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About Me
I have been married to Rachel for 23 years and I have three wonderful daughters ages 21, 19, and 17. My professional background is in engineering, software development, and mathematics education. Hobbies include backpacking, remodelling old homes, designing/creating websites, trail running, and soccer. Literary interests include G.K. Chesterton & C.S. Lewis. My family has lived in the United States, England, Italy, and Singapore. We have visited about 18 countries on 4 continents.

I am passionate about all things related to mathematics education – curriculum, pedagogy, leadership, and mentoring. My teaching experience includes both upper and middle school mathematics in the United States, Singapore, and Italy. I recently taught middle school at The Westminster Schools in Atlanta, Georgia and currently teach at The American Overseas School of Rome.

I sit in awe when watching Lionel Messi and I cheer most fervently for Manchester City. I do not like beets, arugula, or guacamole. I admire people who are committed to helping others.

I believe the Oxford comma is practical, elegant, and proper.

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About Math (& Maths)
I am fascinated by the subtle nuance (or sometimes the immense divide) between mathematical terms in various countries. Trapezoid, trapezium. Exponents, indices. Parentheses, Brackets. Math and Maths. I love this description by Ben Orlin.

Mathematics is not a collection of topics nor a list of rules. It is a mode of reasoning. Its scope is therefore infinite.

Educational Profile:
My professional interests include pedagogy, cognitive psychology, curricula, technology, leadership, and, of course, mathematics. I am a student of my students as I continually refine methods to improve engagement and learning. Ultimately, I believe the best assessment of my effectiveness in the classroom is the level of understanding my students attain along with their attitudes toward mathematics. My 15-year background in engineering and software development, as well as my B.S. in Psychology, provide a unique lens through which I approach the classroom. The teaching of mathematics is a wonderful balance of love for content, love for relationships, patience, and challenge. I also deeply enjoy being around young people. The energy, silliness, motivation, and perspective of students never grows old.

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My 12 Most Recommended Books in Education

I enjoy books that contain elements of pedagogy, practice, and soul. Although I've read most of these books, I have yet to read Future Driven and The Hurried Child. Soon.

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Most Recent Conference Presentation
TMC17, Atlanta, Ga

Textbook Transformation: From Rote to Rich

Think HGTV Renovation Program. We are given traditional textbook problems that lack beauty, intrigue, and depth of knowledge. We must grab our toolbox and renovate them to provide students with a learning experience that is engaging, conceptual and technology-rich. This pragmatic workshop provides a toolbox of strategies (some well-known and some lesser known) to renovate even the most rote of exercises. Our renovations will incorporate depth of knowledge, investigative thinking, and technology integration. The primary structure of this talk is an I Do, We Do, You Do format so be prepared to engage. No hard hat required.

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The Westminster Schools 2016-2021

While teaching at Westminster, I loved having motivated students who genuinely enjoy learning and I was surrounded by a faculty that continually encouraged me and challenged me to grow as an educator. Honors and activities include the following:

  • Recipient of the O. Wayne Rollins Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching
  • Alumni Fellow Teaching Award
  • Faculty award for teaching
  • Proposed & awarded grant for cross-divisional mathematics initiative
  • Recipient of a curriculum development grant for a new 8th-grade course
  • 6th Grade Boys Dean
  • Director of the 2019-2020 Mathematics Cross-Divisional Development Grant
  • Director of the 2018-2019 Leadership Cohort
  • Member of the 2016-2017 STEAM Cohort
  • Mathematics PLC Facilitator
  • Robotics Coach
  • JV Girls Soccer Coach
  • Summer School Courses include Transitions, STEAM Exploration, Ethics in Leadership, Computer Programming
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International Community School, Singapore 2014-2016

My entire family moved to Singapore for 2 years. I taught middle school mathematics, my wife taught middle school social studies, and all three girls attended the school. We enjoyed our time in East Asia as we were able to travel to Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, China, India, and Sri Lanka. Activities during my time at ICS include:

  • Develop new curriculum for 6th, 7th, and 8th Pre-algebra.
  • Taught 8th-grade geometry
  • Head Coach: Middle School Boys Soccer Team
  • Leader for a mission trip to Indonesia schools and orphanage
  • Chapel speaker
  • Student Council
  • Taught Web Development Course
  • Winner of 2016 Coaches Award
  • Winner of the Middle School Lip Sync Contest

Children don't hate math. What they hate is being confused, intimidated, and embarrassed by math. With understanding comes passion, and with passion comes growth - a treasure is unlocked.
~ Larry Martinek

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Resumé

You may view or download a brief, two-page PDF version of my resumé here.