In 2018, I started using the sentence We learn math by solving problems together as the "golden rule" of my classroom. The fewer other rules we need to make, the better. 
  • ​WE LEARN MATH: What we do in math class. 
    • Mathematics, you see, is not a spectator sport. George Polya 
  • BY SOLVING PROBLEMS: How we do it.
    •  A problem is, by definition, a situation that causes disequilibrium and perplexity. A primary tenet of teaching through problem solving is that individuals confronted with honest-to-goodness problems are forced into a state of needing to connect what they know with the problem at hand. Therefore, learning through problem solving develops understanding. Diana V. Lambdin
  • TOGETHER: The best way to do it.
    • ​ Encouraging students to reach out to each other to solve problems and share knowledge not only builds collaboration skills, it leads to deeper learning and understanding… Matt Davis​

Professional Foci

Math Fellows in International Schools

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I met Erma Anderson in 2017 at the AERO Summer Institute in Washington DC. Ever since then, I've been following her to workshops and get-togethers all over the world as part of the Math Fellows in International Schools program. This is basically all I worked on professionally in the 2017-2019 school years. It's introduced me to a network of dedicated math teachers who want to change the way we teach math, assess math, and talk about teaching and assessing math. It's changed the way I teach, think, and talk. Big time.

Standards-Based Curriculum and Assessment

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I was introduced to standards-based assessment and reporting when I started teaching overseas in 2012. Along with Understanding by Design, SBA and the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics have become the foundation of my practice as an educator. I spent 2012-2017 (China) developing my school's secondary mathematics curriculum using resources from EngageNY/ Eureka Math, the Mathematics Vision Project, and other resources that have been developed from the standards. In 2018 (Pakistan), I redesigned my school's math curriculum, moving to an integrated pathway, reducing acceleration, and leading in-house professional development. My work with MFIS has strengthened these interests, and my confidence around these subjects.

Technology Integration

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I work in a one-to-one laptop environment, and make extensive use of technology in my instruction.
  • I completed Michigan State University's Graduate Certificate in Educational Technology in 2012 as a precursor to returning to classroom teaching.
  • I'm a Google Certified Educator (level 2)
  • I'm an author of numerous interactive learning activities using a variety of resources (Desmos Activity Builder, GeoGebra, Formative). 
  • I served as teacher-liaison to my school's technology team from 2012-2017 (China) and as a member of my school's technology group for MSA accreditation from 2017-2019 (Pakistan). I work in these groups to represent the viewpoint of a full-time teacher, and have provided in-house technology professional development to my colleagues.

​EAL Instruction

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I spent the 2012-2017 school years working in China with students for whom English is a second (or third, or fourth..)  language. In 2015, after attending 5 workshops led by Gini Rojas, I completed my certificate for EAL in the Mainstream Classroom, granted by Seton Hall University and International Schools Services as part of the World Language Initiative. This experience strengthened my belief in the importance of language for all students learning math.

International Baccalaureate

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I taught a combined Standard/Higher level math class from 2015-17 in China, where I also took part in the IB accreditation process. From 2019 (Qatar), I will be teaching the new Applications and Interpretations class at both standard and higher levels.

Advanced Placement

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In 2018 (Pakistan), as part of a new curriculum proposal, I suggested including AP Statistics to give seniors more options for math classes. And I ended up teaching the class! My first AP experience, and a great chance to teach some material I haven't thought about since college!

Extracurricular Activities

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  • From 2012-2017, I planned and chaperoned Week Without Walls trips for secondary students, visiting various locations in China to participate in service, cultural, and adventure activities. My partner and I ran an after school Garden Club, where students raise their own money, build their own furniture, and make their own plans for an outdoor space at our school.
  • In the past, I have also run activities involving building computers.