Whats the best way to teach someone MTG these days? Im a veteran but never figured out how to get someone quickly up to speed from zero.

I have started people out concentrating on just casting and learning turn phases. We ignored any abilities of the cards, power, toughness and  casting costs. 
Depending on how fast they are picking it up I introduce more complexity.
Its been the most successful way to introduce new players.

I'm a skating instructor/ hockey coach, 3d printing geek and feline servant.

yeah this layered approach seems like the way to go — still takes a long time tho

This method can take some time, it totally depends on the player. I've had some playing with limited activated abilities by the end of the night.

being able to do a draft by end of day is p good

The people who have a strong table top gaming background usually do pretty well, my best friend was just starting to draft with me after a 3 day weekend of hanging out. That was a rare case though.