Northwestern University APSI by Mrs. Horvath https://padlet.com/thorvath1/nx3b4xn4m798wqkr Get-to-know-YOU July 2022 en-us 2022-06-22 00:40:05 UTC 2022-07-13 20:10:31 UTC hello@padlet.com Theresa Horvath thorvath1 https://padlet.com/thorvath1/nx3b4xn4m798wqkr/wish/2227266293 Teach at McKinney HS, McKinney TX
Teaching AP Calculus for 13 years; AP Reader for 8 years
Now that my kids are grown, we built a pool at our house - gotta have something to attract the kids and grandkids to come visit - LOL!]]> 2022-06-22 00:44:58 UTC https://padlet.com/thorvath1/nx3b4xn4m798wqkr/wish/2227266293 Alden Basmajian https://padlet.com/thorvath1/nx3b4xn4m798wqkr/wish/2240277532 Needed a haircut a couple years ago and the kids all helped me out while my wife made sure the lines were straight. 
I've been teaching for 13 years in NJ and VA. Calculus is the reason I wanted to be a math teacher because it was the first real opportunity to just think and let your brain run in math. Years ago, I taught a young man who struggled considerably with creative thinking and analytics. I just found out that he graduated with a math degree and is pursuing a graduate degree in applied mathematics. Pretty awesome to hear. ]]> 2022-07-09 23:40:38 UTC https://padlet.com/thorvath1/nx3b4xn4m798wqkr/wish/2240277532 Joe Sullivan https://padlet.com/thorvath1/nx3b4xn4m798wqkr/wish/2240563403 I am entering into my eighth year teaching math - spanning the gamut from algebra through precalculus honors.  I look forward to learning about standards and expectations of the AP Calculus course, as well as strategies for getting students through the complexities of the content.  I do have experience teaching calculus as a TA in college, but I look forward to the challenge of presenting the course on my own.

Outside of teaching, I enjoy working out, playing baseball, and spending time with my wife, daughter, and our kitten.]]> 2022-07-10 23:48:37 UTC https://padlet.com/thorvath1/nx3b4xn4m798wqkr/wish/2240563403 Jessica Beck https://padlet.com/thorvath1/nx3b4xn4m798wqkr/wish/2240614826 This will be my 13th year teaching math but my first year teaching AP Calculus. I also teach advanced geometry and pre-calculus. I really love the mathematical connections you can make with students in classes like pre-calculus and now Calculus. I also love the opportunity to teach students multiple years. I am at a larger high school so this is not always common. I am a little nervous about prepping students for the AP exam. I am interested in hearing how others plan to handle HW and grading. I look forward to learning about the digital resources available through AP Classroom. 

In addition to my math classes, I am an instructional coach and the assistant coach for both our boys and girls soccer teams. 

I have 2 boys, ages 3 and 5 and we are loving our summer so far. ]]> 2022-07-11 01:16:55 UTC https://padlet.com/thorvath1/nx3b4xn4m798wqkr/wish/2240614826 Jennifer Lamb https://padlet.com/thorvath1/nx3b4xn4m798wqkr/wish/2240931548 Hi, I'm Jennifer - I teach in a private Catholic High School on the south side of Chicago.  I teach geometry and calculus.  Calculus is my favorite class to teach because I enjoy the students so much!  They are at such an important time in their lives and it is my privilege to be there to help guide them on their journey in mathematics.  I have taught calculus for almost 20 years, but the students still surprise me and come up with ways to solve problems that I have never thought of before - and that is awesome!  I hope that by being in my class students can see my passion for mathematics and learn to have an appreciation for it.

I have three children - one who is currently studying physics at the University of Illinois.  The second one will be joining me at my high school this year - studying algebra through our step ahead program.  Finally, the third one will be in 6th grade.

