The Torch: A Podcast by Riverside County Office of Education

Learning is a Journey: Strategies for Cultivating Confidence in Secondary Mathematics - "The Torch" Summer Series Ep. 6


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Riverside County Teacher of the Year Marie Stevenson brings 16 years of educational experience, with the last decade dedicated to teaching mathematics at Rancho Mirage High School in Palm Springs Unified School District. As a dynamic educator, Marie wears multiple hats, serving as the Math Department Chair, coach, club advisor, and active participant in various school committees. Her commitment to student success extends beyond the classroom, evident in her advocacy for mastery grading and fostering cross-curricular collaboration. Students praise Marie for her approachable nature and dedication to ensuring every student’s understanding. Colleagues highlight her ability to guide and inspire fellow educators, emphasizing her role as a catalyst for professional growth.

Join us now for this never-before-seen extended interview with Marie Stevenson — only on The Torch.CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Introduction
01:45 - Getting into teaching
02:22 - Philosophy of teaching
02:44 - How has your teaching strategy evolved?
03:37 - Cultivating confidence through instructional design
03:59 - The fear with risks in mathematics
05:10 - Breaking down barriers to inspire confidence
06:32 - Math anxiety explained
07:57 - Learning math is not about right or wrong
08:47 - The value of mistakes in math
09:47 - Creating a space where students are more comfortable taking risks.
11:15 - Mathematics is seen as an archaic subject
12:27 - Creativity in mathematics: knowing what to do when you don’t know what to do
13:57 - Equitable grading practices
15:42 - Aspects of Mastery Grading
17:13 - Establishing trust with students
18:16 - School is a big safety net for students
19:12 - Taking a compassionate approach
20:29 - Sensing the mood of a classroom
22:02 - How external forces can affect learning
23:36 - Favorite moments as a teacher
24:39 - How to deal with stress of the job
25:01 - Advice for first-year teachers
25:36 - Addressing Chronic Absenteeism
27:27 - What drives Ms. Stevenson’s passion
28:29 - The value of getting feedback as educators
29:43 - Thank you for joining us
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The Torch: A Podcast by Riverside County Office of EducationBy The Torch: A Podcast By RCOE