I have 31 years of teaching experience, 14 years in elementary 17 in middle school. After 6 years of teaching Algebra 1 GATE and pre-algebra, I took on a new position as a math intervention specialist helping struggling math students, preparing lessons for teachers, and team-teaching with classroom math teachers. 17 years later I returned to elementary school where I am currently a math professional development coach in grades K-5. I truly believe in the necessity of teaching the "why" of mathematics. My favorite moments are the "Oh, now I get it!" ones.