Having called numerous places home and taught a wide range of students and subjects, Kassie Fuiten is ready for a new adventure as A+ Test Prep and Tutoring’s new Director of Education. Her dedication and more than a decade of experience will be an asset to A+ as she connects students with the tutors and programs that best fit their needs. Kassie recently took time out of her busy schedule to speak with us about what led her to A+ and what her thoughts are on its future.
A+: Thanks for taking the time to talk to us, Kassie! To get started, help us get to know you better by telling us a little about yourself.
KASSIE: I’m originally from Springfield, Illinois, the hometown of Abraham Lincoln and Homer Simpson. Since moving away at the age of twelve, I’ve lived in a variety of places, including Lancaster, PA; New York City; Madrid; Paris; and even a tiny country called Andorra with just 70,000 people. Now, I’m a recent Philly transplant and quite happy with my new home. Philadelphia has everything I like: art museums, an abundance of coffee shops, and great hiking trails just outside the city.
A+: Wow, what an amazing journey! Now, let’s dig a little deeper. What’s your academic and professional background, and what ultimately landed you at A+?
KASSIE: I’ve loved teaching since I can remember. Throughout my career, I’ve tried my hand at a lot of different types of teaching—elementary school math, high school speech and debate, college essay advising. While I love working with students, ultimately what fascinated me was the relationship between students’ learning, their attention, and their motivation. This interest led me to major in both psychology and education at Barnard College of Columbia University and then pursue a masters in cognitive science at École Normale Supérieure in Paris. Questions like: “How can we design lessons that keep students actively engaged?” and “How does personal connection to lesson content impact student motivation?” became focuses of my studies and research.
One of the reasons I was drawn to A+ is because the company is built on the attitude that there is no “one size fits all” approach to teaching: it’s about finding ways to tap into each student’s interests and personal goals to motivate their studies.
A+: Given your clear fascination with the learning process, what is it specifically about tutoring that you find so valuable?
KASSIE: My past experiences as an elementary and high school teacher and as an college essay advisor made me appreciate the unique role that tutoring can play in a student’s education. The way that it provides 1-on-1 attention that students simply can’t get in a classroom means it can more easily be tailored to each individual student’s needs. That customization is key for helping students connect with what they’re learning about and feel motivated. Most importantly, however, is the rapport that is developed between tutor and student. To me, there’s something really special about having a student and tutor build up a relationship over time; it creates trust so that students can be vulnerable to make mistakes, ask questions, and feel understood.
A+: What are your thoughts on A+ so far? Was there a moment or experience that you found particularly memorable or rewarding?
KASSIE: My experience with A+ so far has been overwhelmingly positive. From day one, I’ve been impressed by the dedication of the team and the supportive culture they’ve cultivated. Everyone, from the tutors to the administrative staff, is genuinely committed to helping students succeed. That shared purpose makes A+ feel like more than just a company—it’s a community.
One moment that stands out was a conversation with a parent who had been really worried about her child’s struggles in math. After just a few weeks of tutoring, the student’s confidence grew noticeably, and they even started participating more in class. Hearing the parent say, “For the first time, they’re excited to show me their homework,” was incredibly rewarding. It was a reminder of why we do what we do—helping students not only improve academically but also feel good about their abilities.
I’ve also been inspired by our tutors. During a recent team meeting, they shared innovative strategies they’d developed to engage their students, and I was blown away by their creativity and dedication. Moments like that make me proud to be part of this community.
A+: What changes or challenges do you anticipate going forward?
KASSIE: One of the biggest challenges I anticipate is staying ahead of changes in standardized testing, such as the ongoing revisions to the ACT and SAT. These shifts can create uncertainty for students, families, and even educators, so it’s essential that we stay informed and adapt quickly to ensure our programs remain relevant and effective.
I think the broader challenge for any education organization is addressing the diverse needs of today’s students. To do so, we’ll need to stay flexible and innovative in our approaches. I see these challenges as opportunities to grow and improve, and I’m confident that the A+ team is up for the task.
A+: You began working at A+ just a few months ago, and the new year has just begun. What are some things that you’re excited about for 2025 and beyond?
KASSIE: I’m excited about several things, both big and small. First, I’m looking forward to guiding our students through the changes to the ACT. Standardized test changes can feel overwhelming to students and families, so being able to offer updated resources and support is a priority for me.
I’m also eager to build stronger relationships with our tutors and families. Every interaction with them brings new ideas and inspiration, and I look forward to collaborating even more closely to ensure that our students receive the best possible experience. A+ is a team effort, and I feel lucky to be a part of it.
Perhaps what excites me most about the future, however, is the potential for growth. There’s so much opportunity to expand what we offer while staying true to our core mission of individualized education. I’m especially eager to explore ways we can use technology to enhance our tutoring programs, whether it’s through innovative online tools or new resources for test prep. The possibilities for collaboration, innovation, and impact are truly inspiring, and I can’t wait to see where we go from here.
With a better understanding of both of A+ Test Prep and Tutoring’s new additions—Lucy Zhang, President and Kassie Fuiten, Director of Education—we can look forward with confidence that A+ is in good hands following Founder and former President Dan Ascher’s retirement. It requires perseverance and passion to take on any new endeavor, so A+ and its students are fortunate to have such intelligent and enthusiastic individuals at the helm.
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