to draw the distinction between the quality of service that RICH provides with that of other organizations that only enlist inexperienced volunteer tutors. Most of the students are suffering from major deficits in conceptual understanding and a lack of success. Because of this, for instance, they require a math tutor who:

• understands the terrain of mathematics, from basic operations to algebraic and geometric concepts
•  can present ideas in multiple ways that have been tested through practice and refinement
•  can quickly and flexibly assess their understanding on a concept and can ensure that the appropriate level of rigor is being met
•  can build a rapport with students by displaying confidence and skill with the material, gauge their emotional state and respond accordingly.

 

Meet Our Instructors

Paul Penniman

Founder, executive director and instructor in math and science

B.A., mathematical sciences and psychology, Johns Hopkins University

Paul taught mathematics for nine years at the Edmund Burke School before starting a tutoring practice in 1990. Paul has given talks at National Council of Teachers of Mathematics meetings regarding the remediation of undiagnosed learning-disabled students. In the summer of 2007, Paul led a team of RICH professionals that designed the math curriculum at the new Academy at the Oak Hill Detention Facility.

Susie Humpstone

Reading instructor and diagnostic testing specialist

M.Ed., learning disabilities, American University

Susie has taught, diagnosed and remediated reading comprehension for over thirty years, most recently with the City Lights School. She has also trained in organizational development and has consulted with the University of the District of Columbia in that capacity.

Barbara Taylor

English and history instructor

Ph.D, English literature and teacher training, University of Illinois

Barbara has taught for over 40 years in both public and private schools. She has also directed out of school time supplemental educational programs

Annie Barsky

Writing and organization instructor

M.Ed., secondary reading

Annie taught for nineteen years in the Montgomery County and Prince George’s Public School systems and consulted at the Kingsbury Day Center before starting a private tutoring practice. Her specialities are teaching writing, test-taking and executive functional skills.

Sandy Reznick

Reading and writing instructor

B.A., political science, University of Michigan

Sandy has been a teacher in Michigan and the Washington, D.C., area for over forty years. Before starting a private tutoring practice, Sandy was a support director for Teach for America.

Ann White

Humanities instructor

Ph.D., history, University of Pennsylvania

Ann taught history, English and writing for 25 years at Edmund Burke School. Her specialities are teaching expository writing, in particular research papers, and organization.

Jason Pirrello

Mathematics instructor

B.A., mathematics, Harvard University

Jason taught for ten years at the Maret School before becoming a full-time tutor in 2004.

Jacqueline Hubbard

English instructor and special education specialist

M.A., special education, Syracuse University

Jacqueline has worked with at-risk and special needs students for over ten years.

Sheryl Gilbert

ESL and mathematics instructor

M.A., special education, American University

Sheryl has taught math in the Washing ton, D.C., area for over 20 years.

Desmond Williams

English instructor and special education specialist

M.A., special education, George Washington University

Desmond has worked with special needs students since 2001.

Frank Rettenberg

Mathematics instructor

B.A., mathematics, St. John’s College of Annapolis

Frank has taught mathematics in the Washington, D.C., area since 1993. He has been a tutor with Penniman and O’Brien since 2001.

Joshua Boots

Mathematics and science instructor

B.S., physical science education, University of Kansas

Joshua taught mathematics at Hine Junior High School before becoming program manager at the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence.

Vance Gage

English instructor

M.A.T., Northwestern University

Vance has been teaching English to a wide variety of students since 1963.

Carla Farley

English instructor and special education specialist

M.A., special education and reading, Azusa Pacific University; Certificate of Endorsement, Administration and Supervision, University of Virginia

Christopher Reid

Mathematics instructor

BSc, special mathematics, Hull University (UK)

Christopher taught for over 35 in the United Kingdom before moving to Washington and joining RICH.

Paul Steinberg

Psychiatrist

M.D., SUNY-Downstate

Paul has practiced psychiatry for over 30 years in the Washington, D.C., area, and was head of the Counseling and Psychiatric Service for students at Georgetown University.

Kabila Williams

Mathematics instructor

Ed.M, University of Illinois

Kabila taught math at the Lab School of Washington before joining the American Institute of Research.

Betsy Glassman

Instructor in all subjects

B.S., Ithaca College

Betsy has worked with RICH since 2009, helping students in math, English and thesis.

Garrett Phelan

English instructor

B.S., Central Connecticut State University

Garrett was most recently principal at the Cesar Chavez Public Charter School’s original campus from 2004-09. He has over 30 years experience teaching English and is contributing author to The Right to Literacy in Secondary School, ed. Suzanne Plaut.

Pam Korbel

Reading instructor

M.A., learning disabilities, American University

Pam has diagnosed special ed students and mentored teachers for over 30 years in schools like John Eaton Elementary School, Beauvoir School and the SEED School of Washington, D.C.