Brains Before Buttons

I’m an 8th grade math teacher with over a decade of experience in the 8th grade math classroom. I am dedicated to helping students move beyond procedures and into real mathematical thinking.

My teaching is grounded in one core belief: brains before buttons. Students should make sense of mathematics before relying on formulas, shortcuts, or calculators. I design learning experiences that push students to think, discuss, test ideas, and refine their understanding over time. I prioritize student-to-student collaboration, where learners explain their thinking, challenge one another, and build understanding together. My classroom blends elements of Building Thinking Classrooms with Kagan cooperative learning structures, creating a space where every student is actively engaged in the work of thinking. A major focus in my teaching is helping students make their thinking visible. I emphasize clear communication, precise mathematical language, and reasoning that can be followed and discussed—not just correct answers. Many of my lessons follow a structure similar to the scientific method: make a claim test ideas analyze results refine understanding This approach helps students connect what they already know to new concepts in a meaningful and lasting way. My resources are designed to support: reasoning-first instruction structured student discussion meaningful problem solving visible thinking and justification Everything I create is classroom-tested and built for real students—not ideal ones.

B.S. in Middle Grades Education – Middle Tennessee State University M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction – Middle Tennessee State University

Outside the classroom, I enjoy baking, taking care of far too many plants, and spending time with my cat.