About Us
Our Mission: Helping Students Succeed
Our mission is to build a solid understanding of general chemistry by teaching key concepts in a simple and clear way. We focus on helping students grasp the material, allowing them to apply what they learn in their assignments and exams. Through science backed instruction and useful visualizations, we empower students to understand essential ideas and develop problem-solving skills. Our goal is to ensure that every student succeeds academically and gains the confidence to face challenges in their chemistry courses and beyond.
Our Story
Hey there! I’m Tina, CEO and Founder of NextStep.
My journey in education started as a teaching assistant (TA) during my first semester as a master’s student, right after earning my bachelor’s degree. Listening to my students’ frustrations highlighted the gap between instructors’ intentions and the real challenges students faced, especially in general chemistry—a course I struggled with and even had to repeat. This experience ignited my passion for helping students succeed in their academic journeys, leading me to pursue a Ph.D. in the Learning Sciences, focusing on educational psychology and effective STEM teaching methods.
Since 2014, I have been teaching college-level general chemistry. Drawing from my experiences and formal training in education, I aimed to create a more effective learning environment. By moving away from traditional lectures, I incorporated active learning strategies, interactive technology, and group problem-solving to enhance student engagement and understanding. This approach has led to significant improvements in student success rates, helping many build confidence and achieve their academic goals.
These experiences inspired the creation of NextStep, an initiative dedicated to supporting student success in STEM. By developing tailored resources grounded in scientifically backed teaching techniques, NextStep empowers all students to excel in their studies. My commitment to effective teaching drives me to create an educational environment where every student can thrive and reach their full potential.
So, are you ready to take the next step in mastering chemistry? Join us and discover a stress-free way to truly learn and succeed in your academic journey!