Our Team at Mathnasium of Lino Lakes

Nola

Education: 

I graduated from Visitation school in 2022, and attended 3 years of undergraduate at the University of San Diego! I am currently in the process of earning my bachelors and masters degree in International Relations.

Years of experience teaching math: 

I have 3 years of experience volunteering in a classroom with early education. I also have over 5 years of experience working with kids as a nanny, and helping with math as well as other types of school work. I have found Mathnasium to be an exciting opportunity to focus on math more in-depth!

What do you like most about learning? 

The thing I like most about learning is that learning itself is a skill applied to every part of life. When we practice understanding new concepts and learning how to solve problems, our brain gets better at tackling challenges and thinking in new ways. This allows us to grow and overcome any challenge we face whether it be related to a school subject or to broader life in general. I believe that the ability to learn is the most important tool that one can have in life!

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

I had the privilege of working with a student who was struggling to pass their math class. We were able to practice fundamental skills which they were lacking and apply them to their school work. Even in just a month of working together, they were able to start receiving much higher grades on tests in school and slowly bring their grade up to passing. They were also able to use their newly strengthened fundamental skills to feel more confident attacking new materials in class and at Mathnasium. 

How do you make learning math fun for students?

I struggled to learn math as a kid because when I was confused, I felt very discouraged. Therefore, I make sure to positively encourage all students even if they are struggling. It is my goal to make sure a student feels that if something is hard to understand, then we just need to find a new way to look at it, rather than feeling like it will never be understood. I also try to listen to the students' needs and add in fun exercises like card games, group activities, or drawing pictures to break up any monotony.

Anushkaa

Education: 

Junior at Blaine High School

Years of experience teaching math: 

3 years 

What do you like most about learning? 

I enjoy being able to understand the world more and more. There is something so powerful about gaining knowledge. Learning is very inspiring and valuable. Specifically in math, working through tough problems and that feeling once it finally clicks is amazing.

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

I remember in the beginning of my employment at Mathnasium, there was a student who was struggling a lot at understanding the concept of fractions. It took me basically all hour to get her to grasp the big picture and be able to do the math proficiently. She is now one of our best students and that experience made me so grateful to have the job I do and be able to make an impact on students. Since then, I’ve had many cases like this and I’m amazed constantly at how a little bit of help can truly transform a student. 

How do you make learning math fun for students?

Alex

Education:

Master's in Mathematics

Years of Experience Teaching Math:

6 years

What do you like most about learning?

I like entertaining students with sneaky tricks/techniques and showing cool mathematical concepts.

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

One of the most satisfying things I've impacted is teaching students how to problem solve by learning how to experiment with the problem rather than trying to find the solution directly. This helped change student's perception in approaching problems and being able to successfully solve them more frequently and effectively. I made a calculus 2 handout guide that helped over 10 students around the world win their first calculus competition (specifically on integration bee)!

How do you make learning math fun for students?

Instead of explaining topics mathematically, I conceptualize them using analogies by humor or with cooler applications. I like to gamify mathematical practice problems and roleplay real-world applications to help students experience and remember concepts better.

Laura

Education: 

BA in Journalism with a Business Minor

Years of experience teaching math: 

<1 year

What do you like most about learning? 

I enjoy problem-solving and discovering new ways to approach challenges. I especially value the moment of pride or spark of interest when learning something new.

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

I’ve helped students improve their math proficiency by teaching practical strategies, like tips for conversions—multiplying to go smaller and dividing to go bigger. I also support my daughter daily by reinforcing routines and patterns, often creating songs and sayings to make concepts memorable.

How do you make learning math fun for students?

I like to incorporate creative techniques like memorable sayings, visual graphics, and other small strategies to help students remember and enjoy learning math.