I would like to begin by saying that I am a teacher because I want to help. I would like to tell you a little bit about who I am and, hopefully, I can get to know you as well. I recently earned a teaching credential in the area of single subject mathematics at Sonoma State University. I also hold supplemental authorizations in Introductory Business, Introductory Computer Science, and Industrial Art (Metals). The SSU Credential program is one of the highest accredited programs in this area. The focus of my studies, besides how to teach mathematics, included all of the many facets of today’s classroom. Before I pursued teaching, I worked as an engineer at a computer support firm. I hold a degree from California State University Fresno in Business Administration with an option in Information Systems. Before this, I earned a Welding Technology certificate from the Santa Rosa Junior College and worked in both the fabrication and machining industries. All of these wide range of skills and experiences provide me with a strong foundation that I hope to pass along to my students.
My goal is to teach students how to think, instead of just what to think. If I can achieve this goal, students will be equipped to succeed in the multitude of situations life will present them with. If there is some way I can reach each and every student, I will strive to do so because their future is that important to me. I encourage every parent or guardian to work with me and their child so we can make sure they have all of the support they need.
Some common goals for my classroom culture:
- Mistakes are the most important part of learning – making mistakes and learning from them is key to success in this class, as it is in life.
- Non-lecture based classroom – traditional lecture classrooms do not teach students how to learn for themselves, but rather focus on repeating steps and procedures.
- Flipped lesson structure – Instead of long sets of repeated homework problems, video lessons and demonstrations will be assigned for homework.
- Activity driven classroom – Classroom time will be centered around group collaboration and discussion about assigned activities.
- Collaboration is key to preparing students for higher education and success in employment.
The following video was compiled while Ms. Hurtado and I participated in a lesson design team with Autodesk.