Our Team at Mathnasium of Lakeville

Terri

Education: 

BS in Math from UW-Green Bay

MA in Curriculum and Instruction from University of St. Thomas

Years of experience teaching math: 

36 years in the classroom, 7 years at Mathnasium

What do you like most about learning? 

It's fun to learn new things and be exposed to new ideas, looking at things from a different perspective! 

What is the biggest impact you’ve had on a student’s ability to become proficient in math?

It's rewarding to see a student who struggles become confident in their ability to do math.  I love to hear a student who has previously said, "This is hard. I don't get it," start to say, "Oh, this is easy now!" 

What type of math do you enjoy teaching most?

I enjoy teaching all types of math, but most especially topics that allow students to understand why they are doing something. Many of the methods at Mathnasium help students develop a better number sense. 

How do you make learning math fun for students?

I try to get to know the students personally so they are comfortable with me and know I care about them. I recognize when a student just needs a "brain break" and allow for that. I try to be upbeat and positive.

Tom

Education: 

BA, MA University of Wisconsin, 

EdS. University of St. Thomas

Years of experience teaching math: 

43 years as teacher and/or administrator, 9 years at Mathnasium

What do you like most about learning? 

Learning enables one to expand one's perspectives on the world and to look at new discoveries and ideas both objectively and subjectively. 

What is the biggest impact you’ve had on a student’s ability to become proficient in math?

Building confidence in the student's self-perception that everybody has the ability to succeed and finding techniques and methodology to ensure all learning styles are addressed. 

What type of math do you enjoy teaching most?

When math concepts and topics are presented in the context of real world examples or everyday applications, students see greater relevance to what they are learning and are willing to devote their time to the subject. 

How do you make learning math fun for students?

By recognizing that learning styles and how material is presented can greatly impact the level of interest and understanding, an instructor must find ways to vary and customize instruction that generates enthusiasm and enjoyment for the learner.

Ken

Education: 

Biology B.S. with Math and Chemistry Minor

Botany M.S. 

Health Physics M.S. 

Years of experience teaching math: 

6 years

What do you like most about learning? 

It is my inborn nature to be excited when I learn something new. I'm curious about a wide variety of subjects. 

What is the biggest impact you’ve had on a student’s ability to become proficient in math?

Over the years I've learned what methods work best for helping students understand math concepts. 

What type of math do you enjoy teaching most?

I enjoy story problems because of the challenge they present. 

How do you make learning math fun for students?

I show students how to do math using manipulatives or illustrations.

Jeanne

Education: 

B.S. College of Education, University of Minnesota

Middle School Certification in Math and Language Arts, Mankato State

Years of experience teaching math: 

35 years

What do you like most about learning? 

I love to learn about what's going on currently, what has happened in the past, and how to do things. It helps me understand different perspectives, appreciate achievements, and fuel my creativity.

What is the biggest impact you’ve had on a student’s ability to become proficient in math?

Giving them strategies that result in success and build their confidence. Giving them encouragement and recognizing their achievement.

What type of math do you enjoy teaching most?

I love teaching elementary and middle school math.

How do you make learning math fun for students?

By talking about things they already have in their knowledge base. For example, talking about slices of pizza or pie for fractions, drawing pictures, or thinking about earning/borrowing money when adding or subtracting integers. 

Steven

Education: 

B.S. in Physics, B.S. in Mathematics from TN Technological University

Years of experience teaching math: 

4 years

What do you like most about learning? 

I enjoy piecing together the big picture of the universe.

What is the biggest impact you’ve had on a student’s ability to become proficient in math?

I like to show that math builds on itself and each step is important along the way.

What type of math do you enjoy teaching most?

Probability and statistics, pre-calculus, calculus, and geometry.

How do you make learning math fun for students?

The best way I have found to make it fun is by showing there is a historical reason for every problem we need to solve. Math doesn't come from just anywhere, but everywhere.