Unbalanced: Memoir of an Immigrant Math Teacher

by Yellow Heights

Climate science researcher. Microsoft engineer. Hedge fund manager. Entrepreneur.



At forty-five, he made an unexpected he became a math teacher.



In Unbalanced, a first-generation immigrant with a career spanning science, technology, finance, and entrepreneurship enters the American education system-and discovers a world unlike any other he had encountered before.



From education school, where he was branded a white supremacist for asking probing questions, to classrooms in both public and private schools, he chronicles a deeply personal and often Kafkaesque journey through a system he once admired. What he finds is an educational culture shaped by ideology, lowered expectations, and a troubling absence of accountability.



Yet this is not merely a critique. It is the story of a man who has lived across societies and professions-and who knows firsthand that mathematics can be a powerful equalizer. Having relied on math as his competitive edge at every stage of life, he brings a rare, cross-disciplinary lens and a passion for lifelong learning to the classroom. As a teacher, student, immigrant, and parent, he asks urgent



Why are excellence and rigor often sidelined, and who bears the consequence?When does kindness become coddling?What happens when learning becomes secondary to ideology?

Through vivid classroom stories and candid reflections, Unbalanced offers both an insider's account and a call to rethink what education should be in a free society. It won the 2025 Maxy Award for Best Memoir and was covered by renowned education reporter Joanne Jacobs and Fox News.

For parents, educators, policymakers, and anyone concerned about the future of American schooling, this book is both a warning-and an invitation to restore clarity, courage, and intellectual honesty to the classroom.

Genres: Education

262 pages, Paperback

Published June 23, 2025

Reviews

[Hui · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story that truly resonates

As a first-generation immigrant with two kids navigating the American school system, this book was incredibly relatable. I gained a much clearer understanding of the challenges within K-12 education today. Thank you so much for sharing your personal and insightful story!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this book dragged a bit at point, it was an eye-opening account of a Chinese immigrant who taught math for 2 year in a private school. I found his account of what is taught in university and then how principles of DEI are worked out in schools, to be kind of what I expected and rather disturbing.
The author seems to me like a man who loves math and loved his students, yet he got stuck in the political ideals of education in these days. He offered some legitimate solutions and questions to ask.
This would be a valuable book for those who are in the education system or contemplating it, to read.
It does help to remember that it is written by a man whose first language is not English, although he does do a pretty good job writing in English.
Thank you to Mindstir Media and Netgalley for my ARC.

[Eva Chen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Teacher's Truth About U.S. Education


This is a remarkably candid book in which the author shares his firsthand experiences teaching at a private high school. Offering rare insider insights, it provides a compelling glimpse into the realities of the U.S. K–12 education system—perspectives that are seldom found elsewhere. The book highlights a pressing issue: the entanglement of politics with math instruction, prompting readers to reflect deeply on the true purpose of education.

[Xiaonan Lu · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Inside Out" stories of math teaching at a private high school, a personal journey of first generation high tech immigrant becoming teacher following passion, deep thoughts about the balances: kindness vs. expectation, support vs. challenge, equity vs. excellence...

It's a great read for aspiring teachers, education communities, parents, and anybody who care about U.S. education.

[Mike Shaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Educational insider insight

A bit depressing but hopefully this brings awareness to the need to revamp education in the United States. Pendulums swing and hopefully this starts a movement to a more rigorous education of teachers and students.

[Kai Zhang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Equity is important. So is the actual knowledge/skills that schools are supposed to teach the students.

The best point made by the author is that by lowering the academic standards in the superficial favor of equity, the education system is setting up the disadvantaged students for future failure in society.

This is not limited to math education only.

[Arwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This guy really loves math. I was continually amazed at how many perspectives he filtered over his experiences.

[Denise Barney · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Serious Discussiin Regarding the State of Math Educatiin

I found Yellow Heights on Substack, where I read excerpts from this book. Intrigued, I bought the completed book.

Yellow Heights offers his unique perspective on matheducation in the U.S. Born in China to a poor family, educated shortly after the Cultural Revolution, he came to the U.S. for graduate study. While his degrees are not in mathematics per SE, they are field where math skills are needed: climate studies, software engineering, and finance. His experiences in teaching college and in the classroom reflect the schism between the educational establishment and "the real world." He knows what should be done; unfortunately, there are no quick and easy solutions.

One point Yellow Heights makes that should be stressed is that math teachers need to know and understand the fundamentals of the subject in order to effectively teach math, especially the higher levels. Many of his students lacked basic math (arithmetic) understanding, which they should have mastered in grade school.

