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 am a currently working toward a teaching credential in the area of single subject mathematics at Sonoma State University. This 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.
The goal of this class is to prepare students for algebra, but more importantly, it will teach students how to learn mathematics. Some important points regarding this class:
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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.
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Non-lecture based classroom – traditional lecture classrooms do not teach students how to learn mathematics for themselves, but rather focus on repeating steps and procedures.
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Flipped lesson structure – Instead of long sets of repeated homework problems, video lessons and demonstrations will be assigned for homework.
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Activity driven classroom – Classroom time will be centered around group collaboration and discussion about assigned activities.
Attendance Policy
Be in class, that is all.
Grading Policy
| 90% – 100% |
A (96-100), A- (90-95) |
Consistently superior quality. Work completed exceeds expectations. Active interest and engagement in class discussion with insightful and respectful input. |
| 80% – 89% |
B+ (87-89), B (84-86),
B- (80-83) |
Above average work. Completion of assignments as outlined. Quality participation in class. |
| 68% – 79% |
C+ (77-79), C (74-76),
C- (68-73) |
Completion of the assignments within minimum
expectations. Some marked participation in class. Poor Attendance |
| 51% – 67% |
D+ (61-67), D (51-60) |
Not all assignments completed properly. No effort. Poor Attendance. Lack of participation. |
| 50% – 0% |
F |
Failure of all of the above and / or excessive absences. |