I have been working at CGPS for the past 23 years as both a classroom teacher and as a math specialist. I have taught math in grades PK - 6. As a math specialist, I teach students as well as mentor and coach classroom teachers on new strategies for teaching math. My students are able to develop their own understanding of different concepts and strategies and are given opportunities to discuss their thinking with their peers. When solving real-life math problems, I use hands-on materials and pictures to help them make sense of problems and develop various problem-solving strategies. I help my students understand their mistakes and learn from them. I particularly enjoy watching my students explore and work through a challenging problem activity and hearing them exclaim “Oh, I get it now!” after the idea has been clarified. Additionally, I have taken a variety of professional development courses in order to provide stronger support to my students as they develop fluency in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Professional development allows me to stay current with the latest math practices. I have many years of experience tutoring students in grades PK - 8, both individually as well as in small groups. I feel comfortable working with children either virtually or in person.