I look forward to learning about new ways to teach the topics of calculus with all of you!]]> 2022-07-11 09:53:59 UTC https://padlet.com/thorvath1/nx3b4xn4m798wqkr/wish/2240931548 Stephanie Yung https://padlet.com/thorvath1/nx3b4xn4m798wqkr/wish/2241079926 This upcoming year will be my 10th year teaching at Rockford East High School in Rockford, IL. I currently will be teaching Integrated Math 3 next year. I've taught Honors Geometry, Algebra 2, Math Topics (remedial junior math class), and Integrated Math 3. I've taught all the 9th-11th grade math classes at Summer School and Night School as credit recovery classes. I am also the yearbook advisor and boys bowling coach. Hopefully one day soon, I will be able to teach Calculus. When I signed up for this AP Institute we didn't know who was going to teach it next year and when I didn't get it in my schedule, I figured it doesn't hurt to just go through an AP Institute to be ready for if I get Calculus one day.
My favorite lesson from last year was a team building activity. Students were in groups of 4 and had to build the longest paper chain with just one piece of paper, scissors, and some tape. We didn't get into the math behind how to create the longest chain but it was very interesting/entertaining to see these students at work. It was a good way for students to talk and work together after the weird COVID school year.

Outside of work, I enjoy watching tv, playing Animal Crossing, and spending time with my husband (we just got married in March) and our two German Shepherds.]]> 2022-07-11 14:24:41 UTC https://padlet.com/thorvath1/nx3b4xn4m798wqkr/wish/2241079926 https://padlet.com/thorvath1/nx3b4xn4m798wqkr/wish/2241119086 Hi! My name is Sarah Cossack. I live in Duluth, Minnesota with my husband and four young sons. I have been teaching Honors Geometry and Algebra I at a small Catholic school, and this year will be my first year teaching AP calculus. I taught IB Math SL about 10 years ago, which covers much of Calculus I. My favorite lesson is when the students create polyhedra using magnatiles or card stock. I challenge them to make a dodecahedron with card stock, and I always really enjoy seeing their creativity and knowledge in action. Nothing makes me happier in the classroom than when the students are working hard to solve problems together. ]]> 2022-07-11 15:22:26 UTC https://padlet.com/thorvath1/nx3b4xn4m798wqkr/wish/2241119086 Hello! :) https://padlet.com/thorvath1/nx3b4xn4m798wqkr/wish/2241120729 Hi all,
My name is Kaley and I'm a first year teach and first time teaching AP Calculus. Being a math teacher is a career change for me and I'm so happy and excited to be where I want to be. My first calculus memory is from maybe 4ish years ago in college when I made the switch. I'm very excited and eager to learn all that I can this summer, because I'm a little nervous to teach in the fall. 
outside of school I love to run, hike and be outside!  ]]> 2022-07-11 15:25:12 UTC https://padlet.com/thorvath1/nx3b4xn4m798wqkr/wish/2241120729 Darren Lipman lipmand https://padlet.com/thorvath1/nx3b4xn4m798wqkr/wish/2241136279 My name is Darren Lipman and I've been teaching high school math since 2016 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; this will be my second time teaching AP Calculus AB, although I haven't taught the course in 5 years (instead I've been teaching Algebra 2 and Precalculus). Unlike my students, I didn't encounter calculus until I was in college, but the way calculus reveals the inner workings of the world around us instantly made me fall in love and, in fact, it was my calculus class that inspired me to go into teaching mathematics.

Since I haven't taught AP Calculus in so long, I am definitely nervous about taking up the mantel. We had an amazing teacher who's moved out of state and I've got big shoes to fill. I also know my students are anxious about the course and some have self-doubt we'll need to overcome together.

To wrap things up, here are a few fun facts about me: I love writing, and I've actually had a few poems published. I also own an Alaskan Klee Kai who knows nothing of professional boundaries, so she might be heard in the background on occasion.]]> 2022-07-11 15:55:22 UTC https://padlet.com/thorvath1/nx3b4xn4m798wqkr/wish/2241136279 Tracy Durica https://padlet.com/thorvath1/nx3b4xn4m798wqkr/wish/2241167024 Hello, my name is Tracy Durica. I am entering into my 30th year of teaching and my third year of AP Calculus. I taught 7th and 8th grade math for many years before I moved into teaching senior high mathematics. I love Calculus as I can now see how Algebra, Geometry, Trig and PreCalculus all fit together. Teaching Calculus has been quite an adventure! To start teaching during our first Covid year and having abnormal years since, it truly has made me dig deep into my creativity side.

