Contributors

Hello from the NEIU!

It is my pleasure to share this wonderful K-5 Math Toolkit to everyone. I have the privilege of supervising all of the teachers identified below who have worked diligently to scan the web, look through curricular texts, collaborate with colleagues and search through their own resources in an effort to provide you Math tools to assist you in your classrooms.

We hope you enjoy it!

Hello... My name is Mrs. Heather King. I started my teaching profession in 2008, where I taught at the Montrose School District. I was then drawn to preschool education in 2013, where I taught at Kinder Kampus Preparatory Preschool. My educational journey continued, bringing me to the Northeastern Educational Intermediate Unit 19 in 2014. I currently teach as an Act 89/Title I Reading & Math Specialist at All Saints Academy and the Lutheran Academy in Scranton, PA. My certifications include: Elementary Education K-6th, Library Science PK-12 and Reading Specialist PK-12. Throughout my 12 years of educational experience I have taught numerous grades, been exposed to various curriculum, as well as school settings. Education continues to be my passion and I truly enjoy the teachers and students I interact with daily!

My favorite teacher tip for math is: “After teaching a mathematical concept, always follow it up with the use of games and hands-on activities. The repetition of practicing the skill is so important and we might as well do it in a way that excites our students and teaches them that it’s okay to have fun, while learning!”

My name is Jennifer Hudak and I am privileged to work as the Reading and Math Specialist assigned to St. Clare/St. Paul School, Nativity Miguel, and The Lutheran Academy in Scranton, PA. I started my teaching journey as a permanent substitute in the Scranton School District. During this time, I enrolled in courses through our NEIU 19 to become certified as an English as A Second Language Program Specialist. My first official teaching job was in the Harrisburg School District as an ESL teacher. During this time of teaching, I was fortunate enough to continue as an ESL Program Specialist closer to home at our NEIU 19. I provided services to several of our local, public school districts. At that time, I enrolled at Wilkes University and graduated with a M.Ed in Literacy. I currently work with the Act 89/Title I team as a Reading and Math Specialist at the NEIU 19.

My favorite Math teaching tip is to use a formative assessment when a new Math concept is being taught in the classroom. This can look as simple as an exit ticket to ensure students understand and to guide the next days instruction.

My name is Mrs. Kimberley Vitaletti. I am the NEIU Act 89/Title I Reading & Math Specialist at Our Lady of Peace School in Clarks Green, PA. I hold an Associates Degree in Fine Arts, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education K-6th grades and a Master of Science in Reading Education/Reading Specialist. I hold Pennsylvania certifications as an Elementary Educator K-6th grade and a Reading Specialist K-12th grade. I am currently working towards a certificate in Special Education, K-8th grade. I love being an educator and have worked for many years in the private and public school systems.

One of my favorite teacher tips for math is to make the concepts that you are teaching fun to practice and safe for your students to make mistakes with. You will find many games, songs, and activities to use to help your students included in the site.

My name is Carly Coalson and I am proud to work as the Reading and Math Specialist assigned to LaSalle Academy in Jessup, PA. I started my teaching journey as a second grade teacher at an inner city school in Philadelphia. At that time I decided to enroll at West Chester University and graduate with a M.Ed in Literacy. I became a Reading Specialist with the Capital Area Intermediate Unit for ten years before moving back to NEPA. I have worked in many non-public schools and enjoy being with the NEIU team!

My favorite math teaching tip is teach algorithms after conceptual understanding as Greg Tang explains in his Ted Talk - "Making Sense of Math".

My name is Helen McMinn. I am an Act 89/Title I Reading Specialist who works At Saint Mary’s of Mount Carmel School in Dunmore and Saint Clare/Saint Paul School in Scranton. I have a Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders and a Master of Science in Reading Education. I am Wilson Certified and I am dyslexia practitioner. I have 13 years of experience working with students grades K-5. The children in our schools make me laugh and make teaching so much fun. I love to bake and have fun in the kitchen.

One math teaching tip I can share is to connect math to meaningful everyday things like baking.

My name is Mrs. Amelia Pavlikowski and I’m a NEIU Act 89, Title I Reading and Math Specialist at St. Mary’s of Mount Carmel in Dunmore and Triboro Christian Academy in Old Forge. I have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education K-6 and a certified Reading Specialist for grades K-12 in Pennsylvania. I have over 30+ years of experience in teaching elementary and middle school students in reading and mathematics in both the parochial and public school systems.

One of my passions includes finding different ways to incorporate learning experiences into everyday life. For example, I enjoy relating the importance of math skills when at the grocery store, during sporting events or while on vacation. Try these tips and techniques whenever you get the chance and enjoy the many great resources found on this website. If you need any assistance at all, please reach out to me via email apavlikowski@ iu19.org.

Learning should be fun, so let’s get creative!

My name is Mrs. Maureen Keegan and I am the NEIU Act89/Title I Math Specialist at St. Paul School in Scranton and the Math and Reading Specialist at Faith Mountain Christian Academy in New Milford, PA. I have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing, a Master of Arts in Teaching and a Master of Science Degree in Reading Education with Pennsylvania state certification in Elementary Education K-6 and Reading Education K-12. I am an experienced elementary and middle school teacher and have taught both Reading and Mathematics for many years in the public school system.

I love teaching math and finding ways to incorporate different learning experiences. One teacher tip for math is that you can build a better understanding of mathematics vocabulary by listening to some great math songs (included on this site). Try enhancing vocabulary development further by using a folder to make a simple math word wall for you and your child.

My name is Wendy Cooper and I am a Reading and Math Specialist for the NEIU Act89/Title I program. I am assigned to the Scranton Hebrew Day School. I have been teaching for 20 years. I have an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education, a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary and Special Education and a Master’s Degree in Reading. I am certified in Early Childhood, Elementary, Special Education, and as a Reading Specialist. I spent the majority of my teaching career in Special Education classrooms. I have been a Learning Support Teacher and an Emotional Support Teacher. I am passionate about helping students who have difficulties in school.

A math tip that I would like to share is to always provide a spiral review of skills for the students. Spiral back to check for comprehension. It provides repetition for the students and a way for you to check that students have mastered the skills you are teaching.