With classes at every grade level — Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, AP Statistics and regular Calculus — Dr. Ron Sorace is looking forward to teaching at a high school level for the first time.
“This is very new for me, dealing with young adults,” said Dr. Sorace in an interview. “I’m hoping it’ll be a good experience for me and I’m hoping to bring a new perspective to the students’ views of mathematics.”
Dr. Sorace holds five degrees. From the University of Maryland, he received an undergraduate degree in mathematics and a masters in physics.
After moving to the West Coast, Dr. Sorace received a PhD. in engineering at UCLA, followed by his final degrees at UC Irvine: a second masters, in mathematics, as well as a second PhD. in mathematics.
In his spare time, Dr. Sorace enjoys reading and flying planes and helicopters. He has been flying for nearly 20 years, and is an FAA-certified helicopter flight instructor.
“It is exhilarating,” he said of flying, “but there are times when it can be harrowing.”
In the 1980s and ‘90s, Dr. Sorace taught engineering at Cal State LA and UCLA Extension, and more recently taught statistics at Los Angeles Southwest College.
Earlier, he worked in the aerospace Industry for many years, including a the Naval Ordnance Laboratory in Maryland. There he worked in numerical studies, antenna design, space physics, imaging, microwave circuit design and signal processing.
“We presume this will make Ron something of a popular figure during next year’s science fair!” Rabbi Segal wrote in an e-mail introducing Dr. Sorace to parents.
“His connection with students-and commitment to their understanding of math, regardless of ability-is clear to see,” he added.
Dr. Sorace also holds a master rank in martial arts and has taught the sport.
Asked how he would describe his teaching style, Dr. Sorace said he wasn’t quite sure yet.
“I would like to think I am a mixture of the rigorous and the intuitive,” Dr. Sorace said, “but for this venue, maybe more of the latter.”
Dr. Sorace has pursued martial arts, holds a master rank, and has even taught the sport.
“It’s been not only good for physical training, but also for self discipline and teaching tolerance of others,” Dr. Sorace said. “People are too bloody and intolerant.”
He did state, however, that he never pursued martial arts for competition, but purely for self-defense.
Dr. Sorace has two sons, ages 42 and 44, and both work in the computer industry.
