∞∞∞ I love teaching mathematics! ∞∞∞

Mr. Daniel Pass

My Priorities

1.  Classroom Management and Student Motivation- 

Considering this my top priority, especially during the first several weeks of school, allows me to focus heavily on instruction and learning once the proper classroom environment is established.  There are many techniques I employ which have proven to be effective.  

·         First, I focus on simplicity and clarity in all lessons.  During independent practice I follow up with every student that encounters difficulty to ensure that even those who have not been successful in mathematics in the past experience success in my classroom.  I have found that the root cause of many student's behavior is actually frustration with the subject matter and that often once these students are doing well academically behavior problems are eliminated.

·         Secondly, students soon notice that I do truly enjoy “solving problems”, and look at math as a fascinating science that is a basic and vital part of virtually every aspect of life.  

In addition to these two, a partial list of the classroom management techniques which I apply daily include:

·         Building a positive rapport with students at every opportunity.

·         Recognizing excellence in both academic performance and behavior at every opportunity.

·         Establishing well-rehearsed procedures including:

o    Walking into the classroom silently.

o    Beginning work immediately at the beginning of the period with “warm-ups”.

o    How to be dismissed from class in an orderly fashion.

o    How to distribute individual white-boards, "smart pal jr." sleeves, or other manipulatives.

o    How to pass in papers.

Motivation in my classrooms often comes from knowledge of the advanced math involved in Rubik’s Cubes, other “twisty puzzles", and chess.  

During independent practice I have a detailed plan in place to immediately address any off-task students.  This plan includes rehearsed "looks", rehearsed turns, use of proximity and seating arrangements, standing directly in front of a student’s desk, and even in rare instances placing my hands on the far edge of a student's desk in order to keep them on the right track.  

In addition to the above techniques, substitute teaching in downtown and mid-city Los Angeles has prepared me to handle virtually any situation while remaining calm.

2. Teaching and Learning-  Ensuring through proper assessments that the subject matter is being grasped by all students is my first priority given that the proper classroom environment is established.

3. Professionalism and Dedication including:

a) Preparation-  “Over-preparing” for every minute of class time allows me to use teaching time efficiently as well as address differentiated instruction for every student.  Also, I take special care to prepare intriguing anticipatory sets in order to interest students and relate mathematics to everyday life.

b) Punctuality- I make it a point to arrive on campus early in the morning in order to compensate for any unexpected delays.  The same is true for all other appointments and meetings.

c) Appropriate Conduct- Strict adherence to “moral and professional conduct” noted in California Education Code Section 44932 and elucidated in Los Angeles Unified School District’s document entitled “Code of Conduct with Students”.  This document lists 12 rules that I believe are vital guidelines for the professional educator.  I have attached this file below.

d) Recordkeeping including the following:

i. Student behavior-  Diligence in regards to recording both positive and negative  student behavior I find to be essential.  Positive behavior which is not overlooked in my classroom includes class participation, volunteering to help other students or myself, assuming leadership when appropriate, winning a class competition, etc.

ii. Communication with parents.

iii. Conversations with students regarding schoolwork and grades.