33 years teaching Math & Algebra at grade levels 3-9

Bruce W.

I am a retired teacher with 32 years of experience teaching in Middle Grades education, grades 4 – 8. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree, a Masters in Education degree, and an Educational Specialist degree, all from Berry College (Mount Berry, GA 30149). I also hold a Masters degree in Technical Communication from Southern Polytechnic State University (now Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA 30144). I maintained a 4.0 GPA through all of my graduate programs.
I first taught Mathematics and Science in Elementary School, grades 4 – 6. During that time, I also taught remedial Mathematics in Summer School. I was then able to develop and teach OASIS (Over Aged Students Instructional Services). In this dropout prevention program, taught in a Middle School setting, I was able to work with students 3 years behind grade level in Reading and Math to bring them up to grade level so they could succeed in High School. Following that program I taught 8th grade Mathematics, PreAlgebra, and Algebra in a Middle School setting. During that time, I also taught Algebra I and Algebra II in Summer School to 9th and 10th graders who had previously not passed each class.
I entered the teaching profession in 1979 because I enjoyed working with children and young people. I enjoy developing tricks, songs, and memory gems to help the students understand concepts. I teach the rules of Algebra with actual numbers to help the students see how they work. I am always excited when I achieve that “Tah Dah” moment when a student’s face lights up when they first understand a concept. I see tutoring as a chance to work again with students and help them reach that moment.