Math Professor with Elementary through College Teaching Experience

Kelly B.

I am a recently retired professor of mathematics with bachelor’s degrees in mathematics and computer science and a Ph.D. in mathematics. Throughout my career, I found the most rewarding moments to be those spent working one-on-one with students, especially during office hours, where I could better understand their challenges and help guide them toward clarity and confidence.
I believe that mathematics is not simply a collection of procedures, but a way of thinking that can be understood and appreciated by all learners when presented thoughtfully. My favorite part of teaching has always been witnessing the “aha moments” on students’ faces—the point at which persistence turns into understanding and they begin to make sense of ideas on their own.
For much of my career, I taught mathematics courses for Elementary Education majors. I truly enjoyed helping these students deepen their understanding of the mathematical concepts underlying the material they would eventually teach. Supporting future educators in developing both content knowledge and confidence was especially meaningful, knowing the impact they would have on their own students.
With this background, I am well prepared to work with K–8 students as well as those in high school and beyond. I firmly believe that all children can learn and succeed in mathematics when given sufficient time, encouragement, and instruction tailored to their needs. In addition to my experience with younger learners, I have also taught a range of high school and college courses, including Algebra, Precalculus, and Calculus.