Here is the lesson plan template.
Here is the list of assignments due by the first methods.
Here is the book list.
Please share the following in a post on this thread:
- Your name
- current/previous profession
- experience you have teaching in any capacity
- why you want to teach
- your favorite baseball team (RED SOX or yankees or other or none)
I'm Janice LaVangie and I worked for 15 years as a civilian mechanical engineer for the Navy - all in the submarine world. I then left to stay at home and raise three sons until I started substitute teaching 6 years ago. I have worked daily teaching assignments as well as long-term math assignments (the long-term were in middle school). I also taught religious education to six teenaged boys until the lesson on abstinence sent me running for the hills. I love to be in the classroom interacting with the students, not that it is always easy, but because it is never the same. Connecting with all types of learners, but particularly those who greet me with "I hate math" I find very rewarding.
ReplyDeleteMy entire family live and breathe the RED SOX!!! In fact, I may give extra credit to any students who feel the same... I've been peeking at the TV as I write this and luckily they just beat the Orioles 4-3 so I can go to bed happy!
I'm John Frasco and I worked as a mechcanical engineer for UTC. I also have been teaching as a math long-term substitute at Wilby High School in Waterbury for the last two years. Also, I don't care how much extra work the instructors give me because I will always be a Yankee fan. Let's put this into math terms. In the last hundred year which team Yankees or Red Sox won more World Seris??
ReplyDeleteWarren Scott Fentress
ReplyDeleteEngineer/Software Developer/Entrepreneur
I invented www.magneblocks.com. After launching in 2004 to what seemed to be huge success, a few years later I had to close the business. You can read why in my forthcoming book "Inventing Magneblocks." Check 'em out - they may yet be revived into the educational market, as they make profound geometric manipulatives.
I have spoken at Matwest, ATMNE, SNEC, and area schools about my invention, and the field of sacred geometry, which is my research area, I have also taught piano privately for the past 15 years.
I want to teach to share my passion for math and my experiences to help mentor the next generation towards solving the difficult challenges awaiting them.
I enjoy tennis.
I'm Tom Reilly and I'm from Fairfield. I have been working as a substitute teacher for 3 of the past 4 years; the other year I spent working as a Page at NBC in New York. I came back to the education field last year because I missed it. I want to be a teacher because I love working with kids and it makes me feel good when a student learns something new or accomplishes something they never thought possible. I'm a Yankees fan, and I look forward to them winning another World Series this year.
ReplyDeleteMy name is Bill Dalonzo. I am about to retire after a 24 year stint in the Air Force. I started out flying C-130 cargo aircraft and now work in acquistions (buying airplanes). During one of my assignments, I was lucky enough to teach aviation at the Air Force Academy where I found helping others toward their goals to be extremely rewarding. I believe a big part of being a teacher is helping others succeed. I am an absolute baseball fanatic and hope to some day coach at the high school level. I have been a Mets fan since 1969 and have convinced my kids to follow suit despite my wife being a Yankee fan.
ReplyDeleteHi, my name is Rita King. I am an electrical engineer working for over 20 years with a CT electric utility. I am currently working on a project to build fast start peaking generation for times when the electric grid is most constrained. I have been wanting to move over to teaching for a few years now so that I can work with young people and make a difference. I do not have formal teaching experience - just coaching tennis. I have three wonderful boys ages 12, 14 and 16! (OMG ready for driving). I have been a MET fan for as long as I can remember, growing up about 6 miles away from what used to be Shea stadium! Let's go Mets!
ReplyDeleteHi, I'm Evan Green, and I've been doing a lot of classroom teaching over the last few years, but very little in math. I've been teaching music classes at Neighborhood Music School (New Haven), NYU, Yale, and a really fun summer program for high school students called the Center for Creative Youth at Wesleyan. I've long had a great interest in math, and I've done some math-related work, but apart from some subbing and SAT prep teaching, teaching classroom math will be a new venture for me. I really adore teaching, and I'm excited about working with the 7-12 age group. Among many other things, I'm interested in learning more about teaching kids with special needs. I'm happy to be in a classroom among all you brave folks. Good luck to everyone!
ReplyDeleteSo... more work for Yankees fans? I suppose that's fair; if you're a Red Sox fan, watching baseball is hard enough work as it is!
Janice, I love what you said about connecting with the students that greet you with "I hate math"! In teaching music, maybe with the exception of music theory, I haven't really had the challenge of working with projected apathy (much less antipathy) for the material. Since music is more of an elective subject than a "core" one, and many of my students have been adults or college students, the classrooms haven't had many students who didn't already choose to be there.
ReplyDeleteThe two things in which I feel most deficient are approaches to classroom management and working with those "I hate this subject" students. I am excited about the prospect of trying to make a daunting subject fun -- or at least palatable/managable -- to those students, and I look forward to getting some insight on this!
