Major: Mathematics
Madeline received her teaching credentials with Cal Lutheran’s Graduate School of Education in 2015
What is your current position/career?
I am currently a middle school math teacher and department chair at Los Cerritos Middle School in Thousand Oaks.
How did Cal Lutheran and/or your math program set you up for success in this position/career?
The Mathematics major at Cal Lutheran was rigorous and engaging. I was supported by top tier professors who not only helped me develop my mathematical knowledge, but also exposed me to impactful pedagogical strategies that I use in my own classroom now. The math I engaged with at Cal Lutheran was far beyond anything I am teaching to my current students; however, it gave me a very strong foundation so that I can always give my students the “why” behind the math concept. I was also shown how to teach in ways that support depth of knowledge and retention. As for my time in the Graduate School of Education, I was able to focus my time in the credential program on developing crucial skills necessary to being an effective teacher, including classroom management, educational laws, and various modes of disseminating information.
What skills or proficiencies did you acquire at Cal Lutheran, through your studies or other activities, that you now use in your current position/career?
I acquired a vast knowledge of mathematics that allows me to teach all levels of secondary math. I was also taught using an inquiry-based learning model where we worked at vertical whiteboards collaboratively to develop an understanding of the content, a strategy that I use in my own classroom currently. I was also given the opportunity to tutor in the Math Lab at CLU and within the department during my time as a DA, both of which supported me in developing the skills of explaining math to others.
In general, what were some of your favorite aspects of the math program? Such as research, classes, professors, etc.
I had the opportunity to be a Department Assistant for the math department during my junior year, and I really enjoyed that time! I was able to build relationships with the professors and other math majors. I also enjoyed tutoring in the Math Lab, as it gave me the chance to tutor students studying other areas like business and various sciences. Overall, the math program felt like a small family. There was a small number of math majors overall, and we all lived in office hours, so we became close. The professors are so supportive and knowledgeable; I felt known in the department, which is always a nice feeling. I keep in touch with my professors to this day, a decade later, and have even had the privilege of teaching some of their own kids.