My Approach
I (she/her) have spent years teaching students from a variety of backgrounds and have received A+ ratings from students, parents, and teachers. I am energetic, personable, patient, and believe everyone can be successful at math. I integrate math-specific study skills into teaching so that students become independent math learners, build their confidence and teach to meet the learning styles and needs of each student. Individualizing instruction has resulted in successful experiences for both students who have difficulty learning math and with those who naturally excel in math.
I intentionally work to connect with students to meet their unique needs. It is important to identify areas of weakness or conceptual gaps, build strong number sense, optimize and further develop the student's unique strengths, and support them in meeting their personal math goals while enriching their study skills that can be applied to math and other subjects.
My Professional Experience
Secondary Teaching Experience I have taught every grade between 6th and 12th grade in the classroom including Middle School math, Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, 2, 3, 4, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, Trigonometry, AP Calculus. I have primarily worked with students in under-served schools in Colorado as well as taught abroad in Guatemala. In addition to teaching, I played the role of Math Department Head and developed the Scope and Sequence from which other teachers worked. I have worked in a range of curricula from traditional to more integrated math.
University Teaching & Leadership Experience I taught for over 10 years at the University of Colorado Boulder teaching Intermediate Algebra, College Algebra, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus and Calculus 1. In addition to teaching, I worked as the co-director for the math program in the Student Academic Success Center. This program serves underrepresented students on campus offering core math courses. In our program, I hired, trained and supervised math teaching staff and undergraduate teaching assistants as well as taught courses every semester. The training I developed and lead included inclusive teaching practices and addressing the needs of diverse learners and other dynamic teaching practices.
Educational Leadership Experience In addition to leadership at CU Boulder and at the secondary schools where I taught, I have been in the role as Interim Principal at a pathways or alternative high school in Aurora, CO. I have served as a 9th Grade academic support counselor at Denver North High School for 5 years supporting cohorts of students in the challenging transition to high school. My work at North High School included supporting students who also have challenging life experiences.
Other Teaching Experience In addition to teaching math, I am a professional Iranian/Persian dancer and perform regularly. I also teach dance to kids and adults. Teaching and performing dance along with teaching math creates the perfect career balance in my life. Whether I'm teaching the Quadratic Formula or how to spot for balance in a turn, the common denominator is that I am working with a human being that is engaging with learning. Having the opportunity to impact the lives of individuals is the most fulfilling part of both of my jobs.
Other Skills Fluent in Spanish and Farsi. Running coach. Entrepreneurship. Dance.
My Life Outside of Math
I love world travel, hiking, running, salsa dancing, being in nature and spending time with family. Next to meeting people and learning about other cultures, trying new food is one of the best parts of traveling! My husband and kids and I eat dinner together every day and love movie nights and playing games together. I love creating and sewing costumes and using costume make-up to transform into new characters. My favorite costumes so far were Prince and Mama Imelda from Coco.
Fun Facts About Me
Fun Fact: I once started my own clothing company and while it wasn't a total success, the experience was humbling and I learned a lot!
Fun Fact: Spanish was the 4th language I learned and I did not start learning Spanish until I was an adult.
Fun Fact: Although I am a professional dancer, I never took a single dance class as a child.