I am Jen Variale. I live in Ridgefield. I am a finance manager for IBM. I have some experience volunteering at my son's school. I want to teach because I love the kids. They are so full of life, and I want my job to be more in line with things I truly care about.
ReplyDeleteGo Yankees!
I am Lou Romao, and I currently have a patchwork career. I teach guitar/music at two private schools and a music store. I also teach computer multimedia at Naugatuck Valley Community College (some of my own multimedia work is at http://louromao.tripod.com/).
ReplyDeleteLast summer, I had the opportunity to tutor a Persian Gulf War veteran in college algebra. It was not only rewarding helping him out, but I discovered that the "process of instruction" (for lack of a better term) was not that much different than giving a private music lesson, even though the content is different.
The biggest reason that I am here is because I want to continue in a career that enriches others.
(In response to the last class, here is the Praxis II material I used: http://praxishighschoolmath.com/)
Philip K. Meister. I am an Attorney and have been in private practice for over 30 years. I have not taught school in any capacity.
ReplyDeleteI was one of those people who hated math when they were taking mathematics in school. I took the minimum amount of math required to graduate. I found during my practice of law that not being fluent in math was a handicap to making effective presentations. I also found it frustrating when clients and/or juries could not understand certain concepts because I could not communicate to them the underlying mathematical concepts.
My son showed an interest in computer engineering at an early age. My wife and I took the mathematics curriculum at the community college to keep up with my son. I found that math was a beautiful language and that I had deprived myself unnecessarily by my prior aversion to math. I think that my experience and my example might encourage others towards perseverance in math. That is why I want to teach.
My favorite team is the Detroit Tigers.
Hi, everyone! My name is Stephen Carrell. I was recently "displaced" from Pfizer's manufacturing facility in Groton, where I was an electrical/instrumentation technician for 9 years. After the plant closed, I took advantage of the severance package and finished my math degree at Eastern in December '09, with the intent of attending ARC and teaching high school mathematics. So far, it's been a lot of work but very satisfying (and it looks like this summer will be more of the same)!
ReplyDeleteI don't have any formal teaching experience in public education; however, I have served as an instructor in the classroom and in the field in previous companies. I also tutored privately while at Eastern and have given music lessons (guitar) privately off and on for many years.
The plant closure at Pfizer was a blessing in disguise for me, as I was very frustrated with my career. I was forced to evaluate my life and figure out how I could have a job that I truly loved, be of service to others, and of course, pay the bills. I saw a chance to be like Mr. Williams, a calc teacher of mine, who could make anyone interested in math, try hard, and do well. I want to be an exceptional teacher who can motivate and inspire, as well as teach.
I went to my first pro baseball game at Fenway Park in 1984, shortly after I was stationed in Connecticut. I was a Red Sox fan from that day. However, when the baseball strike hit in 1994, I was so disgusted that I gave up watching baseball for 7-8 years. I started following the Red Sox again in the early '00's. Good timing, as I was able to see them win in '04 and '07.
Will there be much time to watch baseball this summer, I wonder?
I'm Phil Ross. I'm currently an Adjunct Professor in Physics at Three Rivers Community College and I'm substitute teaching at a number of school districts. I was formerly a Director of Information Technology at Pfizer; before that, I was a molecular biologist. My degrees are in chemistry and pharmacology.
ReplyDeleteI've always loved to teach. My part-time teaching experience over the past year as an adjunct professor and as a substitute teacher have been a pleasure; I look forward to doing this full time!
I have several outside interests, including singing and playing the trumpet. I agree with those who write about the beauty of math. I see mathematics as art woven into the fabric of our existence and physics as the application of math in the physical world around us.
The Red Sox can be pretty good, especially when they are emulating the Yankees. ;-)
In response to Janice's post, I had to comment on "Connecting with all types of learners, but particularly those who greet me with "I hate math" I find very rewarding." That's a great outlook. Whenever I tell someone what my degree is in (math) or what I'm going to be teaching, the response is almost invariably, " I hate math" or "I'm terrible in math". I am convinced that these folks had a bad experience in their school lives where someone convinced them that math just isn't their thing--and they believed it. I want to be a teacher who makes students believe in themselves enough so that math _can_ be their thing!
ReplyDeleteAs part of our 'homework', my notes say to respond to one of our colleagues directly, but when I tried to do this, I couldn't seem to work that out, so I'm posting here. Can anyone help me figure out how to reply directly to one of the comments here? If this blog is not set up to do that, then Randy, should we just post a question to a specific colleague here?
