jianhong zhu - singapore math

Ms. Jianhong Zhu is a highly accomplished mathematics educator with over a decade of experience in teaching and curriculum development. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Zhejiang University, where she built a strong foundation in theoretical mathematics. Later, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics with honors from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG), specializing in applied mathematics and interdisciplinary pedagogy. Her academic journey has provided her with a unique blend of Eastern and Western educational perspectives, which she seamlessly integrates into her teaching.

Currently serving as the Mathematics Department Chair at Thomasville City High School, Ms. Zhu oversees curriculum design and instructional strategies while teaching a variety of courses, including Math 1–4, Honors Math, and Pre-Calculus. Her previous roles at Atkins STEM High School and Southern Guilford High School allowed her to further develop her expertise in advanced subjects such as Pre-Calculus, Discrete Mathematics, and IB Statistics. These experiences have refined her ability to make complex mathematical concepts accessible and engaging for students of all levels.

Beyond her classroom responsibilities, Ms. Zhu has dedicated over ten years to providing personalized math tutoring for K–12 and college-level students. She tailors her sessions to individual learning needs, helping students build confidence and achieve academic success. She firmly believes that mathematics is more than just numbers—it is a powerful tool for developing critical thinking, logical reasoning, and problem-solving skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

Ms. Zhu’s teaching philosophy centers on creating a supportive and interactive learning environment. She employs a student-centered approach, using real-world examples and hands-on activities to simplify abstract concepts. For instance, she might use a hiking trail to illustrate geometric sequences or analyze data from a community project to teach statistical principles. Her lessons are designed to foster curiosity and encourage students to explore mathematical ideas independently.

One of Ms. Zhu’s greatest strengths is her ability to blend the rigor of Singapore Math with the creativity of Western pedagogical methods. This dual approach allows her to challenge students while keeping lessons dynamic and relatable. She is also skilled at identifying learning gaps and providing targeted support, ensuring that every student progresses at their own pace.

Her teaching style is both rigorous and approachable. She sets high expectations for her students but balances them with warmth and empathy, creating a classroom atmosphere where students feel safe to ask questions and make mistakes. Many of her students describe her classes as “fun yet challenging,” highlighting how her clear explanations and engaging examples make even the most difficult topics manageable.

The impact of Ms. Zhu’s teaching is evident in her students’ achievements. They consistently excel in standardized tests such as the SAT and IB, with many earning top scores in math competitions. Beyond academic success, her students develop a deep appreciation for mathematics and its real-world applications. Alumni often credit her mentorship for their ability to think critically and approach problems creatively, skills that serve them well in college and their careers.

Outside of teaching, Ms. Zhu enjoys spending time with her family and their beloved cat, Sun. She is an avid hiker and loves relaxing at the beach, drawing inspiration from nature to bring fresh energy to her classroom.