WHO AM I?

My name is Resha Hissen. I graduated with honors from Sonoma State University with BA in Psychology with an emphasis in Humanistic/ Transpersonal Psychology. My original goal was to get a PhD in Psychology to work with adolescence and help combat anxiety in Pre-Teens and Teenagers.

To get into graduate school, I had to pass the Math section of GRE. Growing up, I struggled in Math and felt as though I did not have "The Math Gene" or "A Math Brain". I had more of "The Philosophy Gene" or "A Psychology Brain". I held the belief that my consistent low scores in Math grades mid Elementary - Sophomore year of College were based on my genetic predisposition. My scores never changed no matter how many hours I spent studying with the Engineers in my family or how much I tried or tears I cried. Mistakes only proved my genetic deficiency and so my painstaking efforts seemed futile. My inability to do well in Math and the fear of negative judgement of said inability created anxiety whenever I took a Math test and a disbelief in my abilities to succeed in STEM topics and often in my intelligence.

In order to pass the GRE, I begrudgingly took a series of Math classes to study for the exam. To my surprise, I received straight A's in all my classes. My efforts were no longer futile, my genetics were not faulty, and I did not lack in intelligence. Twenty years of anxiety and self doubt dissipated with every class I took. The experience was literally life changing. I decided to forgo the PhD in Psychology and instead use my BA to work with adolescence directly in the classroom as a Math Educator to help appease the anxiety commonly associated with Mathematics.

I received my Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from Saint Mary's College of California and continued to take Math classes to receive my Mathematics Supplemental. I earned both with honors and received highest marks on the Mathematical portions of the Multiple Subject CBEST and the CSET teaching exams.

I am currently working with Pre -Teens and Teenagers as a 6th/7th grade Math Educator in the San Ramon Valley Unified School District. I have been in the District since 2014. I no longer believe that my Math abilities are fixed innate abilities, but can grow through the understanding of ones mistakes without criticism or judgement and I strive to teach this to my students every day. My current style of teaching Mathematics mixes elements of Zen Buddhism such Deep Breathing, Yoga, and Tai Chi to reduce anxiety, with the work of contemporary Psychologist Dr. Carol Dweck, PhD.

My Masters of Arts in Teaching will be completed at Saint Mary's College by December 2018. My emphasis is on studying Dr. Dweck's groundbreaking research on The Growth Mindset. My goal is to create original lessons plans that help decrease stress and anxiety with regards to students and their relationship with the study of Mathematics. My research and plans are the subject of my E-portfolio and my Casptone Project.