tgc monthly - january

Local:ECISD Recognizes Math teachers accepted into TGC

MATHTEACH:Harvard Mathematics professor Srdjan Divac conducts workshop

Cohort III:Get to know the Class of 2017

January2015TEXAS

GRADUATE CENTERMonthly

TGC Welcomes Cohort III

January 2014

2 | Texas Graduate Center

TEXAS GRADUATE CENTERMonthly

PresidentDr. Roland Arriola

executive directorDr. Mary Alice Reyes

AssociAte directorAdriana V. Lopez

designer & PhotogrAPher David Alvarado

AcAdemic AdvisorDr. Edwin LeMaster

tgc oFFices1098 W. Expressway 83

Mercedes, Texas78570

The Texas Graduate Center (TGC), a component of the Texas Valley Communities Foundation, has been established to support programs in higher education that will guide new and emerging leaders in education to implement transformational change that will impact schools and communities. TGC will offer distance learning graduate programs from outstanding universities in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. The TGC will make available the latest telepresence technology and virtual classrooms with direct connection to world-class undergraduate and graduate programs from across the country. TGC will also serve as a college and career readiness facilitator offering assistance in selecting, preparing and enrolling in nationally recognized graduate programs.

About Us:

Annenburg Hall,Harvard University

TXGRADCENTER.ORG

04 Edinburg CISD School Board Trustees Recognize Math Teachers Accepted into TGC

06 Harvard Math Instructor Srdjan Divac conducts “Teaching for Understanding” workshop

09 Spring 2014 Harvard Classes

10 Getting to Know Cohort III

In this issue...Harvard UniversityExtension School

The Texas Graduate Center has partnered with the

Harvard University Extension School to

implement the Math for Teaching Graduate

Program. Harvard Extension School is one

of the twelve degree-granting schools of Harvard

University, offering professional certificates

and liberal arts-based undergraduate and

graduate degree programs aimed at nontraditional

students, as well as open-enrollment continuing

education courses.

Cohort III members Nancy Farrell, Nathanael Watt and Patricia Vivanco attend New Student Orienatation at the Texas Graduate Center. Cohort III will begin thier program January 2015.

The three-year program is being conducted as part of the Harvard Extension School

Texas Graduate Center Executive Director Dr. Mary Alice Reyes spoke to teachers at the 49th annual Mathematics regional conference.

A brief overview of the instructional courses Texas Graduate Center Scholars will be taking during the Fall 2014 Semester

A brief overview of the instructional courses Texas Graduate Center Scholars will be taking during the Fall 2014 Semester

January 2014


E dinburg High School Mathematics teachers, Jorge Ibanez and Daniel Lara, have been accepted into Mathematics for Teaching Graduate Program through

the Harvard Extension School. This opportunity to pursue a Master of Liberal Arts Degree through the prestigious program is offered in partnership with the Texas Graduate Center, which is a component of the Texas Valley Communities Foundation. The three-year program is being conducted as a part of the Harvard Extension School and entails distance learning through the Texas Graduate Center.

Ibanez and Lara will also attend classes at Harvard University during the summer months. The program is for teachers of middle and high school mathematics. The participating teachers become students themselves, delving into the fundamentals of mathematics and examining different teaching styles. Pictured with Ibanez and Lara are Superintendent Dr. Rene Gutierrez; Dr. Mary Alice Reyes, Executive Vice-President of the Texas Valley Communities Foundation; Eva Torres, ECISD Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction; Robert Pena, Jr., President of the Edinburg School board.

Edinburg CISD Recognizes Math Teachers Accepted into Texas Graduate Center Math for Teaching Graduate Program

TXGRADCENTER.ORG

January 2014


MATHTEACH Collaborative Presents: Srdjan Divac

in partnership with:

H arvard Mathematics Professor Srdjan Divac conducted a workshop titled, “Teaching for

Understanding and the Mathematics Discourse” to an audience of Region One mathematics teachers. Divac held the workshop at the Region One ESC building in Edinburg as part of the Texas Graduate Center’s MATHTEACH Collaborative, a partnership with local school districts who have sponsored math teachers into Harvard’s Math for Teaching graduate Program. Divac currently teaches MATH E-16 Introduction to the Calculus B and Differential Equations (Fall term 2014) as well as MATH E-303 Math for Teaching Algebra (Spring term 2015); both courses are required for completing the graduate program. I loved that the training provided us with activities that prompted us to make a connection with the material, as opposed to simply being given the concept without any opportunity for exploration, said Thania Chapa, a Donna ISD Math Teacher and member of Cohort III. “This, in turn, helped us understand the reasoning behind the different concepts we were given. The workshop encouraged the participants to deliver lessons where students find a connection to the material, in order to see improvements in student achievement.

