There is no such thing as being good or bad at math; it is a practice, so you must practice it to get better.”
Ciera’s Story
Teaching Discipline
Mathematics
Why Mathematics
“A large part of why I wanted to pursue mathematics has to do with Bob Murphey, my freshman calculus professor. Growing up, I thought of math as a series of memorized equations and procedures that came to me rather easily. Professor Murphy showed me that math can be investigative and creative. It was then that I fell in love with math and set out to do for others what he did for me.”
Professional Experience
Ciera taught informally for several years as an activities instructor and a day camp activity lead with the Chicago Parks District and the YMCA, respectively. During her graduate studies at the University of Michigan, she instructed an eighth-grade intensive summer session through Wolverine Pathways. As a math educator, she exposed students to the Algebra 1 concepts they would learn in high school. In addition to teaching, she helped to write the curriculum for the program with her academic advisor and a team of educators.
Ciera will begin her second year of teaching at Kelvyn Park High School during the 2021–2022 school year.
Hobbies
Ciera enjoys gardening, cooking, exercising, hiking, camping, fishing and taking her dog on walks.
Academic Background
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics)
- University of Michigan (Master of Arts in Educational Studies)