Meet our new Math Teacher in Residence, Dawn!

This summer we had the pleasure of growing our NumWorks family by adding an additional Math Teacher in Residence, Dawn!

How long have you been a teacher?

I began my teaching career 33 years ago, spending most of that time teaching all levels of high school mathematics in Mercer County, New Jersey. Five years ago, I shifted my focus to become a Teacher Resource Specialist, supporting both middle and high school mathematics educators. More recently, my work has expanded to coaching teachers across various disciplines on effective curriculum development, instructional practices, and intervention strategies.

Which subject is your favorite?

I found teaching Precalculus to be a highly rewarding experience. It serves as the bridge between the solid foundation of Algebra and Geometry and the more abstract, dynamic world of Calculus. What makes it exciting is how it challenges students to move beyond memorizing steps and start thinking critically. There is something special about those moments when everything clicks for them, whether they are connecting ideas, understanding transformations, or solving complex problems. Those breakthroughs are just as satisfying for me as they are for the students. Witnessing that intellectual growth has been one of the greatest joys of teaching!

Why did you choose to join the NumWorks team?

I’m focused on spreading the word about how NumWorks can truly enhance math instruction. I genuinely believe in their mission to make math more approachable and engaging for students. It’s exciting to be in a position where I can support teachers and schools as they integrate this innovative tool into their classrooms. Joining a mission-driven company like NumWorks has been a perfect fit, allowing me to combine my passion for math, collaboration, and fresh ideas to make a meaningful impact on a larger scale.

What is your favorite NumWorks app?

The Grapher app is one of my favorites. By displaying critical points directly on the graph, it helps teachers move away from rote memorization and focus on meaningful discussions about a function’s behavior and properties. As a math coach, I’ve seen firsthand how this feature fosters richer conversations around problem context. Teachers and students begin exploring the “why” behind the math, not just the “how.” It’s a powerful way to encourage deeper thinking and engagement with the bigger picture.

What is your favorite feature of the calculator?

One of the features I appreciate most is the seamless integration between a function and its graph. This connection is essential for developing a strong understanding of how changes in an equation affect its graph. The function, its graph, and its table provide three interconnected perspectives on the same mathematical relationship, each offering a different way to explore the concept and build deeper understanding.

What do you hope to accomplish in your first year at NumWorks?

I aim to provide professional development opportunities that allow teachers to explore NumWorks and engage in thoughtful discussions about how this tool can deepen students’ understanding of mathematical content. I also seek to highlight the benefits of NumWorks’ integration of math symbols with precise vocabulary. By minimizing the cognitive load involved in navigating complex menus and syntax, students can focus more fully on the mathematical concepts and the language that describes them. Mastering the correct terminology enables students to articulate their reasoning clearly, which is essential for success in mathematics.

What has been your favorite part of working at NumWorks?

I’m really grateful to work alongside educators who share the same vision for math instruction and the common commitment to making math accessible to every learner. It’s a truly collaborative and supportive environment, and that makes all the difference.

What do you want to tell teachers?

I have observed NumWorks to be a real game-changer in mathematics instruction! In today’s world, where technology is readily accessible to students, it is increasingly important to foster deep critical thinking skills and empower learners to use these resources effectively to support their learning.