Disney World and Algebra

When asked to describe a memorable childhood experience, a seventh grade trip to Disney World was the first thing to pop into his head. “In seventh grade, I got to get out of school for two weeks because my family was going to Disney World,” he explained. Though the trip itself was only two weeks, it felt more like a whole month. “I wasn’t a popular kid, but that month...” he added, with a subtle raise of the eyebrows.

Mr. Terrance Tolbert (6-4) is one of Masterman’s newest additions to the sixth grade team. A native Philadelphian, Tolbert grew up in South Philly and spent weekends with his grandparents in Mount Airy. He attended local South Philly schools Bregy Elementary and GAMP (Girard Academic Music Program). After high school, Tolbert started at Drexel University as a culinary arts major with a concentration in Hotel Restaurant Management. After two years, he decided to switch to the Business Management track, and a requirement was the Junior Achievement program. Through Junior Achievement, Tolbert had the opportunity to work hands-on in the classroom for the first time. “We came into the classroom and… [third graders] created a business for five weeks,” Tolbert remarked.

On Professional Development (PD) days, teachers district-wide meet to collaborate and discuss classroom strategies and learning enhancement. Tolbert recalls multiple teachers approaching him to suggest he apply to Masterman. “I don’t know what I had said or what I had done in that PD, but they came up to me and told me I should apply for Masterman.” The first two times this happened, Tolbert was already committed to other schools. But most recently, he explained, “Ms. Shapiro (6-3) and Ms. Lee [former Conwell Colleagues] both texted me within five minutes of each other.” They both mentioned Masterman’s open math positions and suggested he apply. He was coming back into teaching—having previously taught at J.S. Jenks, Conwell Middle, and Lingelbach Elementary—and figured, “the opportunity is here, let’s do it.”

Now in his first year at Masterman, Tolbert is the advisor to 6-4 and has already started a bond with his students both in class and as the sponsor of the Middle School Homework Club. “We’ve only had a couple weeks,” Tolbert remarked, “but students are utilizing me, asking questions if they need to, and reaching out if they need me.” Tolbert’s birthday was September 28th, and birthday cards from current students line the window behind his desk. His classroom is bustling and welcoming to those who visit— the cards proudly and prominently displayed. Recently returned to the Philadelphia School District, Tolbert is glad to have found a home at Masterman. “The want to learn is what I was looking for and I think I've found that here at Masterman,” he said.

As for hopes for the current school year, Tolbert would love to start a cooking club. His sixth graders are currently learning ratios in math using recipes. “If we could translate that learning of math and how it connects to cooking in the future, that would be exciting for me too,” he added. “Music is my second love—well, teaching, cooking, and then music,” Tolbert revealed. At one point, he even ran a cheesecake business! “It was fun, but a lot of work,” he remarked. Though the days of cheesecake selling are behind him, Tolbert is tasked with making desserts for the holidays with his family. “I try to make a cheesecake but make it different,” he continued, adding, “the last one I made was a pineapple upside down cheesecake.” Other Tolbertian creations include red velvet cheesecake, blackberry ricotta cheesecake, and oreo cheesecake with layers of chocolate cake. He finds baking therapeutic—from the creative expression of cheesecake to the kneading and shaping of bread.

Algebra is Tolbert’s favorite subject to teach. Though it is not a part of the sixth grade curriculum, he tries to integrate it little by little. “Algebra is the unknown,” Tolbert explained. “It gives you some information, and it’s up to you to use that information to find out what you don’t know. And that’s a model for life; you’re not going to have all the answers but you do have something you can use to figure it out.” Tolbert comes to Masterman with a collection of mathematical knowledge. “What I’m trying to bring to our sixth graders now is expanding their minds.” He teaches them that there is more than one way to get places—more than one way to reach the solution to a math problem. “What I say to them is there’s multiple ways to get to Disney World.” He chuckled. “I recognize now why I use that.”

Fast Facts! Mr. Tolbert’s Favorite…

Color: Green

Animal: Tree Frog

Song: Most recent is Evermore by Taylor Swift

Book: What Makes a Man by Rebecca Walker

Quote: “Don’t do it just to do it, do it and do it well”

Food: Mac and cheese

Dessert: Cheesecake, carrot cake, or carrot cake cheesecake

Thing in classroom: Green bluetooth speaker used to play music in mornings or a hand drawn cartoon of Tolbert and students holding multiplication cards

Subject: Math, specifically Algebra

Season: Spring (because winter feels heavy and spring is a weight coming off shoulders literally)

Place you’ve worked: “First teaching job” as supervisor at movie theatre in college (got to see free movies, interact with customers, and be a leader)

Place you’ve been: Munich, Germany during a 2-week Concert Tour with GAMP (first time out of country!)

Birthday: September 28th