About the Wiz
Born in Seoul and having journeyed from Valparaiso, Chile, to the vibrant streets of New York City, James Woo's life is a tapestry of diverse experiences. Growing up in neighborhoods like Woodside and Bayside, and attending schools from PS 12 to Cardozo High School, his New York roots run deep. James' academic path led him to earn a Bachelor's in Applied Mathematics & Statistics and Economics from SUNY Stony Brook, initially aspiring to be an actuarial scientist. However, a desire to impact future generations sparked a pivotal change in his career trajectory.
Columbia University & Teaching
Embracing a newfound passion for teaching, James pursued a Master of Arts in Mathematics Education at Columbia University's Teachers College. Since 2012, he has dedicated himself to teaching middle school math, driven by a commitment to academic rigor, authenticity, and integrity
Philosophy
James believes that the key to overcoming the fear of math lies in connecting new concepts with familiar ones and challenging students to reach their highest potential. He is committed to ensuring that his students not only excel in mathematics but also develop a genuine love for the subject.
Hobbies and Interests
An avid board gamer and math team coach, James infuses his teaching with interactive, game-based learning. He leads the Brain Games elective, fostering student engagement through board games. His dedication extends to coaching his students in competitions like MathCounts and the AMC 8. Beyond the classroom, James is a passionate Yankees fan, enjoys reading, playing sports, watching YouTube, gaming, collecting unique items, and traveling for new experiences and culinary adventures.
