My Teaching Journey
I’ve always loved the “aha” moments that happen in a math classroom. Those moments when a concept finally clicks, and you can see the confidence bloom across a student’s face. But with large class sizes, skills gaps, and individual needs that weren’t suited for whole class experiences, those moments were often difficult to find.
Like many teachers, I found myself standing at the front of the room, explaining concepts while many students stared blankly or, worse, disengaged completely. Traditional teaching methods weren’t working for all of my students, especially those who struggled with math anxiety or learning differences.
That’s when I realized I needed to simplify my approach. Not by making the math easier, but by making it more accessible through student-centered learning.
A Different Approach to Math
I began creating resources that got students out of their seats, talking to each other, and taking ownership of their learning. Instead of lecturing, I became a guide, supporting small groups and individual students while the class worked together.
The results were remarkable. My special education and ELL students showed 80% growth, and we achieved a 100% pass rate on standardized tests. But more importantly, my classroom became a place where students were excited about math and confidently prepared for the next grade.
Simplify the Middle is Born
After seeing how these resources transformed my classroom, I knew I wanted to share them with other teachers. Whether you’re a new teacher finding your footing, an experienced educator looking for fresh ideas, or someone who simply wants to make math more engaging, I’m here to help.
Today, Simplify the Middle offers:
- Curriculum in the form of digital notebooks with videos for every lesson
- Interactive activities that get students moving and talking
- Task cards perfect for differentiation and cooperative learning
- Partner activities which provide high engagement while focused on learning objectives
- Resources aligned with Virginia SOLs and Common Core standards
Everything is designed with one goal in mind: to help you create a classroom where students are actively engaged in learning math together.
My Teaching Philosophy
I believe that:
- Students learn best when they’re engaged and having fun
- Movement and conversation are powerful learning tools
- Teachers should be facilitators, not just lecturers
- Every student can succeed in math with the right support
- Resources should be simple to implement but rich in rigor
When we simplify our approach to teaching middle school math, we create space for deeper understanding and growth.
