Qualified Secondary Maths Teacher. IB Expert. Masters degree with first class honours (in Mathematics). 15 years experience. Taught at schools around Auckland such as Kristin School and at University

Find out more about Kenneth

• 1) When did you develop an interest in your chosen field and in private tutoring?

  My fascination with mathematics and teaching occurred in two critical places. Firstly in high school, where I had a series of really excellent teachers, but particularly in year 13. He was passionate about the subject, and clearly still had a passion for teaching too, even though he had been teaching for 20+ years. I believe really excellent teachers can really make a difference in the course of someone's life. The second pivotal thing for me was teaching maths to University classes. I love maths, and was studying mathematics at the time, but teaching was always the highlight of my day. To me it was clear I wanted to be a teacher.

• 2) Tell us more about the subject you teach, the topics you like to discuss with students (and possibly those you like a little less).

  I love deep diving into level 3 calculus topics and into IB HL topics. So complex numbers, concepts of derivatives. My favorite sessions aren't usually about a particular topic though, it's more about what the student is passionate about and what they bring in, if they bring in an interesting question they are genuinely interested about.
  
  What I like less is anything that is just wrote learning or memorizing. I do like a teacher led-approach when students are just starting out, but I'm not about drilling things over and over and over.

• 3) Did you have any role models; a teacher that inspired you?

  Yes, absolutely. My maths teacher for year 13 Calculus. He was enthusiastic, and passionate about his subject that he had been teaching for over 20 years. I believe a good teacher can change the trajectory of a person's life! Also many colleagues and other teachers I've worked with over the years (too many to name).

• 4) What do you think are the qualities required to be a good tutor?

  Patience and ability to read a student -- how they are feeling and if they are struggling. Also having good enthusiasm about your subject. Energy is contagious. If the tutor/teacher is genuinely excited about the beauty of a math problem, the student is much more likely to engage and push through the challenge.

• 5) Provide a valuable anecdote related to your subject or your days at school.

  I once had a student who was completely stuck on algebra and convinced they just couldn't do math, and was completely turned off of the subject. Knowing they loved basketball, we made every example about basketball shots and scenarios. The engagement was instant. They went from staring blankly at the page to solving the problems confidently, simply because the context changed. It reminded me that math isn't inherently dry—it just needs the right bridge to a student's real world.

• 6) What were the difficulties or challenges you faced or still facing in your subject?

  The biggest challenge I constantly face is the cultural myth of the "math person." So many students arrive at my lessons with layers of academic trauma, believing their brains just aren't wired for numbers.
  
  Dismantling that psychological wall and helping them unlearn the fear of being wrong is always a hurdle, but it is easily the most rewarding part of my work when we finally break through it.

• 7) Do you have a particular passion? Is it teaching in general or an element of the subject or something completely different?

  I have many passions -- a lot of which are around education and learning, and some which are totally unrelated! I'm fascinated by EdTech and how we can harness technology to make the world a better place. Outside of education I have a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and enjoy hiking.

• 8) What makes you a Superprof (besides answering these interview questions) ?

  Is my commitment to my students and supporting them everywhere I can. I love to help students and have made a career from it.
  
  I combine rigorous academic standards with a supportive, low-stress environment, meaning my students don't just pass their exams—they walk away with a genuine boost in self-confidence and hopefully a new found appreciation for mathematics!