An Interview with Tarita Jordan, MC2 ASP Teacher & Festival Lead

‍

In the 2023-24 school year Math Circles of Chicago (MC2) decided to try to drastically increase the number of festivals we held each year. That October Wadsworth was the first school to sign up. Since then we've held over 100 Julia Robinson Math Festivals, with four at Wadsworth alone (serving 347 Wadsworth students)!

Wadsworth is a perfect example of MC2's vision. Our strong partnership through festivals has blossomed into a thriving after school math circle program, with 3(!) classrooms meeting weekly this winter.

Whether participating in a Math Festival engaging and challenging students to explore math in a fun way or as an After School Program (ASP) teacher, Tarita Jordan has shown tremendous commitment to ensuring that students have enriching experiences with math. Recently we interviewed Ms. Jordan about her and Wadsworth's' experience with MC2.

‍

What excites you about participating in the Math Festival?

I am excited to collaborate with students who love math and love learning new problem-solving strategies.  The Math Festival gives me an opportunity to challenge students to think critically, and experience the fun side of math in a supportive and inspiring environment. 

‍

What is the most fun and/or meaningful experience you had at the Math Festival? 

I remember one moment during the Dice Bingo game that really stood out to me.  I modified the game to use multiplication instead of addition to provide more challenge for our students.  There was a father and son playing against each other.   At first, the son was nervous.  As the game went on the son started to answer faster and faster, surprising both the father and son.  Finally, the son challenged his father to a competition.  That child had the biggest smile on his face. He became confident, not because he won, but because he realized how much he has learned and that he can apply that learning. It was such a joyful reminder of how math can build both skills and confidence.

‍

If you were encouraging another school to give a Math Festival a try, what would you tell them?

I would tell anyone that if they had the opportunity for Math Circles of Chicago to visit their school, it could really be fun and engaging, exploring ideas and solving puzzles that spark curiosity.

‍

What about your ASP (After School Program) experience stands out to you?

We have 25 students with their siblings on Friday that participate in our Brahmagupta-7/8 session.  It is so heartwarming to see that students will stay on a Friday after school because they want to do something (math) that is challenging and fun.

‍

When Wadsworth's STEM coordinator Roshonda Booker was asked about Ms. Jordan she said…

Ms. Jordan is a shining example of what collaboration means and what it means to care for the school community. She is always the first one to volunteer and assist with new programs and she takes it upon herself to ensure that new students and teachers feel welcomed. I have worked with Ms. Jordan for three years now and each year that I’ve worked with her she continues to strive for excellence and personal growth for herself and our school community. The Wadsworth STEM community is fortunate to have her.

‍