One fun fact about me is that I can write upside down.  This seems to amaze my students. I randomly learned this skill in college which has been a great asset and a skill I taught all my student teachers.  You seem to always be on the opposite side of students so writing upside down makes sense.  I am looking forward to this class and continuing to strengthen my teaching skills :)

]]> 2022-07-11 16:58:36 UTC https://padlet.com/thorvath1/nx3b4xn4m798wqkr/wish/2241167024 Tim Carlson https://padlet.com/thorvath1/nx3b4xn4m798wqkr/wish/2241227643 Hello! I am taking this course in preparation to teach Calculus for the first time this fall. I will be beginning my 11th year of teaching Math at Naperville Central High School, and I am excited to be teaching a new course.  Teaching is a second career for me, out of college I was a mechanical engineer for about 10 years. 

I am married and have three boys, ages 2, 5, and 7, so you could say there is a lot of energy in my household. We enjoy spending summers at the neighborhood pool, and really anything else that gets us outside.]]> 2022-07-11 19:27:58 UTC https://padlet.com/thorvath1/nx3b4xn4m798wqkr/wish/2241227643 Effie O. https://padlet.com/thorvath1/nx3b4xn4m798wqkr/wish/2241230605
I am in my 18th year teaching but this is my first year teaching Calculus.  

I have two kids and a husband.  I enjoy walking, swimming, yoga, running and board games.

I remember I tried Calculus in high school and decided to focus on it in college.  I enjoyed the three Calculus classes once I got to college.

I just have not done Calculus in a few years so I need to relearn a few things before I will feel confident.

I really enjoyed doing identities with my Honors Algebra II class.  I get them excited and working in groups for those problems which is a lot of fun.  Once we get to them most of the year has gone by and students are working well together.

One of my past students was very kind and a hard worker.  What makes them memorable is how they were able to lead in a quiet and solid manner.  ]]> 2022-07-11 19:34:19 UTC https://padlet.com/thorvath1/nx3b4xn4m798wqkr/wish/2241230605 Luis Alvarez https://padlet.com/thorvath1/nx3b4xn4m798wqkr/wish/2241242395 Hello, my name is Luis, I am 32 years old and I am from Venezuela, but currently living in Colombia. I studied Civil engineering and got my degree 8 years ago, and after trying giving it a chance to engineering I realized I had a passion for teaching.. that's how my teaching career started! Right now I have been a math teacher for over 4 years, and I have had the opportunity of teaching from 5th grade until 12th. This will be my first year teaching AP Calculus at my school, although I took some students at the end of the year, and I'm very excited about it. 

I remember learning Calculus and enjoying it very much in college. I had a lot of fun when I was successful solving hard problems and also I want to have my students enjoy it as much as I did.

One thing I fear about teaching Calculus is not knowing enough about the course structure and curriculum, which is why I am very eager to start this course.

My favorite lesson I taught last school year was derivatives, It is really interesting to show them all the applications and the math behind it. 

Last school year I was teaching Pre-Algebra to 8th grade kids, and I had this student who was not very engaged in class, but it was really nice how I found the best examples paired with the things he liked so he found math more exciting and I was successful, it was a 180 degree change, now he loves math. ]]> 2022-07-11 20:10:29 UTC https://padlet.com/thorvath1/nx3b4xn4m798wqkr/wish/2241242395 Hello! https://padlet.com/thorvath1/nx3b4xn4m798wqkr/wish/2241255158 Hi! My name is Alan Layman and I am the Math Department Chair at Michigan City High School in Michigan City, IN. I am getting ready to start my 20th year of teaching. I taught middle school for 8 years and I've been at my school now for the last 12 years. I have taught many different courses at the high school level, including Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Finite Math, Quantitative Reasoning, PreCalculus and Trig, and AP Stats. This will be my first year teaching AP Calculus AB. I will also be teaching Dual Credit Finite Math, Dual Credit PreCalc/Trig, and Algebra II Honors while coaching my department with the new curriculum our district just adopted. 

The first time I encountered Calculus was in college and let's just say it wasn't the most positive experience for me. I had 3 semesters of Calculus with 3 very different experiences. I am hoping that I remember enough from college and attending these sessions will help me with teaching. 

