Minnetonka
4785 County Road 101
Minnetonka, MN 55345
Our staff is built to teach each student individually, to develop the skills they need to thrive in mathematics, and to foster a love of learning.
Our staff is built to teach each student individually, to develop the skills they need to thrive in mathematics, and to foster a love of learning.
AJ Hagen is the Director at Mathnasium of Minnetonka and brings 13 years of experience teaching math to students of all ages. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Math and Physics from Creighton University and is a former Mathnasium educator with experience on the West Coast in Washington. AJ grew up in Maple Grove, Minnesota, giving him a strong connection to the local community. He believes learning opens students’ view of the world and fosters creativity, and he is passionate about helping students see that challenging math concepts are not as intimidating as they may seem. AJ focuses on building confidence, perseverance, and pride by showing students how rewarding it feels to succeed at something difficult.
Saunder is pursuing a Master of Science degree in Mathematics Education. He received his initial Bachelors degree in Mathematics Education from Metropolitan State University. Besides math, Saunder enjoys Tennis, reading, and video games. He wanted to join Mathnasium to help kids understand that math is something everybody can learn!
Years of experience teaching math:
1.5 years
Education:
High school sophomore
What do you like most about learning?
The thing I enjoy most about learning is being able to take a concept from the book and using it in real life to better connect the concept with examples. I love being able to communicate and working through problems with others. There tends to be a better understanding of the problem when interacting with others, and it also builds many amazing friendships along the way.
What is the biggest impact you’ve had on a student’s ability to become proficient in math?
The biggest impact I’ve had is being able to encourage and build up a student's trust and belief in themselves. I had a student who would always get frustrated and upset when she ran into a problem she didn’t know how to approach. By talking her through and encouraging her, she learned how to not get frustrated with herself and look for a solution first. That made a really big impact on me.
What is your favorite math to teach?
My favorite math to teach is multi-digit multiplication. With kids it is very hard if they can't visualize the addition and carrying and multiplication, but once they get the hang of it they love to do it because it's just plugging in numbers into different equations. The best thing about teaching multiplication is seeing how proud they are of themselves after solving for something big.
How do you make learning math fun for students?
I make learning math fun by communicating with my students, allowing them to talk freely with me not only about math. This establishes trust and confidence in the progress of learning math.
Education:
High school senior
Years of experience teaching math:
<1 year
What do you like most about learning?
The thing I enjoy most about learning is the people that I meet along the way. Obviously, I enjoy cramming information, formulas, methods, and theorems into my head, whether it be for mathematics or chemistry. I enjoy locating knowledge and dispersing it. But the thing that I like most is the connections I can make with friends, and people that I meet who are authentically committed to their work. That amazes me.
What is the biggest impact you’ve had on a student’s ability to become proficient in math?
The biggest impact I’ve had is on one student’s understanding of fractions. Fractional simplification can take a hot second to learn; it is the idea that four eighths equals two quarters equals one half. I remember one moment where I drew out a circle with increasingly small slices, which corresponded to a growing denominator. As soon as the student understood that two slices, from a pie of four total slices, meant the same as a half of the pie, it clicked. I remember that moment and I consider it to be one in which I excelled at developing mathematical proficiency in someone else.
How do you make learning math fun for students?
I make learning math fun by incorporating socratic questioning and manipulatives. By constructing an environment that requires critical thinking and an observation of new, foreign realities that foster learning, I can effectively engage my students.
Teach children math so they understand it, master it, and love it. Math can change their lives, and they can change the world.
Are you interested in changing lives through math? We're looking for outstanding individuals with a high level of commitment who are passionate about teaching math. Find out if there's a Mathnasium position that's just right for you!
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(952) 491-0395
(952) 491-0395
