Diffuse the Math Bomb

As far back as I can remember I always enjoyed teaching and instructing. Growing up in a neighborhood with many kids, I was always teaching. It didn't matter if it were basketball, baseball, volleyball, 4-square, or hop scotch. I was always explaining rules and demonstrating techniques to younger kids. I remember playing and showing others how to play. In high school I taught beginning drum lessons to 5th and 6th graders. I belonged to FTA (Future Teachers of America) my junior and senior years and remember wanting to teach and coach since 8th grade.

Attending Ball State University (Muncie, IN) because it was known as the teachers college in the 1960's, I graduated in 1973 with a Bachelor of Science degree in education licensed to teach secondary math, physical education and health. I earned my Master of Science degree from IU of South Bend (South Bend, IN) in 1978 and later received an Administrative License, also at IUSB (1994).

With 25 years experience teaching math and coaching (including 19 years at the middle school level), I am a firm believer in mastery learning. The philosophy is simple. Not everyone learns at the same pace; but everyone can learn and can master concepts. I was fortunate to pilot a mastery learning program for 9th grade Algebra students in the early 1980's and able to further develop the strategy in years to follow.

Writing this book seemed to be a natural thing to do. Presenting and simplifying math for parents and students was something I saw a need for. Mastering math concepts is 90+% dependent on how it is presented and less than 10% on math aptitude. My intention is to take away much of the frustration both parents and students have when working through those homework assignments.