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“So far I am enjoying each of the courses I am teaching. I currently teach two courses in the Mathematics Department for future elementary teachers, and two courses in the Education Department which are the math methods courses that prospective teachers take.
One really fun project that my elementary education methods class is engaging in is developing their own traveling math museum exhibits. Later this semester they will be hosting tables at the Barrow’s STEM Academy Family STEM Night and many of them will also be trying it with students in their pre-student teaching placements. We have been working on this project for a few weeks and it has been really fun to see the students’ creativity!”
“My research focuses on ethnomathematics-focused mathematical modeling — which is essentially combining art, history and culture to teach mathematics. One of the most often asked questions in math class is “when am I ever going to use this?”. I have found that when mathematics is connected to students’ and their communities’ cultures and backgrounds they gain a deeper appreciation for the subject. Another big push in recent years has been to encourage more females in STEM — however when we look at cultural and traditional practices around the world so many women already engage in these practices, such as quilting, weaving, tile making, cooking, etc. Through integrating these ideas within my teaching and research I hope to inspire more students to learn about the mathematics around them and gain an appreciation for the mathematics present in so many cultural and traditional practices around the world.
Another more recent creative endeavor has been writing and illustrating a children’s culturally relevant STEM-focused picture book with my husband. This book illustrates a young girl’s journey to learn about moon phases connected to the Indian holidays of Navratri and Diwali.”
“I have always enjoyed the feel of a small school where faculty really get to know their students. I really enjoy having small class sizes where I am getting to know each of my students — their likes, hobbies, things they do outside of school, etc.”
Some of the best advice I was given when I was an undergraduate education student was, ‘You are teaching students math, science, history, art, etc. The central focus is the student — and who they are as a person’.
“Some of the best advice I was given when I was an undergraduate education student was, “You are teaching STUDENTS math, science, history, art, etc. The central focus is the student — and who they are as a person. This advice has stayed with me and I try to ensure that in all the classes I teach I put the student first.”
“There is a quote in the Library of Congress: “The foundation of every state is the education of its youth.” As a teacher, there will be many days that you may doubt the impact you are having, but it’s something you may not realize until years later when you get a note from a parent or a student sharing how something from your class made a difference. Especially in the socio-political climate we currently live in, and the landscape of education constantly changing, we and our future generations need each of you to inspire the next generations.”