ReplyDeleteIt's great to see everyone's background and the common threads in our lives. FYI, after I'm through w/ ARC and working, I plan to keep up a community about Sacred Geometry at www.thesacredgeometer.com - right now, it's just a thrown-together site with busted links, as I have had 0 time to put towards it. But I will one day! Anyone into music and math (esp. geometry) should check it out - I interviewed two really interesting 'sacred geometers', one is a musician/composer and author (Jason), and the other is an author/artist (Bruce - his issue has the busted links - sorry!)
I'm finishing up 3 math classes this semester at Wescon (Analytical Geometry and Advanced Calculus and Cryptology) so I have to focus on that until May 20. Basically, I will hiding under a rock until then , so until the Job Fair, best of luck to everyone.
Hello Everyone,
ReplyDeleteMY Name is Mike Shukaitis. I have worked as a Software Engineer for over 25 years now. My last position was at Pitney Bowes where as was the lead software developer for Trusted Coprocessor Development - Infrastructure. I was responsible for development and release of secure system components that facilitated secure transfer of funds, data, and software over networks. I recently elected to take a voluntary separation package from Pitney Bowes as part of their current downsizing efforts.
I have been teaching martial arts and SCUBA diving for a couple of decades now. I have also been involved in mentor as well as coaching programs. I teach currently as a leisure past time so it is a natural progression for me to teach as an avocation.
PS- I am an avid Mets Fan!
ReplyDeleteHi. I'm Kathy O'Brien from Fairfield. I worked as a statistician in the pharmaceutical industry for a number of years before leaving to raise my two boys full time. They are now 14 and 11. It's time for me to return to a career, one that I find fulfilling and satisfying. I've been subbing for about a year and a half in the middle and high schools in Fairfield...daily sub only, all subjects, no long-term assignments. I like the kids. They keep me up-to-date in the world.
ReplyDeleteI don't pay attention to baseball during the year, but since I grew up on Long Island, I have to admit that when the Yankees are in the playoffs (which is fairly often), I enjoy watching and rooting for them.
Janice, I admire that you enjoy connecting with the "I hate math" kids. One thing I hope to learn this summer is how to enable those kids who just "don't get math" to understand, and maybe even enjoy, math.
ReplyDeleteHello, my name is Melinda Mandics from Norwalk. I have been in the USA for over 14 years, originally from Europe, Hungary. I worked in Private Wealth Management in NYC for over 6 years but the recent crisis in the financial industry allowed and dictated me to make a career change that I welcome whole heartedly. I am currently working as a substitute teacher in the middle and high schools in Norwalk and Greenwich since last year. I really enjoy the teaching experience and working with students as each day brings something different and unexpected.
ReplyDeleteThe reason I want to become and educator is to prepare students to the challenges they may face in their future endeavors.
Sorry, I don’t follow baseball, but if I have to choose…… of course, I pick the Red Sox.
I am excited to be part of the ARC I program and I look forward to the challenges and rewards that it will bring into my life!
Hey Kathy, I forgot to mention at orientation that I have a master's in stats. I would love to hear about some of your work.
ReplyDeleteAre you interested in teaching stats? I taught AP Stats for 5 years and at the college level. It can be a lot of fun but it's also exceedingly challenging for many students.
Janice, you picked the very popular topic of "I Hate Math" that is just not avoidable. This comment is for you and anyone who is a musician.
ReplyDeleteFrequently during a guitar lesson I will ask a student how he/she is doing in school. The reply most frequently heard is "I hate math." Whenever I hear this, I make correlations between the guitar/music and mathematics (the musical pitch system as an exponential function, Pythagoras and his pitch ratios, etc.). Usually the student will walk away not hating math so much.
And to Phillip, mathematics IS a beautiful language in itself AND what it can be applied to. I sincerely hope that I can convey this to future students.
Stephen said, "I saw a chance to be like Mr. Williams, a calc teacher of mine, who could make anyone interested in math, try hard, and do well." When I was in school I had no "Mr. Williams" to inspire me to persevere at math. My math teachers were fine individuals doing their job, but they just did not reach certain individuals and accepted that fact. I hope to discover through our class and through teaching how I will give my students insight as to why it is worthwhile to learn math. That limited goal may not be inspirational, but if I succeed at that then I will feel that I am making progress as a teacher.
ReplyDeleteHey Melinda Manics from Norwalk by way of Hungary,
ReplyDeleteI spoke with you at orientation and was wondering if you had any luck finding somewhere to stay during the summer sessions of ARC. I may be in the same situation and was thinking of giving the University of Hartford a call to see if they would be willing to "rent" a dorm room.
Please let me know if you had any luck.
Thanks,
Bill Dalonzo
Well I am supposed to reply to the blog post of one classmate. Well I guess I am going to be naughty so to speak. I am going to reply in general to the group for the most part.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all I would like to thank Lou for his link to the praxis exam prep site.
