Tutor Spotlights
Meet John, May 2026 Tutor of the Month
Spotlight on John
A love for global travel and interacting with people led John on his path to becoming an LVSC tutor.
Congratulations to John MacMaster, May 2026 Tutor of the Month!
LVSC Journey: I began training in February 2025 and started tutoring students in May 2025.
What motivated you to become an LVSC volunteer? I had just terminated my real estate license and was looking for a new “hobby.” I thought an ESL program would be interesting, given my prior global travel experiences and an enjoyment of interacting with people in other countries. I also felt it might be nice to give my time supporting people to improve their lives here in New Jersey.
Memorable LVSC Moment: I actually have had three students in the past year, two Japanese students and one Chinese student. My first Japanese student was Hoshino. Unfortunately, she and her husband had to return to Japan in September 2025. Hoshino was obviously disappointed that she could not continue with us.
However, prior to my ESL training, my wife Diane and I had already booked a Japan tour that occurred in October 2025. Hoshino and her husband went out of their way to spend time with us and host two dinners for us while we were in Japan. She also introduced LVSC to her friend Mitsuki, who is my current Japanese student here in Somerset County.
Day Job: I recently terminated my real estate license, but my wife still works in real estate. I am now her “humble assistant.”
Hobbies: 1. My wife and I love to hike anywhere. We’ve hiked all over New Jersey, many U.S. National Parks and the Dolomites in Italy.
2. We love to travel, and I enjoy booking all the arrangements. We’ve been to Europe, South Africa, Australia/New Zealand and Asia. We also take family vacations in the U.S. with our children and teenage grandchildren.
3. I enjoy playing golf with my friends here in New Jersey and in Florida during the winter.
Favorite Food: I love Indian food, any type of curry.
Favorite Book: The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett.
R&R Spot: Turks & Caicos