[Rob Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unbalanced: Memoir of an Immigrant Math Teacher by Yellow Heights is a compelling, insightful, and intellectually courageous memoir that combines personal experience with a critical examination of contemporary education. Drawing from a unique career spanning climate science, technology, finance, entrepreneurship, and teaching, the author brings a rare perspective to one of the most important conversations of our time: the future of education and the role it plays in shaping society.

What immediately sets this memoir apart is the extraordinary breadth of experience the author brings to the classroom. Having achieved success across multiple demanding professions before entering education at midlife, Heights offers observations that are informed by real-world experience rather than educational theory alone. This perspective allows readers to view the education system through the eyes of someone who has witnessed excellence, accountability, and performance-driven cultures in a variety of professional environments.

One of the book's greatest strengths is its willingness to confront difficult questions. Rather than avoiding controversial topics, Heights examines them directly, inviting readers to consider how educational priorities influence student outcomes, academic achievement, and future opportunities. His reflections on rigor, accountability, expectations, and the purpose of education encourage meaningful discussion about the values that underpin modern schooling.

The memoir is equally powerful as a personal story. As a first-generation immigrant, the author offers valuable insights into the role mathematics played in his own journey. Throughout the book, math emerges not merely as an academic subject but as a powerful tool for opportunity, advancement, and social mobility. His belief in the transformative power of education is evident throughout the narrative and serves as a compelling foundation for many of his observations and concerns.

The classroom experiences described in the memoir are engaging, often surprising, and consistently thought-provoking. Through vivid storytelling and candid reflection, Heights illustrates the challenges, contradictions, and complexities he encountered as he navigated the education system from the perspective of both teacher and lifelong learner. These experiences bring authenticity to the narrative while helping readers understand the broader issues being examined.

The writing is intelligent, accessible, and engaging. Heights balances personal anecdotes with broader social commentary, creating a memoir that is both informative and highly readable. His willingness to share successes, frustrations, questions, and discoveries gives the book credibility and emotional depth, making it valuable not only for educators but also for parents, policymakers, and anyone interested in the future of education.

Beyond its critique of educational institutions, Unbalanced is ultimately a book about intellectual honesty, personal responsibility, and the pursuit of excellence. It challenges readers to think critically about what education should accomplish and how society can better prepare future generations for success in an increasingly complex world.

Yellow Heights has written a bold, insightful, and timely memoir that contributes meaningfully to ongoing conversations about education, opportunity, and achievement. Unbalanced: Memoir of an Immigrant Math Teacher is an important and thought-provoking work that deserves the attention of educators, parents, policymakers, and lifelong learners alike. Highly recommended.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up Unbalanced expecting mostly a teaching story, but it turned out to be much more layered. It’s both a personal memoir and a sharp look at the U.S. education system, told through the eyes of someone navigating immigration, career shifts, and the classroom all at once.

What struck me most was the honesty. This isn’t a polished “look how I succeeded” story. It’s messy: cultural dislocation, classroom struggles, and the constant pressure of proving yourself in a system where you never feel fully inside. That rawness made it relatable. The family backstory added another layer, showing why the author kept taking bold risks instead of settling into safe choices.

The book also made me pause on some bigger questions. How much do today’s education buzzwords actually serve students? What happens when good intentions run into the reality of fairness, accountability, and results? The author doesn’t package neat answers, but he makes you sit with the tension.

Reading it now, when debates about curriculum and “social justice” in schools are everywhere in the news, the book feels even more timely. It reminded us that communication really matters in education—not only what’s taught, but how it is framed and how those messages land with students, parents, and colleagues. Misunderstandings often start with how ideas are explained, and the book shows just how fragile that trust can be.

Yes, the book can feel uneven—it shifts between personal story, classroom scenes, and social commentary. But that imbalance is kind of the point. Life rarely flows in a straight line, and neither does his journey. What comes through is resilience—the drive to keep going even when the ground feels unsteady.

More than a teacher’s memoir, Unbalanced is a look at America’s classroom battles through the lens of an immigrant trying to find footing. It’s not perfect, but it’s sincere, thought-provoking, and human.

I’d call it a solid four-star read. Not for easy answers, but for the questions that actually matter.

[yarnandprose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unbalanced shines a concerning spotlight on the quality of American education. It reveals the current curriculum used to train new teachers. It is not meant to tear down or disparage the school system. Yellow Heights writes with respect and a concerned undertone over his training and his colleagues. Becoming a math teacher does not mean you have to be an expert on the subject matter. It isn’t even a requirement to be proficient. Every number, equation, and symbol is a political statement for social justice. Education became a tool for political ideology and less about nurturing knowledge in the next generation.

