So, why the z? My name is Zack. Zack Hill. I’m in my third year as a math staff developer for grades K-5 in a school district in the Tampa Bay Area. Prior to this I was a classroom teacher for 11 years and spent most of my time in grades 3-5.
So, why the why? I’m a curious individual. I love to learn as much as I love to teach. I started this blog because there are so many questions about teaching elementary mathematics that are worth exploring. Why is the teaching and learning of mathematics important? Why is it important for students to understand mathematics conceptually as well as procedurally? Why are there such different perspectives on the Common Core Standards for Mathematics? What does teaching to the Common Core Mathematics Content and Practice Standards look like? What specific resources and practices support students in becoming proficient in the standards? What supports are available for teachers who are navigating the standards? How do I best support students in making sense of complex mathematical ideas? In the Summer of 2012 I earned my Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Florida. There was a heavy emphasis on teacher inquiry as a practice of deliberate examination and reflection of one’s teaching practice. Writing allowed me to solidify my ideas and pushed me to think about specific actions I could take to support my students. I hope to continue that work here. I may not have a clear cut answer for every question I will pose and discuss, but I will make this a place where a dialogue can continue about some of the thought provoking questions about teaching mathematics.