Mathematician. Engineer. Educator.

I am a Ph.D. student in mathematics at METU. For six years I have taught mathematics, physics and computer science to AP, IB and university students.

Why and How I Teach

Mathematics is one of the most enduring parts of what humanity has built up over centuries. My aim is for my students to take their share of that inheritance at the highest level they can. We study a topic not because it "will be useful one day", but for its own sake, because it is worth understanding.

Exam results are the natural outcome of this work, not its goal. My real measure is this: when my students start university, they should stand out for their mathematical maturity. Knowing the definitions, asking why a claim is true, and building a solution from start to finish on their own are all part of that maturity, and I run my lessons to develop them.

Background

I graduated from ITU as a naval architect and worked in yacht design until 2016; during that time I held management positions in corporate firms and founded my own design and manufacturing companies.

When my interest in the fundamental sciences took over, I returned to university at METU and completed a double major: Mathematics with high honors and Computer Engineering with honors. I am now continuing there as a Ph.D. student in mathematics.

My Students

Alongside high school students in international programmes, I have worked with students from many universities, among them METU, ITU, Boğaziçi, Bilkent, Koç and Sabancı.

Sait Elmas

At a Glance

  • METU Mathematics (high honors) and Computer Engineering (honors): double major
  • Ph.D. student in Mathematics at METU
  • B.Sc. in Naval Architecture, Istanbul Technical University (ITU)
  • 6 years of teaching, over 100 students
  • Nearly all of my students who sat an AP exam scored a 5

Credentials

ID and diploma numbers on the diplomas are hidden. Click to enlarge.

Outside Teaching

I live in Ankara. I dance kizomba and bachata, take photographs, and read ancient history.

What My Students Say

Reviews left by students and parents on my verified ozelders.com profile, translated from Turkish. See the original reviews

I'm taking AP Calculus with him, and he explains things really well. The methods he teaches stick, and because he shows new approaches, the way I look at problems has genuinely changed.

Elif V.
AP Calculus · December 2025

I've been taking AP and IB lessons with Mr. Elmas for two years. He explains topics simply and clearly, and patiently goes over the parts I don't understand. I'm very happy with the lessons. He communicates very well with students and always tries to help. It has had a positive effect on my participation in class. I'm grateful for his effort.

Kaan B.
AP & IB courses · December 2025

He knows the material very well and explains the logic behind everything. I'm taking AP Computer Science A with him; he follows my progress regularly and gives me homework so that I keep improving. He has helped me a lot, and I'm grateful for his effort.

Pınar D.
AP Computer Science A · December 2025

I've been taking AP Computer Science A lessons with Mr. Elmas for about three months. He is a detail-oriented teacher who brings plenty of examples into his explanations. He is also careful in the way he teaches and good at guiding you.

Cinar K.
AP Computer Science A · January 2024

I've known Mr. Elmas for about a month. He is helping me with my automata theory course. He does very well both in the preparation he puts in before our lessons and in planning.

Berkan Ö.
Automata Theory · November 2023

We take IB Mathematics lessons with Mr. Elmas. He is a very attentive and knowledgeable teacher. He explains topics through their logic rather than by memorization. With his friendly and sincere manner he communicates very well with students. His simple explanations make even the hardest topics understandable. We thank him very much.

Edibe Ö.
IB Mathematics

I got support for my linear algebra, calculus 1 and computer architecture courses, and it helped me a lot. I definitely recommend him.

Arhan T.
Linear Algebra, Calculus & Computer Architecture · September 2023

Mr. Elmas is very knowledgeable in his field. Whenever I need help with my projects, he makes time and finds a solution.

Zeynep A.
R Programming · September 2023

I got in touch with Mr. Elmas for my son. Even before the lessons, his considerate approach and communication were very good. He and my son now study university mathematics face to face. I thank him very much.

Mine T.
University Mathematics (parent) · August 2023

As an electrical engineering student at the Budapest University of Technology, I took linear algebra lessons with Mr. Elmas throughout the semester and found them very useful. I recommend him to everyone.

Emin K.
Linear Algebra · May 2023

A knowledgeable teacher who comes to every lesson very well prepared. He explains until there is no question left in your mind. He can teach the topic while solving problems, and his lessons are very productive.

Muhammed Eren G.
University Mathematics · May 2023

Our teacher has an excellent command of C and C++. He was very attentive and answered every one of my questions clearly, one by one, until I understood. Everything I used to find intimidating is now enjoyable. I strongly recommend working with him.

Kaan C.
C & C++ · April 2023

I asked Mr. Elmas for help before an exam for my son, who studies computer engineering in the Netherlands. Although his schedule was very full, he did not turn me down and supported my son late in the evening. My son was extremely happy with the help he received. His communication is excellent and he is very strong in his field. We thank him and wish him continued success.

Halil K.
Software Engineering (parent) · April 2023

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