This book provides a lot of arguments and observations about the American school system from a stranger’s perspective. The author grew up in another country and has the experiences to compare the two systems. Unfortunately a lot of what he writes parrots the complaints I have heard from friends who are current and former teachers.

Yellow Heights claims English is not his first language, but his writing is very clear and grammatically correct. He clearly has a passion and respect for math. The book is divided into sections based on different parts of his teaching career and the final section is a Reflection & Review of all he has concluded. This is great if you are interested in memoirs. It is not very long, but there are parts where he takes a more clinical tone.

[Mikala · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very eye-opening for me, especially since I have been disconnected from the education system for over 25 years. I naturally assumed that classrooms and teaching methods hadn’t changed much, but what the author describes is a world away from what I remembered. There are definitely some clear improvements, such as more individualized support for students, greater understanding of diverse needs, and a noticeable reduction in bullying. These are positive steps forward that can foster a healthier learning environment.

However, the book also revealed several troubling themes that give me pause. Some of the approaches and prevailing attitudes in these schools might leave many students ill-prepared for demanding careers and make them less competitive on a global scale. It raises important questions about how well current educational practices balance support with rigor and accountability. Overall, this memoir offers a critical and honest glimpse into modern education through the eyes of an immigrant teacher, and I found it both illuminating and thought-provoking.

[Billy Buttons · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: Unbalanced: Memoir of an Immigrant Math Teacher
Author: Yellow Heights

Star Rating: 4 Stars
Number of Readers:
Stats
Editing: 8/10
Writing Style: 7/10
Content: 7/10
Cover: 3/5
Of the 15 readers:
11 would read another book by this author.
10 thought the cover was good or excellent.
14 felt it was easy to follow.
11 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 8 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘subject knowledge’.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
Of all the readers, 3 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘clarity of message’.
13 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
11 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.

Readers’ Comments
“I suspect most educators will find this of interest. The classroom culture is fully covered – the good, the bad, and the ugly.” Male reader, aged 55
“Although I didn’t agree with all aspects of this book in terms of evaluating the American educational system, it is still thought-provoking and well-written. I enjoyed the author’s insights into the importance of math, and the many problems that result from low expectations and a lack of accountability.” Female reader, aged 64
“A well-written and informative account of a migrant teacher working in the US selective school system. The author did a good job of identifying many of the problems – coddling students, low expectations, lack of fundamental math knowledge, etc. As with many parts of US life, the good old days when we topped the charts on education is long gone, and I suspect it will never return.” Female reader, aged 69
“Interesting, thought-provoking, and a bit depressing. Still, enjoyed it. An insightful read.” Male reader, aged 35

To Sum It Up:
‘An accessibly written and often insightful journey into the US education system, the ups and the considerable downs.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards

[Swapna Peri ( Book Reviews Cafe ) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yellow Heights takes readers inside the honest, frequently confusing, but incredibly motivating journey of an immigrant juggling the demands of both identity and career in “Unbalanced: Memoir of an Immigrant Math Teacher. “ The book, which is told honestly and with a spirit of resiliency, examines the feelings, sacrifices, and cultural compromises that come with juggling two different worlds in addition to narrating events.

What impresses out most in Heights' storytelling is its honesty. The author does not try to polish the challenges into nice teachings, but rather embraces the complexity of being both an outsider and a teacher for young brains in the classroom. The difficulties of transitioning to a new nation, finding a voice in a foreign system, and balancing personal goals and duties are described with both fragility and calm strength.

The memoir also considers teaching as a form of service and identity, rather than just a vocation. Heights emphasizes the invisible labor that teachers, particularly immigrant teachers, put into their work: the struggle to bridge language hurdles, acquire respect in strange environments, and inspire pupils amid personal upheaval. These reflections transform the book into not only a personal story, but also a broader remark on the issues educators encounter in multicultural situations.

Finally, Unbalanced is more than just one person's narrative; it's a monument to perseverance, flexibility, and the bravery to keep pushing forward even when the ground beneath you feels unstable. Readers will leave not just comprehending the author's path, but also pondering on the larger immigrant experience and, perhaps, their own balancing acts in life.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first stumbled upon snippets of this book on Substack, and they instantly caught my eye. Captivated by the preview, I couldn't wait to dive into the full text, and it did not disappoint. The author’s rich, cross-industry background, combined with his extensive experience as a parent, grants him a uniquely distinct perspective.

