Andrew "Andy" Engelward Obituary, Reason for Passing: Harvard Extension School Educator Andrew Engelward Has Died

 The community of Cambridge, Massachusetts, along with Andrew “Andy” Engelward's family, friends, colleagues, and students, grieves the loss of a remarkable educator, mentor, and innovator in the field of mathematics education.

Professor Engelward, a cherished teacher at Harvard Extension School, devoted his life to teaching, guiding, and creating innovative methodologies that influenced the careers of numerous students and educators. His departure leaves a significant gap in the academic and educational spheres.

Andy was well-known for his engaging personality, charm, and unparalleled enthusiasm for teaching. He possessed an exceptional talent for making intricate mathematical ideas understandable and captivating using inventive classroom demonstrations, props, and original methods.

One of his significant achievements was the creation of large-scale visual representations to depict functions of two variables, which brought abstract concepts to life and motivated students to perceive mathematics in a concrete and intuitive manner.

He was also an early proponent of using technology in education, leading the charge with Webwork in his Math X (currently Math M) courses. This technology, which subsequently transformed into the educational platform Edfinity, established a benchmark for interactive, problem-based learning that is still prevalent in today’s classrooms.

In addition to his classroom advancements, Andy was a committed mentor and advisor. He wrote the first “preceptor book,” which acted as an essential guide for new instructors and preceptors for over ten years.

His mentorship aided colleagues in managing the diverse demands of teaching, administration, and the integration of technology, cultivating an environment where educators could advance professionally.

Colleagues remember him as a considerate, supportive figure who was always available to offer guidance, share tactics, and assist in the growth of his fellow educators. Andy’s leadership played a crucial role in the formation of the Math for Teaching program at Harvard Extension School, which created structured avenues for aspiring educators to acquire practical experience and build their confidence in teaching mathematics.

Even as the educational environment shifted from traditional face-to-face instruction to hybrid and online models, Andy remained a steadfast source of support, mentoring faculty and ensuring the quality of education was upheld.

He was one of the pioneers in adopting Zoom and hybrid teaching techniques, assuring that students could continue their education effectively during difficult periods.