I have been a certified elementary school teacher for 10 years. I have taught 2nd grade and 5th through 7th grades as a classroom teacher in Title I public schools and charter schools. I am currently a math and reading intervention tutor for 3rd, 4th and 5th graders - a highly rewarding way to spend my days! I earned my teaching degree from Wesern Governors University and hold a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies. I have a passion for teaching math. I have found that many students that "hate" math do not really hate it, rather they are not confident in their ability and struggle with it. I want to change their perception by helping to build foundational skills that enable the growth of confidence and ability. I have found that most students know more than they think they do; it's my mission to guide them to believing it for themselves through instruction of processes, practice and celebrating achievements. Through mathematics, I also teach writing, grammar and reading skills. I am a firm believer that strong mathematical skills strengthen a person to solve all problems with a systematic approach and to perservere the struggle to gain a solution. I value education as a means to open the doors of opportunity.