Teaching

In this page I provide a summary of my teaching experience. 

• I was a high school mathematics teacher at Clearview Regional High School in Mullica Hill, NJ for 9 years.

• I taught adjunct for 1 year at Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ

• I taught as a teaching assistant at Temple University for 5 years, Philadelphia, PA

At Rowan University:

• Fall 2016 and Spring 2017 Evening Calculus 1 course
  Calculus is a subject about functions. This course primarily deals with the two most fundamental concepts in Calculus: derivatives and definite integrals. It begins with a discussion of the notions of the limit and continuity of a function. Then the definition of a derivative is introduced, and techniques of computing derivatives are studied. Through its applications to analysis of functions, optimizations and problems in sciences, a student can appreciate the importance of the derivative. The concept of a definite integral as a limit of approximating sums emerges in the context of the area under a curve. Hidden links between those two concepts are formulated in the Fundamental Theorems of Calculus, which also provide a convenient shortcut for computing definite integrals. Emphasis of this course is on intuitive understanding of the two concepts through meaningful examples and applications. A graphing calculator is required for this course, and so is the use of computer software, such as Mathematica.  Students will demonstrate the following:
  (1) An intuitive understanding of limits, and the ability to compute and approximate limits numerically, geometrically and algebraically.
  (2) An understanding of interpretations of the derivative in the contexts of geometry, physics and mathematics. 
  (3) The ability to use the derivative rules and formulas to find derivatives of functions built from power, trigonometric, exponential and     logarithmic functions.
  (4) The ability to use differentiation in applications including but not limited to related rates, optimization, and the analysis of graphs and functions. 
  (5) An intuitive understanding of the definite integral and its relation to Riemann sums. 
  (6) The ability to compute the definite integral of a simple function relying on the First Fundamental Theorem of Calculus.
  (7) The ability to express the area between two curves using definite integrals.
  
  

At Clearview Regional High School:

• Honors/Advanced Geometry
  This course will emphasize and focus on in-depth problem solving skills as well as an understanding of important geometry concepts through their connection to real world applications.  Topics include:  properties of triangles, polygons and circles, inductive and deductive reasoning leading to the development of formal proofs, and geometric probabilities.  High School proficiency skills will be embedded into the course curriculum.  The course begins with an array of terms, notations and illustrations to describe and represent geometric relationships among points, lines, planes, angles and figures, such as bisection, parallelism, perpendicularity, congruence and similarity.  Students will be using and justifying mathematical reasoning by developing informal and formal proofs.  Students will develop approaches to finding areas of plane figures (related to polygons and circles), and surface area and volume of three-dimensional figures.  
  
  

• Honors/Advanced Algebra 1
  Students in this course will explore algebra through its relationship with geometry, the physical and social sciences, and real world situations.  Topics such as systems of equations and inequalities, exponents and exponential functions, polynomials and factoring, quadratic functions and equations, radical expressions and equations, and probability will be explored.  This course is designed to develop students’ technological and problem-solving abilities.  High school proficiency skills will be embedded within the course.  This course is the foundation for all subsequent academic mathematics courses.  It is designed for students who have a solid foundation in basic arithmetic and an understanding of the real number system.  Topics include:  the order of operations, factoring, solving and graphing linear equations and inequalities, operations with polynomials and exponents, systems of equations and the solution of word problems using variables and mathematical relationships.  There is an introduction to domain and range, and an exploration of linear and quadratic equations as functions and their inverses.
  
  

• Honors Algebra 2
  Algebra II, like Advanced Algebra II, is designed to reinforce and extend the content primarily studied in Algebra I, including: systems of equations and inequalities, quadratic, polynomial, radical, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions.  Real world situations are modeled using graphs, tables, and algebraic descriptions.  The Algebra II course provides additional supports and reinforcement in organization and the fundamentals.  Potentially as a student’s last secondary math course, this course is designed to provide further development of the logic, reasoning, and problem-solving needed to be prepared for a career or access to college. Algebra II is designed to reinforce and extend the content primarily studied in Advanced Algebra I, including:  systems of equations and inequalities, quadratic, polynomial, radical, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions.  Real world situations are modeled using graphs, tables and algebraic descriptions, and provide further development of students’ logic and reasoning in problem solving.   The same topics will be covered in Honors Algebra II as in the Advanced Algebra II course but with greater rigor and more challenging problems. The expectation is that students in an Honors course are more mathematically astute and mature, and are capable of maintaining an appropriate level of academic independence.  This course is designed for the self-motivated student of mathematics who plans to pursue additional advanced mathematics courses, including Calculus.  A graphing calculator (TI-84) is recommended for this course, and all subsequent Honors courses.
  
  

• Honors Calculus 1
  Calculus is offered to college-bound students who displayed mathematical capability and success in Geometry, Algebra II, and Precalculus.  Topics to be covered include slope of a curve, continuity and limits, rate of change, the derivative and its application, and the integral and its application.  Although a variety of criteria will be used to evaluate achievement, grades earned will primarily be based on tests and quizzes.  The purpose for using this method is to prepare students for the reality of college level assessment.  A graphing calculator (TI-84) is used regularly in this course.
  