It is nice to see the diverse background our group has including inventors, engineers, musicians, and even an attorney Phillip (a profession honesty I didn’t expect to be here). Phillip no worries I think it is a good thing you are here. The more diverse we are the better I say. We have a lot to offer our future students. I think in some ways more than others who didn’t come from the outside world per se. I believe student we can be more convincing as to the practical applications of what is being taught as we can apply it to what we have done or what others have done that were colleagues of ours.
Lou provided a nice example of how mathematics is applied in music. Janice I believe we all can all do something to help turn around students who hate math.
Lastly I would like to say that I look forward to working with all of you and successfully completing the ARC program over the next few months!
Randy:
ReplyDeleteI don't think I want to teach Statistics, but we'll see what comes my way.
Have you gotten my e-mails? I just want to make sure you have my address.
Lou, thanks for the website regarding the Praxis exam. Here is one more.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.praxismathexam.com/
Jen
Melinda,
ReplyDeleteTry sending your resume to The Taft School (http://www.taftschool.org/). Taft is a private school in Watertown, CT. The Math department head is Alvin Reiff (reiffa@taftschool.org). Taft also accepts a Hungarian exchange student every year. This may be a long shot, but give it a try.
Sok szerencsét!
Ditto-
ReplyDeleteLou- thanks for the Praxis II website. It will come in quite handy as I prep to take that test. I have to agree with Mike S that the group seems to be very diverse. I think we will learn alot from each others life experiences and that can only make us better teachers. Looking forward to seeing everyone in June.
I'm Karen Smith, just figuring out how to blog. I'm looking forward to everything arc 1 has in store. I'm a little frightened, too, at this point the amount of info that will be presented in 9 weeks seems daunting. I'm finishing off my last math class - and will be able to "come up for air" after my final on May 18. My professional background is in Marketing/Forecasting, although I've taken significant time out of the work force to raise my kids. I've coached, and worked as a substitute teacher while taking the necessary math credits. At this stage in my life I've decided to follow what I really like to do, even if its a new (and scary?) venture. I've always enjoyed the orderliness of math - while still having a place for creativity; and I've discovered that I love to work with my kids on their school lessons and homework. But not as much as I LOVE the Red Sox, which can also be a scary thing (especially with the shaky pitching so far this year). In fact, for Mother's Day I was presented with tickets to the Sox/Yankees game that evening. It was freezing and late, but somehow when the Sox are beating the Yankees, I'm not tired or uncomfortable. I haven't taken the Praxis II test and am wondering if I should take the July test knowing that I probably won't have time to properly prepare,but at least I'll gain the experience to know what to expect for the next "real" time. Going into a test and not expecting to pass is not my usual m.o., however a friend suggested I try it this way? I'd appreciate any input from the other ARC students.
ReplyDeleteKaren:
ReplyDeleteI think you should take Praxis II in July. Since you've been taking Math classes recently, you're still in 'test mode', unlike some of us who haven't taken a math class or test in many years. Just keep an eye on the clock during the test, and don't spend too much time on any one problem. You might even pass!
Kathy - thanks for your input. I've decided to go ahead and take the Praxis 2 in June (there was an opportunity for late registration). Your point about being in the test taking mode is a good one. However, I haven't seen a Statistics or Geometry class in many years (I don't even want to think about how long its been) so my expectation is that I won't have enough time to properly study for the test. Hopefully the experience in June will better prepare me for taking the test again in the Fall. I wish ETS would publish the fall test dates, not sure why they aren't already established. The first full week in June should be interesting, to say the least, with the start of ARC 1 and the Praxis that Sat.
ReplyDeleteKaren, I am taking the Praxis in June as well so we can commiserate together this week. I am dreading it also and agree that there are just not enough hours to study!! The cobwebs in my brain are pretty thick. I am hoping that having a busy week to concentrate on will actually help me go into the test relaxed?! At least that's what I'm trying to tell myself. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteJanice and Karen,
ReplyDeleteCan I 'interrogate' you after you take the Praxis? I'm taking Praxis 2 in July, and would love a brief heads up. I did buy the ebook & test exam, but as I have a Mac, I also had to buy Parallels ($40) plus a Windows license ($120), so all of these expenses, besides adding up, are really pissing me off.
FYI, Dr. Moebius is Warren Peace is Warren Scott Fentress - I have too many aliases, which I'm trying to simplify when I have time!
We're supposed to share our feeling, right?
If I can offer any help once I get that stuff installed (such as printing off the dummy test), let me know and I will try to accommodate you.
See you tomorrow!
Karen -
ReplyDeleteJust wonderinghow you felt the Praxis went? The night before I took my test, I was certain it would be a toatl disaster! Even while taking it, I was planning the next test date. I ended up passing on the first go 'round, and I'm sure we'll all be pulling for you.
Also, Janice -
How do you think you're interview went Friday?