MATH E-16 Introduction to the Calculus B and Differential Equations

Professor eric connally, Ba. Director of engineering, MatheMatics consortiuM Working grouP

This course covers integration, differential equations, and Taylor series with applications. It covers most of the topics in a second-semester calculus course with the emphasis on applications as well as graphical and numerical work. The use of a graphing calculator with the capability of computing (approximating) definite integrals is required. Students enrolling for graduate credit participate in weekly pedagogical seminars designed for current and future K-12 teachers.

MATH E-302 Math for Teaching Geometry

Professor anDreW engelWarD; PhD. lecturer in extension, harvarD

university

Geometry is all about symmetry, shape, and space. We begin our exploration by going back to the classic work on geometry, Euclid’s The Elements; studying straightedge and compass constructions; and then working our way to more

modern topics such as tessellations and Pick’s theorem. Along the way we also investigate golden rectangles, constructible numbers, and geometry in higher dimensions. We emphasize mathematical reasoning, and communicating mathematics plays an important role in the course.

MATH E-6 Mathematics and the Greeks

Professor graeMe D. BirD, PhD. lecturer in extension, harvarD university

In this course we seek to understand how the ancient Greeks thought

about mathematics by focusing on three activities: finding solutions and proofs for simple numerical problems, drawing geometrical constructions using compasses and straightedge, and reading brief historical abstracts by and about early Greek mathematicians. Students also learn the Greek alphabet to enable them to read a few common mathematical terms. Graduate-credit students prepare a series of lesson plans showing how a section of the course material could be taught in high schools.

Spring 2014 Harvard CoursesA brief overview of the instructional courses Texas Graduate Center Scholars will be taking during the Fall 2014 Semester

GIRLS ENGAGED IN MATHEMATICS

Building CONFIDENCE and reducing MATH ANXIETYThe notion that only boys can become scientists and engineers has persisted over time. Studies have shown that negative stereotypes about girls’ abilities in mathematics and science have impacted their performance in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and math) areas.

to scHedule a gem camp at your scHool, contact: Executive DirectorDr. Mary Alice [email protected]

girls engaged in matHematics is a public-private initiative

of tHe texas valley communities foundation

G.E.M.

January 2014


Jorge A. IbanezEdinburg CisD

B orn on a small border town in Mexico, Mr. Ibanez moved to the United States at the age of eleven. He was inspired by

his love of learning and the wonderful teachers he encountered in high school to pursue a career in education. After graduating from high school in 2005, he attended college at The University of Texas Pan – American where he was named a University Scholar and graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Mathematics. During college, he worked at the university as a tutor for students who struggled with college-level mathematics. This made him see that many of his peers were being held back from accomplishing their goals by their deficiencies in their mathematics education, especially students that, like him, had to struggle with the challenges of being immigrants. Ever since then, Mr. Ibanez has made it one of his life goals to help as many students as possible to have a strong mathematics education, so that they may realize their full potential and reach for higher goals in their own education.

Getting to Know cohort iii

t E x a s g r a d uat E c E n t E r

TXGRADCENTER.ORG

Daniel LaraEdinburg CisD

I graduated from Mission High School in 1989 and teaching was the furthest thing from my mind; I wanted to

become an accountant, specifically a CPA. I had always loved math and working with numbers and puzzles. After 15 years of working in the private sector, I found that I still enjoyed learning, but now, I enjoyed teaching as well. During this time, I was given the opportunity to work with youth at Cub Scouts and students at the middles school level and found I enjoyed it and I was hooked. After some prodding from family, I went back to college and started working on becoming a teacher. I enjoy catching that moment when the light bulb comes on in a student’s eyes because they “get it.” It is the best feeling that any teacher can hope to feel, helping one student succeed.

NancyFarrellWeslaco ISD

N ancy Farrell is currently teaching Algebra 1 at Weslaco High School. Previously, she taught at the elementary level for 12 years, 8th grade science for 3

years, and 4 years at the high school level. She also worked as the Advanced Academics Coordinator for Weslaco ISD for 5 years, as an Assistant Principal for 4 years, and spent 1 year at IDEA Public Schools as the Primary Program Director. Nancy earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Telecommunication from Michigan State University, and her Master’s Degree in Gifted Education and Mid-Management Certificate from UTPA. She is looking forward to earning a Master’s Degree in Teaching Mathematics from Harvard University so she can prepare and inspire the next generation of students to pursue STEM careers. She hopes to teach dual enrollment courses at Weslaco High School and eventually return to administration to oversee the math department.