  

• College Mathematics
  This course is designed to give senior students a more sophisticated understanding of the fundamentals of mathematics and basic algebra.  Emphasis is on developing the connections among foundational concepts, and their applications.  Students will begin with an Accuplacer-like assessment, and the results will guide the focus of instruction for the specific group of students in the class.  The primary objective is to prepare students planning to attend a community college for success on the Accuplacer exam in the spring.  The topics of study include:  operations with fractions, ratios, and proportional reasoning, equations and inequalities, and polynomials. *The use of calculators are prohibited in this class.
  
  

• Night School Mathematics Teacher

At Temple University:

• 2022 Spring Math 1033: Computing in MatLab
  Equip students with the basics of MATLAB. Topics Covered: Vectors, matrices, graphics, loops, functions, conditional operators, and other topics as time permits.
  
  

• 2022 Spring Math 1034: Applications in MatLab
  Use the knowledge of Math 1033 or similar to solve more advanced mathematical problems requiring computing. Topics here will involve applications to numerical analysis, image and sound processing, data analysis, etc.
  
  

• 2021 Fall Math 1039: Lab for Calculus 1
  To learn the concepts and techniques of differential calculus while strengthening precalculus and problem solving skills. The recitation sessions for this course are intended to give instructors and students time to thoroughly cover some of the prerequisite concepts that students find particularly challenging and spend more time developing the new concepts. The attention to these topics in a calculus context should reinforce students abilities to solve problems involving calculus techniques and applications.  The algebra and precalculus concepts that arise in covering the calculus topics from Math 1041 will be covered. The topics from Math 1041 are Limits and continuity, differentiation, linear approximation, application of derivatives to optimization and graphing, antiderivatives, definite integrals, Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, The Substitution Rule.
  
  

• 2021 Fall Math 0702: Intermediate Algebra
  The goal of this course is to cover the core topics of algebra as a preparation for precalculus mathematics.  This course covers these topics: solving linear equations and inequalities, compound inequalities, and absolute value equations and inequalities, an introduction to functions, graphing linear equations and finding equations of lines, the laws of exponents, operations with polynomials, factoring polynomials and solving polynomial equations, operations with rational expressions, finding roots, and operations with radicals. The techniques learned for solving equations and inequalities will be applied to solving application problems involving projectile motion, finance, mixtures, and more.
  
  

• 2021 Spring Math 1041: Calculus 1
  To learn the concepts and techniques of differential and integral calculus.  Limits and continuity, differentiation, application of derivatives to optimization and graphing, antiderivatives, the definite integral, Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, integration by substitution.
  
  

• 2020 Fall Math 1021: College Algebra
  College Algebra is a course designed to teach the fundamentals of algebra that are essential for future mathematics courses. This course covers polynomial, rational and algebraic expressions, solving linear equations and inequalities, algebra and graphs of quadratic expressions, and functions.
  
  

• 2020 Spring Math 1041: Calculus 1
  To learn the concepts and techniques of differential and integral calculus.  Limits and continuity, differentiation, application of derivatives to optimization and graphing, antiderivatives, the definite integral, Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, integration by substitution.
  
  

• 2019 Fall Math 1041: Calculus 1
  To learn the concepts and techniques of differential and integral calculus.  Limits and continuity, differentiation, application of derivatives to optimization and graphing, antiderivatives, the definite integral, Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, integration by substitution.
  
  

• 2019 Summer 1 Math 1041: Calculus 1
  To learn the concepts and techniques of differential and integral calculus.  Limits and continuity, differentiation, application of derivatives to optimization and graphing, antiderivatives, the definite integral, Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, integration by substitution.
  
  

• 2018 Fall Math 1039: Lab for Calculus 1
  To learn the concepts and techniques of differential calculus while strengthening precalculus and problem solving skills. The recitation sessions for this course are intended to give instructors and students time to thoroughly cover some of the prerequisite concepts that students find particularly challenging and spend more time developing the new concepts. The attention to these topics in a calculus context should reinforce students abilities to solve problems involving calculus techniques and applications.  The algebra and precalculus concepts that arise in covering the calculus topics from Math 1041 will be covered. The topics from Math 1041 are Limits and continuity, differentiation, linear approximation, application of derivatives to optimization and graphing, antiderivatives, definite integrals, Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, The Substitution Rule.
  
  

• 2018 Summer 1 Math 1041: Calculus 1
  To learn the concepts and techniques of differential and integral calculus.  Limits and continuity, differentiation, application of derivatives to optimization and graphing, antiderivatives, the definite integral, Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, integration by substitution.
  
  

• 2018 Spring Math 824: Mathematical Patterns (Grader)
  Describe how mathematics can contribute to the solution of problems in the natural world or human society. Employ critical thinking skills, drawing upon prior knowledge when possible, to analyze and explore new and unfamiliar problems Form and communicate generalizations of patterns discovered through individual or group investigations. Solve problems using algorithms or formulas Model and solve problems using graphical methods Communicate methods of solutions and solutions to problems for the clarity of the receiver. Analyze and interpret data, including calculating numerical summaries and creating graphical representations, to propose possible implications.
  
  

• 2017 Fall Math 824: Mathematical Patterns (Grader)
  Describe how mathematics can contribute to the solution of problems in the natural world or human society. Employ critical thinking skills, drawing upon prior knowledge when possible, to analyze and explore new and unfamiliar problems Form and communicate generalizations of patterns discovered through individual or group investigations. Solve problems using algorithms or formulas Model and solve problems using graphical methods Communicate methods of solutions and solutions to problems for the clarity of the receiver. Analyze and interpret data, including calculating numerical summaries and creating graphical representations, to propose possible implications.