Expertise:
Teaching mathematics to young adults
Favorite Business Publication:
Educational Leadership;
Hobbies/Sports:
Reading; Solving Math Problems; Psychology; Tennis; Jogging;
Education Degrees:
Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and Computer Science, Lucian Blaga University, Sibiu, Romania (1995)
Master's Degree in Teaching and Learning, DePaul University (2003)
Master's Degree in Mathematics Education, Illinois Institute of Technology (2006);
Throughout the duration of your career, what was the one highlight that stood out the most?:
I was nominated by my students for the Suave Performance Plus Teaching Award for Outstanding Teaching (2005);
Number Of Years In Profession:
14
Number Of Years In Current Position:
11
What Does He/She Attribute Success To:
I attribute my success to the exceptional mentors and math teachers I had and especially, to my permanent math teacher - my mother.
Why did you become involved in your profession or industry?:
I became involved in the teaching profession because I love math and teaching students.
Position Responsibilities and Duties:
Teach algebra 1, algebra 2 and trigonometry to 9th and 11th graders; Serve as the mathematics department chairwoman; Align math curriculum with the ACT Mathematics College Readiness Standards; Mentor student-teachers and first-year teachers; Design area-wide Data Driven Instruction (DDI) assessments aligned with the ACT College Readiness Standards for Mathematics strands to increase student math achievement;
Gather feedback from other mathematics teachers to analyze data and make adjustments to curriculum and instruction to address all students' needs; Create an engaging, positive learning environment in which each student is encouraged and appreciated; Construct relevant and engaging lessons to improve all students’ ability, creativity, confidence and motivation in whole group, small group and individual instruction settings to accommodate different learning styles and academic levels; Teach and collaborate with special education teachers to differentiate instruction and meet the needs of all students; Emphasize identifying desired results, determine acceptable evidence and plan learning experiences and instruction according to the stages of Backward Design; Employ use of technology (MOBI wireless slate, document camera) to facilitate instruction and learning; Adapt proposed school-wide reading strategies in the content area and improve overall reading scores; Plan, monitor and assess progress towards established SMART-e goals; Contribute in the Network for College Success; Support school-wide efforts to increase EPAS/ACT scores by carefully identifying and tailoring best practice strategies that work
Education Certifications:
Illinois Secondary Teaching Certificate – Type 9
Certificate of High Academic Achievement for 4.0 GPA from IIT
Awards/Honors:
Intel Master Teacher (2005); Suave Performance Plus Teaching Award for Outstanding Teaching (2005);
Where Will You Be In 5 Years:
In five years, I hope to organize or be part of a group of mathematics professionals that will revolutionize math teaching in our schools and will promote math learning for the development of inquisitive, lifelong learners