William graduated from the University of Warwick with First Class Honours and a Master in Educational Innovation. Having taught in the UK, South Africa and Tanzania, he now teaches all three levels of IBDP Mathematics (HL Higher, SL Standard and SL Studies), IGCSE Mathematics, SAT and ACT Mathematics. He also has previous experiences teaching IBMYP Mathematics, GCSE Statistics and Science, AP Calculus UKGCE A Level Mathematics and Further Mathematics and HKDSE Mathematics. William has excellent knowledge of different international curricula. In particular, he works as an examiner for the IBO specializing in SL Standard Mathematics internal assessments. With his depth of subject knowledge, inquiry and formative approach of teaching and genuine care for his students, he was voted by graduating students as one of the teachers of the year.

On becoming a teacher:
Being heavily influenced by my parents who were both in the education field, teaching was my childhood dream as a little boy. It is the best way I can contribute to my community. I started teaching at an early age. When I was at school, my classmates seemed to think my way of explaining concepts easy to understand. When I was at university, my tutees seemed to enjoy the lessons I teach. I’d like to think that my students these days still think the same! Let’s be honest, you probably think Maths is boring, difficult and not very useful in real life. If that is what you think, you are in the majority! I’d love to change your mind! I enjoy helping my students to see the fun and relevance of Maths! I enjoy seeing my students’ faces light up when they grasp a difficult concept for the first time! Although the students will never admit it, I enjoy the moments when they try to hide their excitement marveling at the beauty of Maths! Yes, it happens more frequently than you think! Whether you are brave enough to say ‘that was beautiful’ is another matter!

My life and teaching:
I love hiking and challenging myself physically. My proudest achievement is finishing the 100km Oxfam Trail-walker hike in one go without any sleep. It was all about being prepared and being perseverant! What time did I finish it in? Don’t ask, I finished! To me, it was all about doing the best I can and completing it. Maybe gaining your Maths qualification is the same? I was fortunate enough to have some great companions who carried me over the finish line when my legs wouldn’t. I’d love to be your companion on your Maths journey!

An admirable Mathematician:
Isaac Newton. Not only was he one of the two people who developed Calculus, my favourite Maths topic, I most admire his determination and humility. He was not actually considered all that great a student when he was at college. Nonetheless, he was diligent and devoted a lot of time in self-study. He once said ‘If I have ever made any valuable discoveries, it has been owing more to patient attention, than to any other talent’. Eventually, he became great. But greatness did not lead to pride. He said ‘If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants.’ It amazes me how one can be so great, yet so modest. Incredible!

Inspirational people:
Mom and Dad! As I said, they were both in the Education field. They are now both retired. But they still devote a lot of their spare time working with young people and children with special education needs these days. They genuinely love and care for their students. They are still in touch with the students they taught over 30 years ago. That’s the kind of teacher I want to be. Not just a Maths guru, but a mentor for life!

Top tip to my younger self:
Young Will, here’s a quote for you: ‘Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you… We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us… if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.’