Math Assessments - Grades 7 to Geomtry

I have been teaching mathematics at the high school and middle school level since 1995. I started my career in California when I was awarded a special internship teaching credential through CSU Fresno which allowed me to complete my final student teaching while working as a full time classroom teacher. I taught in California for 10 years before moving to Idaho where I taught for 7 more. While in Idaho I earned the honor of Teacher of the Year in 2012. I returned to California in 2013 and have been teaching there since.

I believe in being a facilitator of student learning and not a deliverer of information. Having students explain the "how" and "why" behind the math empowers and engages them in the process of learning. Through questioning strategies and whole group discussions, the students discover how to learn from each other and how to critically think. When a teacher just disseminates information, the learning is limited to that one idea. The inquiry based approach embraces and values multiple correct ways to arrive at a solution. Thus, the learning environment is enriched.

I was voted teacher of the year at Lewis and Clark Middle School in Meridian, Idaho which has 40+ certified staff members in 2012.

Education, Degrees, and Certifications: Single Subject Math Credential CSU Fresno, Fresno, CA. 1995 Bachelor of Arts Mathematics CSU Fresno, Fresno, CA. 1994 Associate of Arts West Coast Christian College, Fresno, CA. 1992

My career has taken me to a wide range of schools serving students from every background imaginable. I have taught at inner city schools and schools in middle class neighborhoods. I have taught in schools where most students spoke English as their first language and in other schools where a majority spoke it as their second language. My goal each year though has always been the same and that is to have a positive impact on the students I teach. Every year I am humbled when parents express to me how their student has previously struggled in math, but are feeling much more confident and finding more successes with me as their teacher. It is rewarding to know that my efforts are effective and I believe the key is in building positive relationships.