Meet Andy McClellan

We are back with another chance to meet one of our awesome tutors. This month we talked to Andy McClellan.

Andy grew up right here in Cincinnati. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in communication from University of Cincinnati. After graduating from UC, Andy found a marketing job working for Cincinnati Nature Center, where he quickly fell in love with the natural world and sharing that joy with others, especially children. He transferred to the education department where he delivered outdoor education programs, developed curriculum for field trips, and trained volunteers. This work led him to realize the impact he could make in the classroom when he would have long-term relationships with students and families. He decided to go back to school to earn a Master’s in Montessori education at Xavier, and later he began working for Cincinnati Public Schools; he stills works there today.

He is a 4th-6th grade math and science teacher at North Avondale Montessori School. He is also the Outdoor Resource Coordinator at his school. This was a position Andy applied for when he saw how many natural resources could be utilized to enhance students’ learning experience. Since he started in this role at NAM, they have added a pollinator garden, two outdoor learning spaces, refurbished a greenhouse, and reopened the old trail system in the woods behind the school. Amazing!

How long have you been tutoring with Connections?

I have been tutoring with Connections since March 2019.

What's your favorite thing about tutoring?

I love the individualized experience that tutoring offers, both to me and to my students. In my classroom it’s challenging to give my full attention to each of the 30 students, but during a tutoring session I am able to pick up on all the little details and hidden strengths that contribute to a child’s unique learning style.

What is the best book you've read in the last year?

"Creative Quest" by Questlove.

How would you spend a free Saturday afternoon?

Hiking with my wife and my dog, or rock climbing at Red River Gorge.

You just won an all expenses paid vacation! Where are you going?

Anywhere with things to climb and good food to eat! I would probably pick the Verdon River Gorge in the South of France. Beautiful scenery and enough climbing to keep me busy for quite awhile!

Thanks, Andy! We are so glad to have you on the Connections team, and we love the passion you bring to education!