In February we interviewed Louisa Shannon, who leads an MC2 After School Program at Murray Elementary School and who has been a lead teacher at MC2 summer camps, both at Back of the Yards and in her own school. She's now in her 4th year at math circles!

1) What made you start working for Math Circles?

I started working for Math Circles after participating in a Formative Assessment Lesson (FAL) Professional Development Cohort that Doug O'Roark co-organized during virtual learning.

2) Why do you teach?

I teach because it is a vocation and a privilege. Being entrusted to provide equitable access, cultivate identities, and prepare community members is an honor of which I aspire to be worthy every day.

3) What is your favorite thing about teaching?

Facilitating and witnessing a Eureka moment of clarity when someone synthesizes the pieces of information into a new understanding that they take with them as far and wide as they wish.

4) What is something you wish more parents knew?

I wish more parents knew how resilient, capable, creative, and joyful children can be when we empower them to struggle with challenging tasks they find interesting for knowledge's sake.

5) What is something you want people to know about Math?

Regardless of our previous academic performance, we are all math people. Math is fundamentally about exploring and solving problems that help us identify patterns and understand relationships. Doing math cultivates problem-solving. Problems are growing exponentially; we need as many problem-solvers as possible.

6) How has Math Circles impacted your teaching career and your perspective as an educator?

Math Circles has challenged me to seek, promote, and expect joy for every learner. It has helped me recommit to a career as an educator.

7) Should Pluto be given back its title?

Although nine is divine, eight is pretty great! I think Pluto should remain a dwarf planet.

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