Where limits don't exist.

Math 2 is a problem-solving course where the ultimate goal is for students to gain confidence in their ability to make sense of a problem, and once a problem is understood, to apply mathematical knowledge and tools strategically during the problem-solving process, and to persist in solving the problem. At this level, the course provides students with a rigorous, integrated, and in-depth study of algebra processes and geometric principles. Topically, there is a major emphasis on quadratic functions: factoring, graphing, moving between forms, the inverse (the square root function), using quadratics to model scenarios, and using quadratics for the purpose of optimization. Absolute value functions and new forms of linear functions are also explored. In addition to investigating exponent rules, algebraic fractions, and imaginary numbers, students are asked to connect their understanding of algebra to topics in geometry, such as linking equations of quadratics to the geometric definition of a parabola and solving polygon problems on the Cartesian coordinate plane. Other classic types of algebra problems include advanced distance-rate-time questions, shared work, mixture problems, and systems of equations. This class will also cover topics in Euclidean Geometry including polygons (with an emphasis on triangles), their properties and proofs, parallel lines and angle relationships, and circles. We use a variety of materials, including iPad technology, graphing software like Desmos, and problems from “Math 1” and “Math 2” written by the math department at Phillips Exeter Academy to use pattern-building in the service of eventually developing mathematical generalizations. In this course, the math topics are valuable, but equal importance is given to the style in which students take on responsibility for thinking critically, creatively, and collaboratively. This course may serve as a transition into Algebra 2 and Trigonometry or, for those who excel and find the curriculum rewarding, it can also serve as an entry point to our Honors Problem Based Learning strand. Prerequisite: an Algebra 1 course, Math 1, or the equivalent and consent of the department.

Pre-Calculus: Functions builds on the foundation laid in Algebra 2 and Trigonometry. Students delve more deeply into transformations, inverse functions, and composition of functions while continuing to strengthen their graphical reasoning and symbolic manipulation skills. Writing equations, solving or evaluating them, and interpreting results are emphasized as students work with problems in context. Students write equations to model physical situations (tides, population growth, projectile motion, etc) and to set up and solve optimization problems, and they continue to use Desmos in problem solving. This course provides a thorough study of functions as a preparation for calculus. Entering students should have a strong background in Algebra, usually meaning B or better in Algebra 2 and Trigonometry.

Prerequisite: Algebra 2 and Trigonometry or Honors Math 3.

Advanced Calculus 1 is a college-level mathematics course designed as an introduction to a variety of topics relating to integral and differential calculus including functions, graphs, limits, the conception and application of derivatives, the interpretation and application of integrals, and the fundamental theorem of calculus. The course outline focuses on the tools of calculus for problem solving. Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus: Functions and consent of department.

Mathematics Department Chair
Swimming Head Coach

tobin_white@cate.org / 805-684-4127 x113

BA, Bates College
MS, Virginia Tech
PhD, Stanford University
Appointed: 2018

Tobin began his teaching career in the late 1990s at a boarding school in his native state of Maine. In 2000, he came to California to pursue a PhD in mathematics education at Stanford. He then spent fourteen years as a professor at UC Davis, where he taught undergraduate and graduate courses in education and ran a research lab focused on the design of novel technologies for teaching and learning math and science. Family, mountains, and ocean recently pulled him toward Santa Barbara, where he was thrilled to discover an opportunity to return to his independent school roots by teaching mathematics at Cate.

Tobin swam competitively in high school and college and still spends as much time as he can in the pool. He lives off campus with his wife Melissa and three sons, Zach, Ben and Oliver.

Mathematics Instructor

BA, Bogazici University
MPhil, University of Surrey
PhD, University of Surrey

Originally from Istanbul, Oz Arconian moved to California from London in 2012. She has a PhD in Economics and has taught undergraduate and graduate courses in economics, econometrics and mathematics at University of London, Bogazici University and UC Santa Barbara.

Prior to joining Cate, Oz worked with policy makers, research institutes, international development agencies and investing bodies in the economic development field.

Outside of the classroom, Oz continues her interdisciplinary research on economic impact evaluation and volunteers for non-profit local organizations. She lives off campus with her husband Alex, son Emil ’26 and daughter Ella.

Mathematics Instructor

ashwin_atre@cate.org / 805-684-8409 x112

BSE, Princeton University
MS, Stanford University
PhD, Stanford University

Ashwin returns to the Mesa after attending Cate as a member of the Class of 2005. Upon graduation, Ashwin went on to earn his B.S.E. in chemical engineering at Princeton. He then returned to California for his Ph.D. in materials science at Stanford, where his research explored a broad range of topics from renewable energy to invisibility cloaks.

