Lori Berry
I am an AACPS: Math Resource Teacher, Woodside Elementary School | 2017 Teacher of the Year Nominee
William Paul Thurston once said, “Mathematics is not about numbers, equations or algorithms, it is about understanding.” His philosophy was apparent in my journey to becoming a Mathematics Teacher/Coach/Professor. As an eight-year-old learning subtraction with regrouping, my teacher advised me to just “cross off, borrow, and subtract.” Being an inquisitive student, I continued to question the purpose of these steps. Like a broken record, I was told, “Don’t ask, just follow the directions.” This was disheartening to a child that wanted to understand the “why” of mathematics. I became very discouraged at a young age. But in 9th grade I met an Algebra teacher who changed my life goals. She would give up her planning time to sit with me and explain the “why” of Algebra. This one teacher gave me the hope that I could be an effective Math teacher just like her. During my journey, I started as a classroom teacher, co taught with a master teacher, and was mentored and “chosen” to apply for a Mathematics Resource Teacher when I had only been teaching a handful of years. At the time I was selected, I wasn’t ready to leave the classroom but my mentor saw something in me that I did not. I will forever be grateful. In my new role, I learned how Mathematics curriculum was implemented in 76 elementary schools. I wrote curriculum, researched effective teaching strategies, attended national conferences, and taught model lessons showing conceptual understanding of Mathematics. I currently am a Mathematics Resource Coach/Teacher in one elementary school of 400 students. I have the privilege to work with teachers and students to build their capacity to understand the whys of mathematics and grow them into 21st century mathematicians who will lead our country to the next millennium. Today my passion for Math conceptual understanding is as strong as it was when I started 30 years ago. I continue to make it my goal to empower students and teachers to understand the “why” of Mathematics and not stop until they do! It was once said, “There are no shortcuts. Work hard, be patient, and NEVER GIVE UP.” I continue to instill this work ethic and love of mathematics to every student that I touch whether it be as a Mathematics Resource Teacher/Coach or as an Adjunct Professor for first year teachers.
