Blue Mountain Math

I have taught at the high school for 14 + years and taught at the middle school school for 5 years.. I have taught a wide range of math courses during that time from Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Algebra 2, and Geometry, to Consumer Math (Personal Finance). Students always want to know what is my favorite part of math, and I always answer "The part we are doing right now".

I like an active classroom where everyone is busy. If you stop in one day it will look like chaos, but it is a carefully orchestrated chaos that cleverly disguises all the learning that we are doing. I use a lot of activities -- and keep the kids moving.

I recently applied for and received a grant for $16,000 to puchase racing car simulators. Students design a race car engine online and then use the simulators to test their engines. My middle school classes that told me math 8 is too hard were using college level Algebra and Calculus to design those engines and had a great time.

I have a degree in Business Administration (accounting) and worked as an accountant for 20 years before changing careers and achieving my life long dream of becoming a teacher. I have a degree in Mathematics as well as a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction. I consider myself lucky. It took me awhile but I finally found the place I was meant to be.

In addition to my teaching duties, I mentor new teachers and also speak at conferences several times a year. I have spoken at Palm Springs each fall at the California Mathematics Council conference. Last year I was honored to speak at the CTA good teaching conferences in both San Jose and San Diego. It is always a pleasure to speak with other teachers and be able to share some ideas about what is working in the classroom. Teachers are always so generous.