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Curriculum Vitae | Brianna Kolitzus, Ed.D. | Zurich Tutor

Hi. Salut. やあ. Hallo. Merhaba. привет. Përshëndetje. Ciao. नमस्ते. Salam. 嗨. Zdravo. ¡Hola! مرحبا

Extensively experienced science and mathematics educator holding multiple advanced degrees. With over 20 years of designing and delivering interdisciplinary instruction in biology, chemistry, physics, and maths across international curricula (IB, AP, A-Level, IGCSE) and the Swiss Matura, I bring a unique blend of scientific training, pedagogical expertise, and cross-cultural communication grounded in both U.S. and Swiss school systems. Known for clear, cross-disciplinary explanations of complex scientific ideas and for building strong student engagement through structured, creative, and individualized coaching. Lifelong lover of learning with a Kaizen-inspired commitment to continuous improvement, dedicated to educational outreach and evidence-based teaching practices that foster analytical thinking, scientific literacy, and student confidence.

education

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• Doctor of Education, Educational Leadership & Management
  Drexel University, 2015
  Dissertation: Making the Case for STEM Integration
  at the Upper Elementary Level
   

• Master of Arts, Physics Education
  University of Virginia, 2012
   

• Master of Science, Biology
  Shippensburg University, 2009
   

• Bachelor of Science, Secondary Biology Education
  York College of Pennsylvania, 2004
   

• Bachelor of Science, Biobehavioral Health
  Pennsylvania State University, 2001
   

• Bachelor of Science, Life Science
  Pennsylvania State University, 2001

certifications & awards

Secondary Instructional Certifications:
Biology | Chemistry | Physics | Earth & Space Science | Mathematics
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, 2004

Teacher of the Year
Middletown Area School District, 2013

professional experience

Private Tutor & Academic Coach | Founder & Owner

BRAIN: tutoring by brianna | Zürich, Switzerland | 2019–present
 

• Support multilingual learners of Biology, Chemistry, Physics & Maths among others, across IB, AP, IGCSE, A-Level & Swiss Matura curricula.

• Provide comprehensive writing consultation for IAs, EEs, ToK Essays, HL English Essays, Visual Arts CS, Maturaarbeiten, personal statements, AP Seminar IRR/IWA, research papers, and oral defenses.

• Design customized revision plans, instructional materials, and private workshops.
   

Educational Support Consultant

Foundations for Learning | Zürich, Switzerland | 2021–present
 

• Design Study Skills presentations for IGCSE and A-Level students.

• Develop interdisciplinary summer courses integrating math, science, and analytical writing, including Investigative Claims Lab & Writing Architecture Lab.

• Collaborating with families, teachers, and specialists to address dyslexia, dyscalculia, and ADHD.
   

Advanced Placement AP Exam Reader
College Board/Educational Testing Service | 2016–present

• Evaluate AP Chemistry and AP Seminar free-response tasks.

• Participate in calibration sessions and scoring reliability reviews.
   

Additional Teaching Experience
 

• IB Biology Revision Course Teacher | Yashina Tutors
  Inter-Community School | Zürich, Switzerland | 2020-2021
   

• High School Science Teacher
  AP Chemistry & Environmental Science | Forensic Science
  Middletown Area School District | Middletown, PA, USA | 2004–2017
   

• Preschool Teacher
  Jewish Community Center | Harrisburg, PA, USA | 2001-2002
   

• Teaching Assistant: Neuroanatomy, Behavior, & Health
  Pennsylvania State University | State College, PA, USA | 2000 - 2001

research

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• Research Fellow
  Department of Materials Science and Engineering 
  Penn State University | State College, PA, USA | 2012
   

• Research Fellow
  Department of Neuroscience and Anatomy
  Penn State College of Medicine | Hershey, PA, USA | 1999  
   

• Undergraduate Research Assistant
  Department of Biobehavioral Health
  Penn State University | State College, PA, USA | 1998 – 1999