Mason Math Method

I have 8 years teaching experience (1 year teaching 9th-10th grade health, 6 years teaching 5th grade math, and just finished teaching 6th grade math this year). I have been a level 5 teacher for the past 6 years.

My approach to teaching always comes down to what is best for the students. What do they need, what works for them? With that said, I would say I am more “old school” in that I don’t believe there is a one-size fits all approach to teaching. When teaching I always try to answer the “why” so students know why they are learning a certain subject or trying to solve a certain problem. I do keep my daily lessons consistent, such as using daily math Do Now Reviews but what I do to help each student is always show at least two strategies for solving a problem or showing two different ways to take notes on a topic. I am a huge fan of student centered learning and having student led discussions because students learn best from each other.

• Graduated college Summa Cum Laude • Published Author in Beyond Change publication “Channel One’s Influence on Childhood Obesity” • Nominated for the Sue Lehmann Award (2015) by fellow teachers. • Nominated for National Elementary Math Teacher Award (2017-2018) by Parents of students that I was teaching. • 2008-2009 I helped a student gain confidence and go from getting all “F’s” to all “A’s & B’s” by the end of her 9th grade year…I remain in contact with her today and she is the first of her family to go to college. She inspires me each day and reminds me that the work I do each day matters.

• B.A. from Columbia College • M.S. from the University of Iowa • Taken multiple additional courses and received certificate of completion in the following: o Instructional Strategies o Advanced Classroom Management o Exceptional Student Education o And Working with At-Risk Youth • Accepted in a cohort of only 20 teachers out of 400+ applicants to take part in a year-long intensive leadership training course (2017-2018)

I have been sharing my resources with teachers I work with and students for the past 7 years. Every year my students want me to make additional copies of what I have created so they can give them to their cousins or friends that don’t go to the school I teach at. They tell me their friends or cousins are struggling and the materials could help them…such as the Do Now Reviews. Last year students told me I should help other students by creating videos and call it Mason Math Method and so I thought, Ok, clearly if my 5th graders are telling me I should put myself and my resources out there, as well as my colleagues, then I need to it. I am now a 6th grade math teacher and again my students told me I need to make videos using the PowerPoint lessons I created to help students learn and although it is taking me time I have accomplished so much and put a lot my materials on TPT so far and many more to come. I have hundreds of materials I have created over the years that I use and continue to improve on so please check back often as my plan is to offer them to you all soon. Some additional more current information to share with you all is that I have recently finished my first novel (pre-teen realistic fiction) and currently getting it ready for self-publishing…a book completely inspired by my own students and their struggles. My hope is that when I do get it published it will help me inspire even more students that are beyond my reach. My ultimate goal in life is to inspire others to reach their full potential and help as many as I can. I hope you will find the resources I have created useful, engaging, and cost saving…take care and hope you will keep in touch and let me know how my materials have helped you and your students achieve success