After years of experience in the actuarial and biotech industries, as well as time spent as a math tutor, Robert Sternburg now teaches math at Algonquin, where he loves connecting with students and sharing his passion for learning.
Growing up in Needham, Massachusetts, Sternburg always had a love for numbers. After earning his undergraduate degree from Union College and his master’s from Boston University, he worked in the insurance industry for several years as an actuary, using math and analytics to measure financial risk.
“I decided I didn’t want to keep doing actuarial work anymore… I wanted more time with my family,” Sternburg said.
This desire for a better work-life balance led him to transition to the biotech industry, where he spent time at both a medical device company and a pharmaceutical company. His career path seemed set, but all along, teaching was a quiet passion that lingered in the background.
“I’ve been tutoring math pretty much since I graduated college,” Sternburg said. “It’s something I’ve always had a passion to do.”
Although he had never formally taught in a classroom, his years of tutoring made it clear that education was where his heart was. The turning point in his career came when he was looking at job listings and saw the listing for a math teaching position at Algonquin this winter.
“I just Googled a keyword,” Sternburg said. “I didn’t really want to travel too far… I thought, ‘Wow, this would be a perfect fit.’”
With that, he decided to apply, eager to connect with students in a more structured way. Today, he teaches five math classes, including two CP Geometry classes, one CP Algebra 1 class and two honors math courses. Though still early in his teaching career, he already has a favorite.
“I really enjoy teaching Geometry,” Sternburg said. “It just makes sense to me, and I find the connections students can make with shapes and numbers rewarding.”
Outside of teaching, he remains dedicated to maintaining a healthy work-life balance. A self-described fitness fanatic, he enjoys working out, often pairing it with his love for loud music and playing his guitar.
“I like to listen to music, play my guitar, and work out,” Sternburg said.
His passion for music extends beyond the gym, though. In his travels, he seeks out places rich in musical history.
“I like to visit places with a music culture,” Sternburg said.
His past trips have included visits to Elvis Presely’s Graceland, Prince’s home and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. He’s eager to add more destinations to his bucket list.
“I’d like to go to Poland, Iceland… and see more of this country’s natural and national landmarks,” Sternburg said, “One bucket list item I like to do is see a live Saturday Night Live show… That would be a fun thing to experience.”
Family life plays a major role in his daily routines, too. Married for 27 years, he and his wife have four children—two boys who are out of college and two teenage girls who are still in high school.
“I have four children, two sophomores in high school… I definitely understand kids, in the same way kids understand me,” Sternburg said.
With his own kids at home, he has a strong understanding of the challenges teenagers face, which he brings into his teaching.
Despite the early mornings and long days, he feels fulfilled in his new career path. With his unique mix of experience, passion for teaching and commitment to family, he’s found a role where he can make a real difference in students’ lives.
“It’s all about timing, and you know, I feel that I’m feeling it from this… It just kind of made sense for me to transition into this role at this point,” Sternburg reflected.
