Q: How do you manage students who are struggling in your class?

A: I think, first and foremost, there are a couple things, like having expectations and rules in place so all the kids know what I expect of them and what they [can] expect from me. There are really no surprises in this class. I try to make sure I form a connection with all the kids, especially kids who are struggling. I know math doesn’t come hard to me, but in college, math did come hard to me. I was at the lower grade average of my friends, so I know what it’s like to struggle in math, but half the battle is just believing in [yourself]. Once everyone’s on the same page, I think it’s easier to form that relationship.

Q: What are some challenges you’ve faced while you were teaching?

A: I think the motivation is something I battle with, especially post-COVID. A lot of things have changed compared to what teaching was like before COVID happened. Electronics is a huge thing now, [with] being on the computers and technology in general. You’re facing a battle; often, kids don’t want to talk, or they want to have their headphones in or be on their phone. So, just finding a way to motivate them and to make them realize that this is for their own benefit, and it’s okay to put their phone away for 40 minutes of class and talk with the people at their table. Just trying to encourage the kids to work together to help them grow mathematically and socially.