About Me

Background

Hey there! I’m Zachary, and I’ve spent over a decade helping students in mathematics. With a Bachelor’s in Biomedical Engineering from Boston University and a Master’s in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Florida, I’ve combined my passion for engineering with a deep commitment to teaching.

I have experience teaching both inside and outside the classroom, at the high school and college level, in-person and online. While I do teach a broad range of math topics, I am paticularly focused on calculus. With high school students, I focus on helping them score 4s and 5s on their AP exams. For college students, I focus on helping them ace their exams.

If you're interested in working with me, check out my tutoring page.

Teaching Philosophy

My teaching philosophy centers around the belief that understanding the "why" behind mathematical concepts is as crucial as mastering the "how." I strive to cultivate a learning environment where students are encouraged to explore the purpose and necessity of each new technique or approach. By understanding why a particular method is used, students can better appreciate its value and see how it connects to what they have previously learned.

I make it a priority to bridge new topics with concepts from earlier lessons or even from different disciplines. This approach not only reinforces prior knowledge but also helps students recognize the interconnectedness of mathematical ideas. By drawing these connections, students can see mathematics as a coherent and logical progression rather than a series of disjointed topics.

My teaching method is heavily example-driven. I guide students through a sequence of problems that gradually increase in complexity. Starting with basic examples, we build on foundational concepts, and as we progress, I challenge students to make mental leaps that help them apply their understanding to more advanced problems. This method ensures that students are not just passive recipients of information but active participants in their learning process, capable of transferring knowledge to new and unfamiliar situations.

Ultimately, my goal is to equip students with the tools they need to become independent thinkers who can approach mathematical problems with confidence and creativity.

Extracurricular

When I'm not teaching or making content, I am likely either playing volleyball or trying to find a great movie that I haven't already seen (not an easy feat).