GeoNan

We are George McDermott (Geo) and Nivan Saada (Nan), a husband-wife team with a combined 50 years in education. We are licensed teachers and practicing math educators. We took time off and completed our Ph.Ds. George focused on Middle/High School Mathematics with an interest in project-based learning, while Nivan started in Elementary School and moved to High school with an interest in Multi Cultural education. As a team, we've taught courses in Mathematics and Teacher Education as well as mentored and coached many pre- and in-service teachers.

Student engagement is key to learning. We have all heard this before. Through our practice and research we’ve found that embedding math content in a variety of games, puzzles, and hands-on activities is a fun, productive way to engage students in the learning process. Our slogan Play = Learn was born from this concept.

We’ve been recognized for outstanding achievement in the classroom. George was voted teacher of the year for his school district and a semi-finalist for the State’s teacher of the year award. We are published in several peer-reviewed educational journals and have collaborated on several books on assessment and diversity in the teaching and learning of mathematics. We are frequent presenters at the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the Learning Disabilities Association conferences. Nivan was awarded the Chancellor’s Fellowship, Indiana University.

We both have Ph.D.s in Curriculum & Instruction with emphasis in Mathematics Education and Curriculum Design. Nivan has her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in mathematics. George’s undergraduate degree is in Engineering. Together we bring a good mix of pure and applied mathematics experience to the curriculum we develop.

We are a husband-wife team and have worked together as college students, secondary teachers, college faculty, curriculum developers, and professional developers.