When I'm not teaching, I enjoy traveling with my wife, spending time with my 2 GSD/Black Lab Mix dogs, Mickey and Minnie, and playing various video games. I also enjoy playing Pokemon Go! and being outside. ]]> 2022-07-11 20:51:27 UTC https://padlet.com/thorvath1/nx3b4xn4m798wqkr/wish/2241255158 Hi everyone! https://padlet.com/thorvath1/nx3b4xn4m798wqkr/wish/2241292664 My name is Kristin Terrigno, and I've been teaching math for 18 years. I've taught just about everything from 8th grade remedial math to pre-calculus, and this will be my first year teaching AP Calculus AB! (I'm glad to see I'm in the same boat as many of you!)

I teach at Jenison High School, just outside of Grand Rapids MI. I'm currently working on a second Masters program in an online program through Ball State University. Last semester I took Intermediate Analysis, which was a great refresher of some calculus topics, but aside from that I haven't done calc in about 20 years - eek! So I guess that's what I'm most nervous about, but I'm sure it will come back to me quickly!

I have two daughters, ages 9 and 11 who you may see running around in the background. (Hopefully not - they've been warned) and a husband who I'm sure is gleefully zookeeping while I attend class. Looking forward to spending time with all of you!]]> 2022-07-11 22:59:19 UTC https://padlet.com/thorvath1/nx3b4xn4m798wqkr/wish/2241292664 Theresa Graben https://padlet.com/thorvath1/nx3b4xn4m798wqkr/wish/2241437514 Hello! I am Theresa Graben and this is my 8th year teaching. I taught 7th grade math for 2 years and have taught Algebra 1 and Honors Geometry for 6. I am very excited to teach Calculus this year, but nervous for the brain jump that it will take. 

My first encounter with Calculus was my freshmen year of college and it was less than pleasant. I had a professor who would not answer questions during class. If anyone attempted to ask a question, he would simply tell us to see his TA during her office hours. I struggled through Calc 1 with a very weak understanding. I then transferred schools and met a fabulous professor. She spent numerous hours with me outside of class teaching me the calc 1 material that I never fully understood so that I could be successful with Calc 2. I then went on to be one of the top calculus tutors for my college. Although I have not done Calculus since I graduated college, I am excited to brush up and get back to it. 

Outside of teaching, I enjoy training and lifting weights. I started my fitness journey over 4 years ago and it is something that I am truly passionate about. I have been married for almost 3 years and we have a pit bull mix named Maisy who is about 5 years old. ]]> 2022-07-12 02:09:41 UTC https://padlet.com/thorvath1/nx3b4xn4m798wqkr/wish/2241437514 Hello! jjoyce0211 https://padlet.com/thorvath1/nx3b4xn4m798wqkr/wish/2242131746 Hello! My name is Jennifer Joyce. I have been teaching for 17 years. I am currently teaching at Western High School in Davie, Florida. We are located in Broward County which is right above Miami-Dade County. I have taught everything from Algebra 1 through Precalculus. This will be my first year teaching AP Calculus AB. I have a degree in Mathematics from Florida Atlantic University, but I have not seen Calculus in 17 years! I remember loving Calculus and it was one of my favorite courses.

I have a husband and 3 boys, ages 8, 8, and 9, and a dog. (Yes, I have twins!) I love spending my free time having adventures with my family, reading, and doing puzzles. 

]]> 2022-07-12 23:45:52 UTC https://padlet.com/thorvath1/nx3b4xn4m798wqkr/wish/2242131746 Hello! https://padlet.com/thorvath1/nx3b4xn4m798wqkr/wish/2242829982 I forgot to add my post. My name is Alanda Mehic. I've been teaching at Lake Park High School in Roselle, IL for about 7 years. I was once a student at Lake Park so I definitely feel a strong connection to my school. I've been teaching Precalc for about 6 years so I requested calc this year. They have me one section to start. I have been married for 15 years and have three beautiful girls, ages 10, 7 and 1. I'm very excited and nervous to teach an AP course this year!]]> 2022-07-13 20:10:31 UTC https://padlet.com/thorvath1/nx3b4xn4m798wqkr/wish/2242829982