As a math educator over the last 18 years I have taught in three states, Michigan, Maryland, and North Carolina. I have seen many shifts in the way math is presented, taught, and perceived by students, parents and teachers. Every year there seems to be a new incentive pushed to help with closing achievement gaps. However, through all of these changes I have noticed that there has been one constant and that is an increase of student anxiety and decrease in confidence when it comes to mathematics. Every year in the classroom I encounter students that have some type of anxiety with math, so I started a tutoring service called MindSynap Learning Lab. The mission of MindSynap Learning Lab is to re-shape the perception of mathematics by helping learners increase math confidence and decrease math anxiety.
As I begin to tutor individual students and see a change in their confidence, anxiety level, and the math abilities. I desired to make a greater impact. So I decided to start saving funds to purchase a mobile learning lab so that I could take my program around the City of Charlotte. Inspired by my mother I decided to create Shapes of Math Custom Collection and MindSynap Image Designs to help raise funds to support this vision. Shapes of Math Custom Collection is a collection of customized earrings, bracelets. MindSynap Image Designs is a collection of customized images for t-shirts or personalized gifts.
During the pandemic there was a great demand and shift to virtual learning and many of my students struggled to pay their technology fees that would allow them to receive a computer. So instead of saving for the mobile learning lab, I began using the profits from jewelry and t-shirt sales to help students with their fees so they would not fall behind with their work. Each year the number of students that I can help and influence increases. Although the goal of obtaining a mobile learning lab has been delayed, I have seen a purpose fulfilled, through the achievements of the students that I have been able to support and influence at Statesville High School.
If you would like to support this vision please click the link below https://mindsynap.yolasite.com/support-mindsynap.php
You can also check me out on Facebook @ Shapes of Math Custom Collection and
@ Mindsynap Image Designs.
-Jovita Webb-Monroe
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