I work with students that are grade levels behind in Orange, NJ. I want to help students feel more comfortable and confident by learning math organically through projects and comprehend that math is required to manage finances for life’s big decisions and support their dreams to be chefs, incredible athletes, and CEOs of their businesses. The experiences I create give students a real feel for future career possibilities. 

Social-emotional learning is an essential component in our classroom and creates a safe place to share ideas, goals, and work as a team. My plans incorporate community, collaboration, and contribution with real-world applications. When students planned the field trip, they were engaged, their interest was piqued, and they eagerly sought answers. They brainstormed fundraising ideas, created a “marketplace”, and are currently raising money for the trip. 

It’s truly exciting and fun to collaborate with students and emphasizes the importance of flexibility and thinking on one’s feet. The 6th graders see that I respect their ideas, I am learning from them, and I am willing to use time and resources to support their work. When they think outside the box and are creative, we all feel a sense of excitement about the work and the outcomes. The message is we are all human beings, and despite age differences, we all need to work together and can learn from each other.