Ben Hajaduk

Elizabeth Kolb teaches her fifth-period Precalculus class, made up of juniors and seniors. Kolb’s in-depth on-the-board examples, as shown here, “enrich [our] learning experience,” according to student John Torpey ‘26.

When people think of math, especially the kind of math taught to upperclassmen, humor and ease of understanding aren’t always the first things that come to mind. But for students of Elizabeth Kolb, that couldn’t be further from the truth.

In classes that are typically thought of as challenging for students to tackle, Kolb takes the time to meet each student where they’re at. “I think flexibility in a math environment is key,” she said. “Students learn differently and at different paces. Honestly, math is not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ subject, not even a ‘one-size-fits-most.” 

In order to accommodate the different learning paces of her students, Kolb makes sure that they have plenty of opportunities to hone their skills and become familiar with the material they’re being taught. “In Calculus and Precalculus, students are allowed to use their homework on concept checks,” she explains. “The reasoning behind that is, it’s an incentive for students to do the homework and study. That’s their reward, really.” 

The support Kolb provides to her students works. “I overall understand the material I’ve learned in [her] class more than what I’ve learned in previous math classes, and Mrs. Kolb’s teaching style heavily contributes to that,” said current Precalculus student John Torpey ‘26. 

It’s not just Kolb’s comprehensive and flexible teaching style that allows her students to succeed. Humor is also a major part of her class’s environment, although it’s not necessarily her priority. “[Humor]’s not necessary, but it makes the experience better for students,” she said. “It definitely makes my experience better.”

While it might not be at the forefront of Kolb’s class 24/7, humor is definitely a contributing factor to her students’ success, as well as their enjoyment. “I’m finding her class to be a good and positive way to end my high school experience,” said Taggart Patton ‘25. “[Precalculus] is definitely one of my top classes this year.”

Patton isn’t alone in thoroughly enjoying Kolb’s class, which she knows. When asked what contributes to her students’ enjoyment of her class, Kolb simply said, “My fashion choices and ability to bust out in song at any given moment. And obviously, because I’m good at math.” 

Kolb’s comprehensive and relaxed teaching style will definitely come in handy as midterms get closer and her students need their nerves calmed.