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I have been teaching mathematics in the Cajon Valley Union School District since 1998. After graduating from San Diego State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences and a Minor in Mathematics, I began teaching 8th grade math at Emerald Middle School and remained there for ten years.  While teaching at Emerald, I returned to SDSU and earned a Master's of Arts degree in Secondary Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Mathematics Education.  Also at Emerald, I started the Cajon Valley Accelerated Mathematics Program for 8th Grade, teaching 8th graders Honors High School Geometry. In 2008, I made the move to Los Coches Creek Middle School, where I continued teaching regular, honors, and accelerated 8th grade math for 13 more years.  Finally, in 2021, I transferred to Hillsdale Middle School and I can't imagine ever teaching anywhere else. 

I understand that middle school is an important time for your student in which skills and habits are developed.  My goal is to help all students become successful in the subject of mathematics.  I strongly believe in an open line of communication between parents, students and teachers to ensure a positive experience and a successful school year.

To help at home with your student's success, try the following:

Support your child with Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday checkpoints - In the middle school years, young people become responsible for themselves.  We serve them best when we help them become responsible and self-monitoring.  The ability to know what work needs to be done and then see it through to successful completion, will be important in life as well as middle school.

Check on progress, giving encouragement and help where needed.  You may give suggestions if they are needed or if they could improve his or her work.  However, please do not tell your child the answer or do the work for him or her.  This will short-circuit learning and hinder your child's ability to think.  Instead, ask questions which will encourage thought and will help your student experience the process of thinking and learning.  Learning is reinforced when a student is asked to teach a concept.  This is an excellent way to see if your student understands the day's lesson.

Ask to see the finished product.  Look it over together and then have your student put it in his or her notebook, so it does not get left at home. 

I believe when teachers and parents work together in support of the student, successful habits and positive attitudes towards school are made. I look forward to working with you and your students!