Kara Bumbary
I am currently a senior at Oakton High School, and I will graduate in June 2025. My achievements include earning the AP Scholar Award, College Board's National African American Recognition Program, and I am a member of the National Honor Society. I have also earned the Oakton Academic Letter for maintaining a 4.0 GPA or higher throughout high school. I also tutor SAT Math through Schoolhouse, where I am a certified tutor in Pre-Algebra and Algebra.
What have your teaching opportunities been outside of Fairfax Collegiate?Outside of Fairfax Collegiate, I have extensive teaching and leadership experiences through tutoring and community service. Firstly, as a certified SAT Math tutor with Schoolhouse, I have led over 100 hours of sessions covering key math topics. Secondly, for my Girl Scout Gold Award project, I developed and taught an environmental education curriculum to preschool children at St. Timothy's Preschool. I created hands-on activities and interactive storytelling methods to teach sustainability and led high school volunteers in rebuiliding the preschool's garden.
What sort of experience have you had in the subject you’ll be teaching this summer?This summer, I will be assisting with math-focused courses during Session 2 as a Teacher Assistant. I have taken AP Calculus AB and AP Statistics, and I currently tutor students in SAT Math through Schoolhouse. I have led multiple 4-week virtual sessions for students across the world to help increase their SAT Math score. I've developed personalized teaching methods to help each student succeed, including creating practice problems and offering one-on-one office hours. In sessions 3 and 4, I will be supporting the Location Director as a Location Assistant.
What excites you about teaching and working with students?I am passionate about helping students grow both academically and personally. I love breaking down complex topics into simple ideas and watching students have that "aha" moment. I truly find it rewarding to create a supportive and engaging environment where students feel encouraged to ask questions, try new strategies, and celebrate their progress. Since I use to go to Fairfax Collegiate as a child, what excites me most about teaching is giving back to the community who had once helped me when I was younger.
Outside of work, what are some hobbies you enjoy?Outside of academics and work, I am an athlete. I compete in Varsity Track & Field, and I play Varsity Basketball. Also up to 10th grade I did Tae Kwon Do, and got my 4th Degree Black Belt. I am also an active member of Jack and Jill of America, and I enjoy volunteering in my community. My hobbies include crocheting, playing pickle ball with friends, baking, cooking, and traveling.