Richard Gottesman

About Richard Gottesman

I am a PhD mathematician, mathematics educator, and tutor who works closely with students, helping them build confidence as they deepen their understanding of mathematics.I work with students who feel anxious or stuck, students who are doing well but want a stronger grasp of the material, and very advanced students who are eager to explore ideas beyond the standard curriculum.My work ranges from designing and teaching math enrichment programs for ambitious high school students to one-on-one education that is highly individualized.I tutor students in mathematics, prepare them for standardized exams including AP Calculus and the SAT, ACT, and GRE, and also guide students through the college application essay process.Students I work with are better prepared for exams and more confident in their mathematical thinking.My tutoring spans middle school mathematics through advanced undergraduate mathematics.I also mentor advanced students and adults who want to go beyond the standard curriculum, engaging in enrichment, math competitions, writing and discovering proofs, and research-style mathematical exploration.Earlier in my career, I taught mathematics at the university level, which continues to influence how I think about teaching and learning.In my work with students, I emphasize asking good questions, talking through ideas, and staying engaged with the mathematics when it becomes more challenging.Sessions focus on working through problems together and ensuring students master techniques and principles they can apply independently.Alongside my work in mathematics education, I teach improvisation workshops to both students and adults, and I have performed a solo show about mathematics at the People’s Improv Theater in New York City. These experiences have shaped how I work with students by emphasizing listening, clear communication, and confidence.In my work, I take pride in helping students make sense of challenging ideas and develop the confidence to go deeper in their work with mathematics.

Experience

1. Improv Comedy Teacher

   Great Neck Library

   Jan 2024 — Present · Great Neck, NY, US

   Designed and led improv-based workshops with a focus on communication, confidence, collaboration, and creative thinking. Applied improvisational techniques to support learning, adaptability, and public speaking, while fostering an inclusive and supportive classroom environment that encouraged participation and growth.

Education

• University of California, Santa Cruz

  Doctor of Philosophy, Mathematics

• Brown University

  Master of Science, Mathematics

• Brown University

  Bachelor of Science, Mathematics