Wes is an assessor and a teacher who has been with A Grade Ahead for several years. Wes obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Public Affairs from the Glenn College of Public Affairs at Ohio State and has lived in Columbus for the last six years. As a valuable member of the A Grade Ahead team, we sat down and asked Wes a few questions so that you all could get to know him better!
What Is Your Favorite Part Of Working For A Grade Ahead?
I really enjoy being able to see students become more comfortable with the material over time. It’s amazing to see a student who was once struggling on a concept to really own it and to apply it to something else in the classroom.
What Would You Like To Do Most In The Future? (Either Professionally Or Personally)
I am most interested in pursuing a career in school administration, so mostly likely teaching at a professional level to eventually lead to a principal-ship.
What Do You Like To Do For Fun?
I love exploring new parts of Columbus! I’ve been in this city for over six years and I still feel like I am discovering something new each week.
What is your favorite children’s book?
Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein.
If you could go anywhere, where would you go? Why?
Portugal. I was lucky enough to spend three days in Lisbon this past fall, and I fell in love with the country!
What historical figure do you think is a good role model for kids? Why?
Eleanor Roosevelt. She was vocal on so many issues that were important to her, even though her husband (and sitting president…) did not necessarily agree with her at first.
What is your favorite holiday? Why?
Fourth of July because summer barbecue on the water are my favorite place to be.
What is the best advice for students who want to excel in school?
Don’t study just to regurgitate and forget after the test. Study to truly learn and understand the material. It’ll make learning down the line easier and more enjoyable.
Describe one teacher or educational experience that changed your life.
I had the same social studies teacher 10th through 12th grade. He always challenged us and made us ask ourselves “why?” Why do we need to take this specific course load? Why do we need these specific extracurriculars? Why do we need to get into this specific school?
Instead of letting us do what everyone was telling us was the right thing, he empowered us to truly think for ourselves. It’s that logic I still use every day.
What do you like best about meeting our staff?
Author: Pam Crum, Lead Teacher at A Grade Ahead
