Sarah Mullan

Teaching Philosophy

IMPORTANT SKILLS I WANT TO TEACH MY STUDENTS

I want to teach my students why the mathematics we are studying work. This promotes a more thorough understanding of the material as opposed to rote memorization. I want to teach my students that it’s okay to make mistakes in math, and that the ability to identify our mistakes and understand why they’re incorrect makes us better learners.

TEACHING METHODS THAT REACH THESE GOALS

Whenever possible, we generate formulas together, as opposed to me just telling the class what the rule is. In geometry, we prove theorems to understand why they are true. I seek student input as we work through problems together as a class. I establish a classroom environment where students are comfortable participating and collaborating, so that when they do make a mistake, we take it as an opportunity to learn as opposed to a moment to feel embarrassed.

MY FAVORITE PROJECTS

I enjoy teaching classic compass and straightedge constructions in geometry. I find it absolutely fascinating that we can do something, like bisect a segment, that the ancient Greeks were doing over a thousand years ago.

WHAT I LIKE BEST ABOUT TEACHING AT SEVEN HILLS

Colleagues collaborate with and support each other, and the students enjoy learning. Seven Hills is such a wonderful community to be a part of!