Ben Rubenstein Wins A 2013 Blackboard Award For Teachers

What are some of the key joys and challenges of being a math teacher?

I derive great joy from watching my students grow and become more competent, not just in mathematics but also as individuals. I also really love having stimulating conversations with coworkers who are interested in doing their jobs to the best of their abilities.

Some of the challenges include the everyday struggle of figuring out what my students need to help them grow. The struggle is getting to know my students so well that I can understand what might be best for them, given the three or four times I see them a week, for 50 minutes each.

Tell us about any special projects or initiatives you’re most proud of this year.

This year, I am most proud of the ninth grade curriculum that I designed with a coworker for an algebra and geometry course. This year, we saw more growth in students than any previous year. I am happy that we have met our goal—which was to develop a deep understanding of the relationship between the two branches of mathematics as well as to help [students] develop as learners—and hope to continue to tweak it and improve it in the coming year.

Over the course of your career, what do you consider some of your greatest accomplishments to date?

I think my greatest accomplishment was a paper I wrote on the development of ideas. It highlighted similarities throughout the process of idea development, regardless of the discipline. It gave rise to many offshoots, and these offshoots continue to shape and inform the way I think about teaching. In other words, I am most proud of the events that have helped me grow as a learner the most.

What drives you and keeps you motivated to continue your hard work as a teacher on a daily basis?

What keeps me motivated are the students, parents, coworkers, and administrators that support me and help me grow. Just interacting with [students] and helping to make them more capable, independent young people is the real reward. I also appreciate my membership in Math for America, which provides a community of highly qualified math teachers who come together to discuss pedagogy and mathematics.

For more information about the Blackboard Awards, visit blackboardawards.com

The Weekday School at Riverside Church

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; color: #000000;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">A progressive, play-based, independent early childhood school serving families with children ages two through five. A diverse community fostering sharing, understanding, and respect while focusing on the social, emotional and physical development of each child.</span></p>

EBL Coaching

<div> <p>One-on-one HOME, CENTER, and ONLINE tutoring for grades preK-12 in reading, writing, math, study skills, executive functioning skills, and homework help. EBL offers specialized instruction for students with dyslexia, learning disabilities, and ADHD, including tutoring using the Orton Gillingham method and other research-based, multi-sensory techniques. Under the direction of their director, Dr. Emily Levy, each student is evaluated to determine his or her specific needs and is then matched with one of EBL's highly trained learning specialists.</p> <p><strong>Individualized Learning Plan</strong></p> <div> <div> <p>An individualized learning plan using research-based, multi-sensory techniques is created for each student. Sessions can be held either at EBL's learning center or at the child's home, or online.</p> </div> <p><strong>Students build skills in:</strong></p> </div> <div> <div> <p style="padding-left: 40px;">-Decoding &amp; Spelling<br /><br />-Sentence, Paragraph, &amp; Essay Writing<br /><br />-Multi-sensory Math<br /><br />-Reading Comprehension<br /><br />-Study &amp; Executive Functioning Skills<br /><br />-Test preparation<br /><br />-Time Management &amp; Organizational Skills<br /><br />-Early Childhood Learning Skills</p> </div> <p><strong>One-on-one instructional sessions</strong></p> </div> <div> <div> <p>Students receive one-on-one instructional sessions to teach them the fundamental skills that are essential for academic success. They are initially assessed to determine their strengths and weaknesses and academic levels, and are matched with one of EBL's highly trained learning specialists. Students develop core skills in reading, writing, reading comprehension, math, study skills, organization, test taking, note taking, and other executive functioning skills. As the academic demands of school rise, these skills become increasingly essential for academic success.</p> </div> </div> <div> <div> <h3>Dr. Emily Levy</h3> </div> </div> <p>&nbsp;</p> </div>

Congregation Beth Elohim Early Childhood Center

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">A progressive preschool that nurtures childrens&rsquo; natural curiosity, critical thinking and self-esteem through an emergent curriculum developed by direct observation of childrens&rsquo; play and interactions with the world around them.</span></p>