Experienced Credentialed Teacher Specializing in K-8 Math

Samantha S.

I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with a focus in Elementary Education and a Specialization in Arts Integration from Cal State Northridge in May 2017, simultaneously receiving my Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential. After my first year teaching 7th grade, I returned to Cal State Northridge to pursue a Master of Arts in Secondary Mathematics Education, which I completed in May 2020. To expand my expertise in higher-level math, I independently studied to pass the CSET Mathematics exams, earning my Single Subject Teaching Credential in July 2024.

With over nine years of teaching experience in secondary classrooms, plus an additional year of elementary student teaching, I bring a wealth of practical knowledge and passion for math education. I approach math instruction by first introducing concepts through visual models, such as tape diagrams, before connecting them to procedural fluency. I encourage students to choose the method that makes the most sense to them, whether visual or algebraic, so they can develop confidence and understanding in a way that works best for their learning style. My lessons are carefully structured, beginning with a review of prior knowledge and key vocabulary, then gradually building toward grade-level standards to ensure a strong and lasting foundation in mathematics.

I have taught students ranging in age from 12 to 18 in traditional general education classroom settings. During my student teaching, I taught students ages 5 to 8. Since August 2017, I have led my own classrooms, bringing nine years of hands-on teaching experience to support student learning. My experience has focused on fostering understanding and growth within structured classroom environments, guiding students through both foundational concepts and grade-level standards.