“I decided to pursue teaching as a profession once I made the determination that I wanted to dedicate the rest of my professional life to having a positive impact on our society. Specifically, I want to address the inequities in our society that have resulted in the opportunity gap that exists for people of color. I have become a teacher so that I can develop African American youth and increase the educational and vocational opportunities for all students from underserved communities.”
Kwesi’s Story
Teaching Discipline
Mathematics
Why Mathematics
“I believe mathematics is a gateway to empowerment. A strong math education not only gives students the foundational skills needed to pursue opportunities in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields, but when taught well, math also develops the problem solving, critical thinking, and communication skills that are required for college and career success across all areas of study and professions.”
Professional Experience
Before pursuing a career in teaching, Kwesi worked in the telecommunications technology industry. From 1999 to 2003, he worked for Lucent Technologies in their Warren and Holmdel, New Jersey, facilities as a project manager/operations supervisor. In this role, he managed the deployment of wireless and optical telecommunication networks.
From 2003 to 2008, Kwesi worked at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. He worked as the acting director/developmental specialist in math for the TRiO Student Support Services program from 2003 to 2006. In this role, he developed academic assessment plans for students experiencing difficulties in math and science courses and created multimedia presentations in the areas of study skills for math and science, test-taking strategies, and Math Anxiety. Kwesi also worked as manager of Continuing Education and Global Programs for the Graduate School of Education from 2006 to 2008. In this role, he managed the delivery of online and in-person continuing education courses, conferences, and programs for K–12 teachers in New Jersey. He also created and delivered presentations for K–12 school administrators to increase professional development opportunities for teachers.
From 2008 to 2019, Kwesi worked for the McMaster-Carr Supply Company in Robbinsville, New Jersey. McMaster-Carr is a worldwide distributor of engineering supplies and equipment. Over his 11 year tenure with the company, he held multiple positions with a variety of responsibilities including sales operations generalist, marketing strategist, and e-commerce sales support/customer service specialist.
Since 2006, Kwesi has served as a mentor to active military and other non-traditional college students taking undergraduate mathematics courses at Thomas Edison State University. His responsibilities include grading assignments, providing detailed feedback on students’ math work, and providing one-on-one academic support.
Additionally, Kwesi has over 20 years of experience working as a mathematics tutor. This includes working as a volunteer for academic enrichment programs, providing professional one-on-one and group tutorial services for non-profit organizations, and working as a private independent tutor.
Kwesi will begin teaching at The Workshop School during the 2020–2021 school year.
Hobbies
Kwesi enjoys spending time with his wife and children, walking, collecting comic books, and listening to podcasts.
Academic Background
- University of Pennsylvania (Master of Science in Secondary Education)
- Rutgers University (Master of Business Administration in Information Systems)
- Pennsylvania State University (Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering)