Certified High School Mathematics Teacher

Khalida H.

I got my bachelor's degree in education twenty years ago. I have been working as a tutor in the neighborhood as a part-time job for fifteen years. Then I switched to a full-time job and have been working at Fairfax County Public Schools for nine years. I worked with all grade levels as an instructional assistant while studying to get my license. When I got my license from George Mason University, I became a mathematics teacher in high school, and tutor part-time. I will get my master's degree in the fall of 2024.

Since I worked with all grade levels, I gained experience that helped me to foster different teaching styles. In my classroom, I teach a whole class as well as small groups and one-on-one when needed to provide students with feedback. I understand that while students are likely to be the same age, they are unlikely to be at the same academic level. As a result, I must differentiate between their learning needs to ensure that all are engaged in the process and meet their specific instructional needs. For example, different learning styles should be used to meet the specific needs of different learners. Some students may be visual learners while others may be reading/writing learners who would benefit from reading and taking notes. Therefore, I incorporate a variety of interactive educational activities in each class so that students of various learning types will all benefit.

Before becoming a teacher, I volunteered with my nieces at their schools. Therefore, I understand that while teachers work with students and can offer advice, families, and caregivers need to engage in students learning. So a student’s learning experience is enriched when both, teacher and parents, bring their perspectives to the table.