Following a post-graduate road trip that took him and his wife, Olivia Sparkuhl ’06, over 33,000 miles through 18 countries from California to the southernmost tip of South America, Ashwin was drawn back to Cate to contribute to the community that had a significant impact on him as a student. Ashwin is eager to participate in this transformational moment in other people’s lives and loves sharing his energy and passion for math and science with others.

Mathematics Instructor
Girls JV Soccer Coach

BA, University of Richmond
Appointed: 2023

A proud East Coaster and New England native, Emma comes to us from the White Mountain School in Bethlehem, N.H., where she taught math, coached hiking and soccer, and led multiple experiential learning courses. Several summers working at Kingsley Pines Camp in Maine, most recently as Girls Campus Head, fueled her love for residential communities and developed her commitment to the holistic growth of young people.

With a BA in Economics and Leadership Studies from the University of Richmond, she’s committed to fostering a love for mathematics as a tool that empowers individuals to analyze the world and solve complex problems.

Beyond the classroom, Emma is a Bothin/Parsonage dorm parent, an advisor, and a coach of soccer and the Outdoor program. She lives on campus in Parsonage, and she loves that she gets to see both the ocean and the mountains from her door on the Mesa.

Mathematics Instructor
Boys Varsity Soccer Assistant Coach

Jose_Molina@cate.org

Jose was born in El Salvador and migrated with his family to San Francisco in 1980, when he was 12 years old. He has spent most of his life in San Jose, and taught mathematics for 22 years at Bellarmine College Prep.  For the last five years, Jose lived in Exeter, N.H. and taught at Phillips Exeter Academy. He lives in Long House with his family; older son Felipe (11); younger son Santiago (8); spouse Francy and two pets (Rex, the maltipoo dog and Cupcake, the orange tabby cat).  He enjoys spending time with his family and going on bike rides.

Dean of Academics
Mathematics Instructor

annalee_salcedo@cate.org/ 805-684-8409 x271

BS
MAT
Appointed: 2009

After graduating in 1995 with a degree in chemistry, Annalee Salcedo taught high school for fourteen years in Boston, first at an independent day school and then at an urban public charter school. In addition to teaching chemistry and math, she held a number of administrative positions including director of community service and dean of students. Annalee also gained outdoor education experience as an instructor for Outward Bound and international development experience helping City Year, a national nonprofit, launch programs in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Annalee joined the Cate faculty in 2009 as a member of the math department and was appointed its Paul M. Denison ’52 Teaching Chair in 2015. In 2011, she was the first recipient of Cate’s Centennial Award, recognizing excellence and innovation in classroom instruction. She works in the Outdoor Program and serves on the Curriculum Design Committee. She lives on campus with her spouse Chris Power and two children.

Mathematics Instructor
Assistant Cross Country Coach

tim_smith@cate.org / 805-684-8409 x251

BA, Bowdoin College
Appointed: 1995

Tim first took an interest in boarding-school education at the age of nine, when his older brother went away to school. Stories of excellent teaching, adventures in the outdoors, and antics in the dormitories encouraged him to try boarding school, and by his sophomore year of high school at Fountain Valley School in Colorado, he had articulated his interest in teaching in a residential setting. This desire to pursue education solidified during the summers of his junior and senior year of college while working for a wilderness camp in Wyoming; after graduating from Bowdoin College, he took a position in the outdoor program at Fountain Valley. After four years of teaching and a one-year adventure around the world, Tim took a post at the Webb Schools in Claremont, California, moving on to Cate in 1995.

Beyond his teaching duties, Tim also coordinates the Cal Math League competitions and serves as an outdoor-sport instructor. He is an avid and accomplished sportsman himself, having recently placed in the top 100 finishers at the Los Angeles Marathon and scaled the summit of North America’s highest peak, Mount McKinley.

Tim’s other interests include cycling, gardening, and cooking. He lives on campus with his wife, Peggy, and their two children, Dean and Kate.

Mathematics Instructor
Girls Varsity Soccer Coach

taylor_wyatt@cate.org / 805-684-4127 x333

BA, CHC, University of Oregon
MA, University of California, San Diego
MEd, University of Oregon
Appointed: 2011

A native of San Diego, Taylor Wyatt joined Cate’s faculty after completing studies in Math, English, Composition Theory, and Education. Her time as a student was interspersed with teaching roles at the middle school, high school, and university levels, including summers working at Eastern boarding schools. She loves the educational community at Cate and cares deeply about creating a collaborative classroom where students experience the joy of accomplishment through problem solving. She was appointed the Sanderson Smith Teaching Chair in 2022, succeeding Gary Pierce. Taylor is also a committed dorm parent and advisor, and is deeply invested in coaching the girls soccer team. She lives on campus with her husband, Colin, and their daughters, Rowan and Ainsley.