Mypassion for mathematics started in middle school, when my math teacher challenged me to work to my fullest potential and opened my eyes to the mysterious and the beautiful world of mathematics. Over the next several years, I participated in various math Olympiads as a middle and high school student and studied computer programming and mathematics at Vilnius University to further my knowledge of mathematics.
Little did I know that my future life would present me with an unexpected turn after coming to the USA in 1989 as a political refugee (with my husband and our two daughters), and I would find my new passion - teaching mathematics to gifted children! I have been teaching mathematics for 20 years now in the United States. First, as a Math & Science Department Chair (and Graceland University adjunct faculty member) at a high school affiliated with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, teaching college level math classes.
Then, for 13 years as a Math Department Coordinator, and later Dean of Student Community and Special Programs Coordinator at Open Window Middle School for gifted students. My teaching experience allows me to not only focus on students acquiring the required math knowledge for their middle and high school years, but also to show them how this knowledge will be utilized in their high school and under/post graduate mathematics education, and life in general as a foundation for critical thinking skills.
My Philosophy of Teaching Mathematics
In my experience, any child can discover the beauty of mathematics. Here are 5 personal statements which reflect my philosophy of teaching mathematics:
“No one is bad at math, anyone can find something to excel at.”
“Organize your papers – organize your thoughts.”
“A lazy person does everything twice. So, don’t be lazy!”
“Work smarter, not harder!”
“Expand your horizons! There is always more to explore in math.”
And finally, I always tell my students: “Don’t lose your sense of humor, remember that ‘A smart person laughs at others, but a wise person laughs at him/herself.’” Having fun while working together on math - this is the goal of my teaching.
Services
01
Enrichment
Mathematics enrichment for students who are eager and ready to learn math curriculum in more depth and with applications to real life.
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Tutoring
Tutoring for students to practice and/or solidify their math skills.
03
SSAT Prep & SAT Prep
Specialized SSAT and SAT preparation.
04
Math Club
An opportunity for students to have fun with mathematics, learn about the diverse world of mathematicians, history of mathematics, and its relation to nature and art.
05
Girls In Power
One of my personal interests in teaching mathematics is to empower girls to become fearless and strong mathematicians. This passion grew into mentoring a “Girls in Power” math club for many years at Open Window School. Continuing this tradition is an option for schools to consider.
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Consulting
Initial consultation for families and/or staff when looking to provide additional enrichment to students, assessing their math knowledge, or preparing them to enter into a new math level or school.
Pricing
All classes and meeting are conducted over ZOOM
Student’s Tutoring/Enrichment – Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, prep for SSAT and SAT.
Math Club is a place for students to have FUN with mathematics, enrich their knowledge, and explore the subject in many different ways: by working on math puzzles, riddles, and problems, by learning ‘math tricks’, exploring the history of mathematics and famous mathematicians, and by discovering the relationships between mathematics and nature and mathematics and art. This Math Club is open to students of all math abilities and is NOT about competition. The main goal is to learn the process of discovering mathematics while sharing ideas, taking risks, developing problem-solving techniques and working collaboratively.
Mentoring a new generation of young women in math.
The goal of the ‘Girls in Power’ Math Club is to ensure girls are not intimidated by mathematics! I want to inspire young women to be able to see the beauty of mathematics and approach the subject with confidence. As I always tell my students and strongly believe, “No one is stupid in math, anyone can find something they like in mathematics.” The ‘Girls in Power’ Math Club is a way to expand on that guiding principle in a way that directly relates to girls. I teach that it is okay to make mistakes because this is the only way to learn, and generally focus on creating a safe place for intellectual experimentation. During our meetings, we watch educational math videos, solve math puzzles and riddles, learn about famous women’s contributions to mathematics, work on math problems from various math competitions and explore math problem-solving techniques.
Testimonials
Parent Reviews
Mrs. Von Naumann is just the best! She taught my girls collectively for over 7 years – pre-algebra through Algebra 2 and Trigonometry in the classroom and both participated in her Girls in Power math club as well. Her superpower is mentoring and inspiring all students – female students in particular – to be confident mathematicians. One of my daughters has gone on to be a math major at an ivy league college; at many points along her middle school, high school, and even college career she’s been one of the only females in her advanced math classes. She was never intimated though! I credit her passion for and self-efficacy in math largely to the amazing mentorship she received from Mrs. von Naumann early on. My other daughter was a more reluctant mathematician. Quite capable but lacked confidence and was easily intimated by the more confident students in class. Mrs. von Naumann very patiently and consistently supported her to finding her own self-confidence. She went on to get a perfect SAT math score and plans to major in a math-dominant subject (economics) in college. Truly I cannot imagine a better role model, mentor, or teacher than Mrs. Von Naumann.
Amy Mezulis, PhD Professor
DepartmentofClinicalPsychologySeattlePacific University
Our son worked with Mrs. von Naumann for three weeks this summer to ensure that he was placed in the correct math level for high school. Mrs. von Naumann swiftly assessed not only his level, but also his learning style, his strengths, and some gaps in his learning which she then worked adeptly to help him fill in during their time together. Our son really appreciated working with Mrs. von Naumann because she taught him not only methodology, but also the “why” behind the formulas and strategies he was learning, so math was no longer about memorization, but truly about understanding the concepts and being able to use them in novel situations. Our son grew leaps and bounds in the short time that they worked together, and we recommend Mrs. von Naumann’s services without reservation!
Tiffany Bernal
Member of the Board of Trustees at Open Window School
Student Reviews
I feel incredibly blessed to have been taught math by Mrs. von Naumann for so many years. I was always good at math, but Mrs. von Naumann made me love math. She truly inspired a love that has led me to continue pursuing math in high school and college. But beyond being a fantastic teacher, Mrs. von Naumann has always been passionate about encouraging & inspiring girls in math, a passion that she sparked in me as well. She helped me found an after-school math club for girls (Girls in Power), and let me tell you, being in that room week after week and watching the girls become more and more confident was a beautiful experience. My only wish is that every young girl could have the inspiration that Mrs. von Naumann gave me!
Anna Bencke
Student
Thank you for a wonderful year in math! I know distance learning was tough…but you managed to make math super engaging and informational! I loved being in your math class, both in 5th grade and this year; I have learned so much and truly developed an appreciation and love for math. Going into geometry this year, I was nervous I would dislike it due to the lack of “algebra”, but I ended up loving everything about geometry, even proofs (eventually). I love your teaching style; I always feel comfortable asking for help, sharing thoughts, or trying new things. You have given me wonderful math skills that I feel will benefit me greatly in my high school math. …I am so thankful to have had you as a teacher. Thank you for wonderful few years!