January 2014


G ina Olmedo was the South Texas College Faculty Spotlight and Distinguished Teaching and Learning Award Recipient in 2011. She

was the Top Scorer, Sponsor’s Competition in Science at the La Joya High School UIL Meet, 2013. However, these recognitions only make up a small portion of what she has accomplished in her life. Born and raised in the Philippines, Gina Olmedo Miquiabas is a well-rounded individual who lives with passion, dedication and grace. She enjoys reading, watching movies and crafting. She is an Algebra 1 teacher at PSJA Thomas Jefferson T-STEM ECHS, an adjunct college math instructor at South Texas College, a mentor, UIL coach (Biology/Physics), and an entrepreneur. She has two beautiful daughters, Paula and Patricia, six dogs and five cats. Ms. Miquiabas has always believed that the best way to get students to learn is to make their studies relevant to the world outside the classroom. Her aphorism is “what you sow, is what you reap.” If you impart high quality education, you will reap highly qualified professionals.

Gina O. MiquiabasPsJa isD

Yaneira GonzalezMercedes ISD

M y name is Yaneira Gonzalez. I was born in Michoacán, Mexico. I graduated from Mercedes High School and from Texas A&M

University with a Mathematics degree. At the age of 12, my parents decided to move to Mercedes, Texas. As a result, I decided to become a teacher to inspire and help English Language Learners. I truly believe that the Mathematics for Teaching graduate degree will enable me to set a higher mark for me and for my students. It will prepare me to teach more rigorous courses such as College Algebra and College Pre-Calculus and to go deeper into the understanding of Mathematics.

TXGRADCENTER.ORG

I graduated from the University of Texas Pan American with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. Teaching mathematics is a

fulfilling career. During my seven years as an educator I have never stopped trying to improve at what I do. One of the main things that I have learned is that students learn better in a safe and pleasant environment; it’s a key element to maintain respect between students. My experience in the classroom and as a curriculum writer for my district, in addition to the multiple trainings that I have received, have given me the tools I needed to identify different learning styles and approaches to better serve my students. I love to teach just as much as I love to learn, and I believe that my job involves more than teaching my subject. I constantly try to motivate and

A s a product of Donna ISD, I continued my education as a GearUp Scholar at the University of Texas - Pan

American. I graduated Magna Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in Science with a Middle School Math Concentration, as well as a double major in English. I am currently completing my third year of teaching at Sauceda Middle School in Donna ISD. Teaching became a strong desire for me at a very young age. My teachers had a significant impact on me, especially in the way they motivated me to always have an inquiring mind. Mathematics became especially significant and fun in the connection I felt it has with the real world, as well as how it challenged my thinking. With this program I hope to contribute in motivating our students to set high expectations and understand that achieving them can be a reality!

Thania ChapaDonna ISD

PatriciaVivancoDonna ISD

January 2014


Jorge A. IbanezEdinburg Cisd

I graduated from Mission High School in 1989 and teaching was the furthest thing from my mind;

I wanted to become an accountant, specifically a CPA. I had always loved math and working with numbers and puzzles. After 15 years of working in the private sector, I found that I still enjoyed learning, but now, I enjoyed teaching as well. During this time, I was given the opportunity to work with youth at Cub Scouts and students at the middles school level and found I enjoyed it and I was hooked. After some prodding from family, I went back to college and started working on becoming a teacher. I enjoy catching that moment when the light bulb comes on in a student’s eyes because they “get it.” It is the best feeling that any teacher can hope to feel, helping one student succeed.

NathanaelWattMission CISD

N athanael Watt began high school in Mission CISD before moving on to graduate second in his class from Sharyland High School in 2003. He studied computer science for a year at Le Tourneau

University then earned his Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering from UTPA in 2009. Before joining the professional world, Nathan traveled to several countries including Bolivia and Japan doing short-term volunteer mission work for local churches and student groups. Between these trips, he often worked as a private tutor in math and science and soon gained an interest in pursuing a career in education. He’s now come full circle teaching math and engineering in his old biology classroom at Veterans Memorial High School in Mission. After completing his Masters he looks forward to teaching dual enrollment classes for his school in upper levels of mathematics, where he can project his love of the subjects to students and press them towards a real understanding of the subject and how it relates to our world.

TXGRADCENTER.ORG

January 2014


The Texas Graduate Center is a public-private initiative of the

Texas Valley Communities Foundation.

Thank you to our MATHTEACH Collaborative

Partners:

tgc monthly - january

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