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My Teaching Philosophy

With a diversity of teaching experiences and collaboration with thoughtful and creative teachers and mathematicians, I am continually developing my classroom instruction. The main tenets of my philosophy are:

• I believe that all students can learn mathematics and take control of their own learning.

Every day, I enter the classroom with a goal of helping every student learn mathematics, and I believe this is possible. Through careful planning, with differentiation and multiple entry points, I strive to create lessons where each student can make progress in their mathematical growth. Using regular feedback and assessments, I track students' successes and struggles. Additionally, using Learning Targets (and Standards Based Grading), students set clear goals to optimize their achievements. My daily challenge is to teach the material so that students not only survive but thrive in a math classroom, setting them up for success in the future, and helping to close the achievement gap.

• I believe in student discovery and discussion as tools to drive learning.

Reflecting on my college and graduate work in mathematics, I see the value of constructivist learning in helping students to internalize key concepts. Additionally, as a long time member of the Speech & Debate community, I have looked for ways to bring mathematical discourse and debate into the classroom. I have researched structures that will activate students as the owners of their own learning, helping them to discover, discuss, and debate conjectures and ideas.

• I believe in a passion for mathematics and generating academic excitement.
  

I enjoy challenging myself with mathematics and exploring all the fascinating patterns and connections, and I work to instill this excitement in my students. From creative lessons to projects that explore real world applications, I try to help students see inherent the beauty and enjoyment of mathematics. I further encourage academic excitement through activities such as KenKen challenges and the creation of songs that incorporate math.

• I believe in the importance of incorporating technology.

In our ever-increasingly sophisticated world, I believe it is important to incorporate technology into daily lessons. I want my students to be comfortable using mathematical tools (Graphing Calculators, Mobile Phone Apps, and Geometer's Sketch Pad), websites (DeltaMath, Desmos, and WolframAlpha) and computer programming to enhance their understanding of the math topics we explore.