How can an English teacher who hates math successfully teach trigonometry?

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English teacher Amy Schwarzbach-Kang from Chicago, Illinois, got roped, unwillingly, into teaching a trigonometry class. Over time, the course became her favorite class of the day, she says. Photo Credit: Linked In

Recently I stumbled across an absolutely fascinating story about an English teacher from Chicago, Illinois, who got roped, unwillingly, into teaching a trigonometry class.

“I had always hated math. Now I suddenly found myself teaching trigonometry,” confesses Amy Schwartzbach-Kang. “I was an English teacher in Chicago Public Schools with certification in Special Education, and when my school was facing a shortage of certified Special Education teachers, I was pulled in mid-year to co-teach a junior-level trigonometry class with the math teacher,” she said.

Despite her initial unwillingness, as time passed, trig became her favorite class of the day, Amy reveals. “After spending years teaching English and reading, I was being challenged to move beyond what I had always been doing,” she says. “When you’re new to something, you have a fresh perspective. You’re willing to take risks. You’re willing to try anything because you don’t know how something should be done,” she continued.

So how would an English teacher who hates math overcome her subject-prejudice, successfully teach a course in trigonometry, and even learn to love it? You can discover her ingenious strategy in the article she wrote entitled  Learning Math by Seeing it as a Story. The article was published by Edutopia on March 26, 2019. Check it out!

Inspirational reads before going back to school

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The end of summer is fast approaching, and it’s time to start thinking about going back to school. When contemplating how to be the best teacher you can be in the upcoming year, it helps to have some really great role models. There are many gifted educators in our history, and also in our present time, that can serve as excellent examples of the profession. Recognizing and honoring them is what this blog is all about! Each week I endeavor to share stories about wonderful teachers that can serve as a source of ideas, inspiration, and pride for us all.

In addition to reading about exceptional educators on this blog, you can learn more about some remarkable teachers in my books, Chalkboard Champions and Chalkboard Heroes. Each volume is packed with insightful stories about remarkable educators in American history, and the historical implications of their pioneering work. These books make great sources of inspiration for individuals in the teaching profession and those aspiring to become teachers some day. They are also appealing to history buffs and social scientists.

Reading stories about remarkable educators can remind you of why you chose to become a teacher in the first place, affirm your faith in the value of the profession, and ignite your passion for a new school year. Order your copies from amazon.com today! And be sure to subscribe to the blog for your daily dose of inspiration. Above all, have a great year!

Marta Garcia named Massachusetts 2022 Teacher of the Year

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Elementary teacher Marta Garcia of Salem, Massachusetts, has been named her state’s 2022 Teacher of the Year. Photo Credit: Massachusetts Computer Using Educators

Congratulations to Marta Garcia, an elementary teacher from Massachusetts, who has been named her state’s 2022 Teacher of the Year. The award is presented each year to a teacher who exemplifies the dedication, commitment and positive contributions of educators within the state.

Marta teaches English as a Second Language to second and third graders at Witchcraft Heights Elementary School in Salem. Before accepting a position in the Salem Public School District in 2006, she taught in California and Spain. In all, her career as an educator has spanned 23 years.

The honored teacher helps students who are new immigrants to the country overcome obstacles with the language and culture. And she wants them to feel proud about their origins. “In my daily teaching, I try to help students nurture their identities and feel proud of their origins as they acquire new ways of seeing the world through a new culture and language,” declares Marta. “I consider myself the bridge on which my students can navigate opportunities coming from both sides, without rejecting one or the other.” To achieve this goal, Marta has served on her district’s Equity Matters team, multiple curriculum committees, and numerous English-learner task forces.

For her work as an educator, Marta has earned many accolades. She earned her district’s Read Trust Excellence in Science Teaching Award. In addition, the Massachusetts Association of Teachers of Speakers of Other Languages nominated her for their Teacher of the Year Award.

Marta earned her Bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature from the University of Valladolid in Spain. She earned her Master’s degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages fro Salem State University. She first came to the United States as part of the Visiting Teachers from Spain program, and later she decided to relocate to this country.

 

Indiana’s Kathryn McHale became Director of AAUW

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Kathryn McHale started her career in the classroom in a public school in Logansport, Indiana, and eventually became the General Director of the American Association of University Women. Photo Credit: Cash County Historical Society

During the early 19th century, many excellent classroom teachers have contributed to the professional development and promotion of women. One of these was Kathryn McHale, a school teacher from Indiana who became the General Director of the American Association of University Women (AAUW).

Kathryn was born on July 22, 1889, in Logansport, Indiana. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in 1919, her Master’s degree in 1920, and her PhD in 1926, all from Teachers College at Columbia University in New York City.

As a young woman, Kathryn taught in a public school in her home town of Logansport for seven years, from 1910 to 1917. By the 1920s, she had achieved a full professorship at Goucher College in Maryland. She also instructed courses at New York University, Carleton College in Minnesota, and the University of Minnesota.

Kathryn was a superb classroom educator, but her dedication to the profession expanded beyond the classroom. She served on the Board of Trustees for Purdue University from 1937 to 1946. She served as a member of the National Committee for United Nations Education, Social, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). She was also involved in projects for the US Office of Education, the American Association of Adult Education, the National Association of Foreign Student Advisors, the Women’s Interest Section of the Advisory Council of the War Department, and the National Foundation for Education in American Citizenship.

From 1929 to 1950, Kathryn became the General Director of the AAUW. As the organization increased in membership, their work towards improving the status of women expanded. Their programs grew to include diverse social and economic problems, support for higher standards in education, and support for the arts.

In addition, Kathryn was an accomplished author. She wrote numerous articles that were published in professional journals, including the Journal of Childhood Education, Teachers College Record, Journal of Higher Education, Applied Psychology, and Psychological Clinic. She was also involved in co-authoring publications for the AAUW.

Sadly, Kathryn McHale suffered a stroke and passed away on Oct. 8, 1956, in Washington, DC. She was 67 years old. She is interred at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Logansport.