"Hi, I'm Zach! I graduated from Grinnell College with a B.A. in Economics and am currently pursuing M.S. in City Planning at Boston University. I like to incorporate games and creative problem-solving into my lessons to make learning fun, engaging, and memorable. Whether it’s math or chess, I believe students learn best when they are actively participating and enjoying the process. My goal is to spark curiosity and show students that challenges can be exciting opportunities to grow rather than obstacles to fear.

I have experience working in middle school math classrooms through the nonprofit Teens Run DC, where I supported students in both small-group and one-on-one settings. I am also a lifelong chess player, part of the team that won the Wisconsin State Chess Championship in 2014, and later served as President of the Grinnell College Chess Club, where I organized practices and guided players of different skill levels. These experiences have shown me the importance of adapting lessons to each student’s pace while also keeping learning interactive and rewarding.

As a tutor, I aim to build positive relationships with my students by checking in often, clarifying concepts, and encouraging them to explain their thinking. Beyond helping them succeed in math or chess, I want my students to gain confidence, resilience, and the ability to approach challenges with creativity and persistence." less...