Seda Educational Store

I taught high school mathematics for 9 years, worked as a high school mathematics instructional coach for 4 years, and a district mathematics supervisor for 4 years. I also taught college mathematics for 2 years while earning my Ph.D. in Mathematics Education.

My teaching style is very interactive and energetic. I am a strong believer that my role is not to tell students how to do the mathematics, but rather to help them figure out how to do the mathematics themselves. My teaching style has been heavily influenced by Kagan Cooperative Learning and Problem Based Learning.

• Student Achievement Partners Core Advocates Member. 2014 • Georgia Mathematics Advisory Council. 2014 • Kennesaw State University Mathematics Education Advisory Board. 2010-2012 • Georgia State University Middle Level Education Professor Search Committee. 2012

I am passionate about changing the negative mathematical experiences of students who have not previously experienced mathematical success. “Success” to me is not just simply passing a class, but rather being able to use mathematics as a tool to reason, analyze, communicate, and open doors of opportunity. Too often mathematics has been taught in a manner where students cease to think on their own but rather memorize meaningless routines and procedures simply to pass a class. Rather than opening doors of opportunity, mathematical failure often leads to shattered dreams. For me, the mathematics classroom was a place where I took great delight in making connections, reasoning, and analyzing mathematical ideas in an environment where I was valued, esteemed, and confident. In other words, I not only felt “smart” in class, I was constantly told that by my teachers, classmates, and friends. However, it did not take me very long to realize that many students did not share my positive experience with mathematics. For too many students of color, mathematics class means confusion, failure, heartache, lack of confidence, and feeling like a “dummy.” I have become an educator because I want students to experience mathematics the way that I did—as something positive and empowering.

Presentations Seda, P. A., Smith, L.S., (2015, April 14). Walking to Remember: Building the Capacity of School Leaders to Support the Mathematical Practices. Accepted proposal for the 2015 National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics Conference, Boston, MA. Seda, P. A., Smith, L.S., Fordham, L. (2014, March 27). Developing a Growth Mindset in Mathematics Students. Professional development course provided for Atlanta Public Schools, Atlanta, GA. Seda, P. A. (2014, February 20). Culturally Relevant Mathematics Instruction. Professional development course provided for Atlanta Public Schools, Atlanta, GA. Seda, P. A. (2012, April 28). Differentiating Mathematics Instruction through Stations. Presentation at the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics 2012 Annual Meeting and Exposition, Philadelphia, PA. Seda, P. A. (2010, April 24). Making It Happen: Re-Engaging Students Who Have Been Turned Off to Mathematics. Presentation at the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics 2010 Annual Meeting and Exposition, San Diego, CA.