When students at Northwood need extra math support, they can reach Mr. Shashwath “Shash” Sunkum for tutoring. Sunkum, a 2022 graduate of Northwood, describes his role as equal parts problem-solving and confidence-building. “You have to find what students already understand, then build from there,” Sunkum said. “A lot of people carry a stigma about math. If we strip that away and work in the style that fits them, they move forward.”
Sunkum’s interest in tutoring began while a student at Northwood, where he took AP Calculus with Mr. Emery and joined informal study sessions in the library. In college, he served as a teaching assistant for several math courses and later mentored an advanced class. “I have always enjoyed math, and I have always enjoyed interacting with young minds,” he said.
His approach centers on meeting students where they are. He notes that confusion is not always a matter of the content. Sometimes it is about past experiences with the subject or low confidence. Because learning styles vary, he tries to explain ideas in multiple ways and asks questions to uncover what a student already knows. “The material in high school is doable,” Sunkum said. “The goal is to help students see that they can do it.”
Access is designed to be simple. Sunkum said students can contact him on Microsoft Teams with a photo of a question to get started, and he often uses his iPad during calls to write out steps live. He also allocates time during Sunday night quiet hours for walk-in help and uses spaces like the Learning Center or math lab when appropriate. For specifics on time and location, he recommends students check Teams and his posted availability.
For those who feel intimidated by math, Sunkum advises a reset at the start of each new topic. “Discard any preconceived notions,” he said. “Come with an open mind and give your best effort in the 45 minutes you have in class.” He also cautions against letting secondhand opinions determine expectations: a course that felt hard for one student may be a good fit for another’s learning style.
Sunkum links his work to the legacy of Mr. Roger Loud, a longtime Northwood math teacher who also served as head of North Country School for decades. As a student, Sunkum frequently met Mr. Loud in the library for quick help followed by wide-ranging conversations. “I am doing this in honor of him,” Sunkum said.
Students who want help can message Mr. Sunkum on Teams to share a question or to find his next help block. His aim is straightforward: clear steps, steady practice, and a little more confidence each time.