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For those who don’t know, Superposition is only one of my many tangential carriers/hobbies/interests. My primary vocation - and passion - is math and science teaching. MIDDLE SCHOOL math and science teaching.
If the first statement fails to illicit a groan or shudder from those first meeting me, the second inevitably does. The looks of sympathy are often followed by dismay when I note that I am not a wayward elementary or secondary educator, but actually CHOSE to work with adolescents in particular. All I can offer insofar as an explanation is that I love it, and this is a job that you should only do if you love. There are far too many middle-grade educators who don’t (love the profession), which is one reason that we continue to associate adolescence - our own and others - with emotional/social detachment and torment. This is how many of us were treated by adults when we were this age, and thus this is how we, now adults, see kids in this distinct developmental stage.
There are also far too many ineffective math educators. Often these teachers excelled as students of the discipline, but are not able to illuminate concepts for others. Furthermore, somewhere around pre-algebra, math concepts can become too difficult for students to intuitively “figure it out” without a skilled guide. Learners can convince themselves that it is not the instruction, but their own abilities, that are lacking. The end result: a country of adults - present and future - convinced that they “can’t do math.”
That’s where my semi-superpowers come in handy. I specialize in nurturing (good) math sense and confidence in 11-15 year olds through formats including traditional classroom teaching, individual and small-group tutoring, and part-to-multi-day workshops. The latter emphasize real-world math application. Past workshops & future offerings include personal finance (ideas, simulation, application), urban (Portland-specific) navigation and DIY clothing/accessory construction.
Though less adventurous than exploring stock market trends, the city core, or seam allowances, I do offer services aimed at helping students achieve specific outcomes. Common goals - both for parents and students - include: conquering test anxiety, preparing for high-school entrance exams, developing & improving mental math agility, and establishing techniques for efficient physical organization.
For more information on the above and more, check out my other blogsite:
And now, back to pendants!
