Alex received his Bachelor of Science in Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology from UCLA, graduating magna cum laude. While in college, Alex served as a Teaching Assistant for undergraduate Plant Physiology courses, creating lesson plans and presentations for classes. He also volunteered in the Learning Assistant Program, offering support to other TAs and professors while providing extra office hours to students. As a Hayutin educator, Alex supports students from elementary school through university level with a wide range of subjects, including mathematics through AP Calculus AB/BC, AP Statistics, and Linear Algebra; science courses including AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Physics, AP Environmental Science, and anatomy and physiology; and English, writing, and history. Alex is also an experienced Executive Functioning coach who helps students improve study skills, time management, organization, and planning. Alex is also trained to support students as they prepare for the ISEE, other testing requirements, and timed writing for private school admissions. In addition to tutoring, Alex is exploring teaching opportunities and considering pursuing a teaching credential in the future. In his free time, Alex enjoys playing music (ukulele, clarinet, guitar), cooking and baking, as well as hiking.

 

We Asked, Alex Answered 

  • What is one of your fundamental beliefs about education?

    For most academic topics (whether math, science, writing, or anything else), there are so many different ways to approach a concept. Many times a student might struggle because they have only been told one single way. In any subject, I strive to help my students see that there is more than one approach to a challenge, and it's important to try out different ways, even if they don't work the first time. 

  • What is your favorite subject to teach and why?

    I love teaching math! I've always found solving math problems to be like solving puzzles, and helping others make breakthroughs and gain the ability to apply new concepts is so rewarding.

  • Share an anecdote about a time your student hit a wall and how the student overcame it.

    I was once working with a student who was new to the concept of negative numbers, and while they understood what they look like on a number line, the idea of doing any operations with them was a total mystery. We tried a number of different ways to approach this, but when drawing some diagrams, this student really clicked with my drawing of a tall building with a deep basement with "negative" floors, and an elevator going up and down. Once this clicked, they were flying through all the problems like a natural.

  • What makes Hayutin different?

    Hayutin takes such a personalized approach with each student, taking the time to learn about each student individually and offering the resources needed. Hayutin can match the right tutor with the right expertise, and even provide the right setting, whether that is at home, in the office, or virtually.

  • What is the favorite thing you've learned from a student?

    I have a student who frequently asks me if various super powers could be possible, and I'll offer my best guess to how they might come to be, but often he'll surprise me with information about an awesome new invention or technology that allows humans to do something completely unheard of before, like contact lenses that let you see even with your eyes closed!

  • Other than education, what is something you are passionate about?

    The environment is so deeply important to me because it impacts every single thing on this planet. Sustainability isn't just about wanting pretty parks and clean skies, it's about taking care of our home so it can continue to be that home for us and future generations.

  • What’s something you learned about yourself after high school that you wish you knew back then?

    I wish I knew how much I liked writing my own music. I played clarinet in band for 10 years, but in all that time I never tried to write my own pieces, beyond a few short melodies.

  • What is a stretch you experienced growing up?

    In school, writing for English class was always my most challenging subject. I have many tools I use that help out a lot, like building outlines and making plans, but I do still find myself procrastinating writing things from time to time.

  • If you could tutor any historical figure, who would it be and what would your focus be?

    Aristotle - I think it would be funny to explain to him our modern understanding of chemistry, because as revolutionary as some of his ideas and philosophies were, he was more than a little off about certain aspects of science, like how there are A LOT more than 4 elements.

  • What’s the book on your nightstand you are dying to read?

    The Legacy of Yangchen, by F. C. Yee

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