Ese Ekwejunor-Etchie's Website

My Philosophy of Mathematics Education

My belief is that all students should be empowered to be creative, independent thinking individuals, equipped with the skills and understandings that will enable them to become lifelong learners and productive citizens in a changing world of boundless information and global communications.

Mathematics is the language we use to identify, describe, and investigate the patterns and challenges of everyday living. It helps us to understand the events that have occurred and to predict and prepare for events to come so that we can fully understand our world and successfully live in it. It is a way of approaching new challenges through investigating, reasoning, visualizing and problem solving with the goal of communicating the relationships observed and problems solved to others.

 All students need to have the same opportunity to engage in learning experiences that foster mastery of these goals and standards. The knowledge of mathematics and the ability to apply math skills to solve problems is an empowering force for all students both while in school and later in their lives.

I am confident in my knowledge of mathematics and physics and my ability to teach these subjects to high school students, not only through paper and pencil but by creativities and technology. My additional strengths include patience, perseverance and the belief in the ability of all students to learn, if their teacher possesses the first two characteristics.

I have demonstrated these professional strengths in every teaching situations in which I have found myself. In addition to the formal educational institutions where I have worked, I have nurtured and taught four of my own children and in part-time or temporary situations throughout my career; I have tutored many other students in math and science.

CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT:

The classroom atmosphere is always focused on student learning.  Disruption to this environment is extremely unfair to the teacher and students.  The students are expected to respect the rights and privileges of other students, their property, the teacher and all school owned equipment and property. The official policy described in the students handbook will be followed for correcting behavior.  Students are also expected to be prepared for class and actively participate in classroom discussions, take copies of notes and be engaged during cooperative learning activities.  School policies will be adhered to regarding the prohibiting of eating, wearing jackets, hoodies, hats, and book packs in the classroom.   Official school policy on Students conduct and discipline will be adhered to as stated in student handbook.

CLASS MATERIALS:

All materials must be brought to class each day.

-          Textbook

-          Binder Notebook for homework, assignments and class notes.

-          Number 2 pencil with Usable Eraser, and black or blue pen.

-          Scientific Calculator – TI 30

ATTENDANCE:

Daily attendance is extremely important.  Please attempt to schedule appointments during a time when school is not in session.  Students should have the phone number and e-mail of others students in the class to get the missed information and assignment.  Students may also see the day they get back.  Work is also posted on STI Parent Portal.  Official school policy on attendance and tardiness will be adhered to as stated in student handbook.

MAKE-UP PROCEDURES:

If a test and/or test review is missed due to illness (unanticipated absence), to routine doctor/dentist appointment or school related activities, the official policy described in the students handbook will be followed

TESTS/QUIZZES:

Students will take a test at the end of each chapter as a means of displaying their comprehension of the course material.  Tests are always announced, unlike quizzes which can be announced or unannounced

HOMEWORK:

Overnight assignments are due at the beginning of the next day class period. Absent students will turn in work the day after their return

GRADING:

1. In Mrs. Etchie’s room 40% tests,  20% quizzes , 10% homework, 10%    journal, 10% class work, and 10% project

     2.   Final grade will be 40% from 1^st quarter and 40% from 2nd quarter and 20% final.  (see page12 in agenda book).

     3.   Grades are set by school policy and are in the school handbook.

FINAL EXAM:

Student’s final will be comprehensive over the semester information and counts as 20% of their grade.

EXTRA HELP:

Communication is the key to understanding.  My extension is 4206.  My prep period is from 11:51 to 12:55 and I am available before school from 7:10 to 7:40 and after school from 2:50-3:20. Students may come in during these times for tutoring. Parents are also welcome to check on their student's progress during these times. When classes are in session, please leave a message on my voice mail, and I will call you back at the first available moment.  You may also e-mail at school - eetchie@madison.k12.il.us.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Students will be warned two times about being tardy for class, on the 3^rd tardy a written warning and a call home and the fourth tardy student will have a detention with teacher. Any tardies after the 4th one, the student will have a referral sent to Administration according to official school policy on tardiness and will be adhered to as stated in student handbook. 

HALL PASSES:

You are entitled to three hall passes a semester and after there gone you will be marked tardy for any other excuses.

Contact Info:

Phone:     876-7010 ext 4206

            e-mail:     _eetchie@madison.k12.il.us

            web site:     www.madisoncusd12.org