What truly sets this book apart is how he translates these complex insights into an accessible, engaging, and delightfully humorous narrative for a broad audience.

One of my favorite segments is the author’s introduction of his son’s teachers and his mentors. He captures how educators impart positive, lasting influences and how that ultimately motivates someone to become a teacher later on. Furthermore, by revisiting these teachers' situations years later, he presents a well-rounded narrative that reveals multiple dimensions of their evolving lives and careers.

The author also provides detailed portraits of several students. He shares moving, firsthand accounts of how he helped them build confidence in mathematics and the deliberate efforts he made to transform their lives. While the outcomes aren’t always perfect, they are profoundly authentic, raw, and highly representative of real-world challenges.

It is the author’s cross-cultural perspective and academic rigor that enable him to keenly capture the underlying differences between the two educational systems. He goes beyond surface-level anecdotes to offer a nuanced, layered critique at the institutional level. I highly recommend this book not only to educators, but to anyone interested in the true essence of learning!

[Diane Ferbrache · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author left a lucrative job in investment banking (after a lucrative career at Microsoft) to become a high school math teacher. This book reflects his two years' experiences in a private school. He muses on his personal experiences in a university program, and as a first year teacher. The book is filled with stories about his university classes, reflections on teaching and schooling in the US, and personal stories about some of his students.

I was ready to write negatively about this book. At times the author comes across as whiny and annoying. He speaks frequently in disparaging tones about his professors and his colleagues, and he is clearly frustrated with the US educational system. I almost quit reading at several points. Then I realized that while I did agree with several of his points, as a retired public school teacher, I was taking his criticism personally. By the end, I have decided that this book is a worthy effort. It is one man's look at the US system and its faults. Many of his conclusions are valid and are often voiced by many teachers. While the writing is sometimes uneven (and some of his mathematical explanations are impossible to understand if you are not a mathematician), he makes many good points. This would be a good book for a teacher book club or for a professional development seminar.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mr. X immigrated to the United States from China. He worked in climate science research, at Microsoft, and as an investment analyst and hedge fund manager before starting a teaching career at age 45. This book tells his story of his various educational and professional pursuits. The second half of the book is about his teaching education and career. He also analyzes the U.S. education industry and shares his reasons for leaving the profession.
I appreciated much of Mr. X's wisdom. He shares thoughtful insights into what education is like in the U.S. I also found some of his conclusions to be harsh and biased, which he does admit is possible.
There's no doubt that our country's education system could be better - for our students, parents, taxpayers, and society. However, my takeaway from this book (as a education grad student) is to figure out what I can do to do my part in making the industry better. For example, require academic excellence while modifying lessons for individual learner but don't coddle or not push students to do their best.

[William Moses Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent memoir that provided me with a nuanced perspective of the current state of teaching and education in the US. If you're interested in that, you might also find this book interesting. While social justice on its surface might sound good, what happens when it comes at the expense of learning. This memoir explores that reality. I very much like that Yellow Heights presents things as they are and separates that from his feelings on the matter. In the current political climate, where everything is becoming politicized, this is highly refreshing and makes it much easier and enjoyable to read this book. Overall, I feel like this memoir serves as an interesting insight into one man's life and unique perspective, that of an immigrant who started in the industry and later transitioned to teaching, coupled with an insider's look at what happens when the metric of "how much is being learned by students" is supplanted by another metric when it comes to judging teaching effectiveness.

[Bob Ma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book pulls back the curtain on the realities of American education through the author’s firsthand experience teaching math at a private high school. What emerges is a gripping exposé of a system plagued by constant staff turnover, a lack of accountability for both teachers and students, and an obsession with “political correctness” that too often overshadows actual learning. Yet the book is more than just a critique—it is also a deeply human story of resilience, reflection, and what it means for a newcomer to step into an unfamiliar system and refuse to walk away. With its straightforward, unvarnished style, it reads like part memoir, part insider’s report, leaving parents, educators, and immigrants alike questioning what’s really happening in America’s schools—and eager to keep turning the pages.

[Xiaofeng · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author himself has a deep love for mathematics, and it can be said that mathematics shaped his professional career before he began teaching. He carries a sincere ideal and great passion for education, hoping to inspire in his students a genuine interest in and confidence toward learning mathematics. Yet reality often falls short of ideals. Through his own learning and teaching practice, he has developed many reflections on the American education system, which he shares with utmost sincerity and openness. Highly recommended!

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoughtful and intelligent tale of one man journey through the education when he decides to become a teacher. Watch as he learns everything about the education system he is now in both public and private. See what he learns
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and an enjoyable read