Exploring Boston and Teaching SAT Prep: A Two-Week Adventure
In June of 2023, I had the incredible opportunity to spend 14 days in Boston, Massachutes teaching SAT test prep for Zinkerz, an online instruction company specializing in college prep classes and assessments. I’ve been teaching Advanced Placement (AP) English courses and Verbal SAT prep remotely for Zinkerz since November 2022, and this trip offered me the chance to meet my co-workers and students face-to-face, personalizing the learning experience for both them and myself. My company generously covered my trip expenses, and I stayed in a private dorm room at Emerson College, located directly across the street from Boston Common. The flexibility of remote teaching has opened doors to adventures and relationships I never could have imagined. Instead of being confined to the same classroom in the same town, I found myself teaching in the heart of Boston and exploring its rich history and vibrant culture.
The SAT Camp Experience
The SAT camp was a rigorous, engaging environment. The students were deeply committed to their education, making each session productive and dynamic. Our daily sessions, lasting 4-6 hours, focused on practicing and reviewing the SAT test and strategies to help students improve their scores. The Zinkerz team had the class rosters, schedules, and rotations precisely organized for the students and staff. They love their spreadsheets at Zinkerz, but this is what I love about working for them, they have a system, it is consistent, and it works. The students were group by benchmark scores, and groupings were updated with each new benchmark score. the classes ran 90 minutes with short breaks and in all my years in the public school setting, I have never taught such a focused and competitive group of students. We practiced and reviewed thousands of
SAT questions over the two week span. It was rewarding and entertaining to witness their dedication, progress, and success firsthand.
My students thanked me, but I am the one who is grateful for this experience with them.
Chaperoning Student Activities
One of the highlights of my trip was chaperoning various student activities.
On the second night of camp we rode the subway to Fenway Park to participate like a local in the excitement of a Red Sox game. We do not have subways where I am from in South Texas, so I found the "T, "as Bostonians' say when referring to the public transit system, intimidating. Fortunately, we had our Zinkerz Boston Staff as our guides for all of our tours, so we just had to follow as they navigated the complex transits, tunnels, and streets around this busy city. "
Just across the street from our dorm in the Boston Commons we headed underground to catch the "T" already filled with red and blue attired Red Sox fans and after a short ride we emerged all emerged the to find ourselves in the Fenway-Kenmore District of Boston just down the street from the famous neon Citgo sign. Of course our group had to pause for pictures in front of the iconic Fenway Stadium. This amazing group of teenagers deserved a fun night at the ball park, and where quite successful in starting the wave. Sitting in the stands to watch a Boston Red Sox game with my students and fellow teachers was one of many fabulous field trips
Zinkerz had planned for us.
We also toured several prestigious universities (some via the "T"), including Harvard, MIT, Boston College, Yale, and Brown University. I would have though it a rare opportunity to visit so many esteemed campuses in such a short time period, but Boston is a central point for many college visit day trips. My teacher heart was happy and my teacher brain was nerding out as our personal tour guide, Modi- our leader at Zinkerz, enriched us with the educational and cultural benefits of each university along with admission statistics to motivate the students.
Keeping a group of 40 plus teenagers entertained is easy to do in Boston. I loved bonding with them during our down time on the Ropes Courses and in the Escape Room as we faced these challenges together. While I was right in the middle of helping my group of girls finish before the group of guys trying to escape the room next to us, I admit I was the holder of phones, purses, and other personal items for my students as I opted out of participating in the ropes course and guarded our lunch spot along with their stuff.
Exploring Boston on My Own
When I was not teaching or chaperoning the students on Ivy League School tours, I had ample time to explore the greater Boston area.
Boston Common and Beyond
Boston Common, the oldest city park in the United States, was just a stone’s throw away from my dorm. Walking through the park, I felt a deep sense of history and tranquility. I also visited the Boston Public Library, where the grand architecture and extensive literary collection reignited my passion for literature and teaching.
Literary and Historical Landmarks
As an English teacher, I was particularly excited to visit the Poe Statue, Boston Public Library, and Paul Revere House in Boston.
I was also able to get away to Concord, MA for a couple of days and explore Walden Pond. One of the the highlights of my trip, I decided to devote an entirely separate blog to share my Walden Pond Experience.
Some other highlights of my two day excursion to Concord include a visit to
Old North Bridge and Minute Man National Park
The Robbins House
Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House
Ralph Waldo Emmerson's House
These sites offered a tangible connection to the literary giants I’ve admired and taught about for years. Exploring these landmarks was both an educational and inspirational experience, reinforcing my love for literature and history.
Lobster Roll Love
Lobster Roll tasting was at the top of my Boston bucket list. I am from the Gulf Coast, and seafood is a staple of my diet. I love both the New England and Connecticut style roll which varied in offerings depending on the Boston eatery. I actually tried about five different rolls, here are my top 3. 1. The Shaking Crab on Boylston (and next door to the Emerson Dorms I stayed in. 2. Twin Seafood in Concord, MA (stopped here while visiting Walden Pond)
3. Cusser's Roast Beef and Seafood at Time Out- the food court we ate at near Fenway Park.
Reflecting on the Experience
This trip was a perfect blend of professional development and personal enrichment.
My two-week stay in Boston was a memorable and enriching experience. From the dynamic SAT camp to exploring historic and literary sites, I returned home with a renewed sense of purpose and inspiration. The trip reinforced my commitment to education and my passion for literature, leaving me eager to share these experiences with my students. Remote teaching opportunities like this one have shown me that the world is my classroom. Instead of being stuck in the same town, I’ve been able to turn the pages of history, walk the paths of literary legends, and inspire students from all corners of the globe. Here's to more adventures and the endless possibilities that teaching and learning can bring!
