Peter earned his MA in elementary inclusive education from Teachers College Columbia University, where he had the opportunity to work in a 4th/5th-grade classroom at Central Park East 1 Elementary School, which is known for its project-based learning program. He then spent two years working in Kindergarten at Friends Seminary, a Quaker school in New York City and taught second grade at Crossroads School in Santa Monica. His approach to teaching is informed by these experiences, as well as his early work in high-needs schools through his services with City Year AmeriCorps and Breakthrough Collaborative. He also had a short stint as a park ranger in The Bronx.

Peter enjoys a good cup of coffee, listening to freeform radio station WFMU, and attempting to fix his vintage guitars, amplifiers, and cassette recorders. He also loves to hike and bike and is currently learning how to grow succulent plants, which he finds strange and fascinating.