WASHINGTION, DC—At First In Math, we have the privilege of interacting with inspiring educators every day. Recently, founder Robert Sun and Implementation Strategist Monica Patel visited Langdon Education Campus where they had the opportunity to meet with one such educator—Lyle Brown.
Former President George Bush (back row, center) visited Lyle Brown (back row, far right) and his class, October 5, 2006. Said Bush, “I was in Lyle Brown's class…one of the things I saw was a teacher who loves being a teacher, and I applaud the teachers in this school and teachers all around the country who are adding to the great future of our country.”
Their conversation covered a broad range of topics and both Sun and Patel came away deeply inspired and impressed by Brown’s enthusiastic approach to teaching his chosen subject.
The Washington, DC area school’s Math Interventionist, Brown helps drive a program that makes careers in the sciences more accessible for students. Langdon EC serves students in pre-K through 8th grade in a learning environment that consists of a traditional course of study with a focus on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). As part of this thrust, Langdon middle school students participate in the First in Math Online Program.
Brown believes that students introduced to more rigorous concepts at an earlier age can develop a strong foundation in the subject. “First In Math covers a lot of subject areas and as a supplement to our curriculum, it provides students with many opportunities to interact with, and practice, math,” explains Brown.
“So many parents and teachers say, ‘I can’t stand math’ or ‘I’m not good in math,’ says Brown. “Don’t be fearful of numbers. Stay positive about math. Get started! First In Math helps overcome these emotional barriers.”
In addition to a robust curriculum supplement like FIM, Brown shared other suggestions about how to create enthusiasm for math in the classroom:
“Teach a new concept. Practice a new concept. Get it correct. This ‘I got it!’ moment reinforces the child’s learning and creates enthusiasm for the subject.”
“Keep focused and stay with it. Our minds change. Even students who love math can be frustrated until they solve the problem. Perseverance is key.”
Teaching is a second career for Brown, one he chose after significant professional success as an electrical engineer and intense self-reflection. Recognizing that he wanted a career that would allow him to help his community, Brown began serving as a substitute teacher and never looked back.
“I see rewards every day. The students’ excitement when they come to my classroom—they want me to know that they know math! I strive to be an advocate for my students, and a role model. Many of them have had a past characterized by the word ‘can’t’—but I want to help them toward a future characterized by unlimited possibilities.“
Although math came easily to Brown, he appreciates that children learn in a differentiated manner, and are not all immediately enamored with math. He feels that early success is even more important for those students. “I received my first public recognition in the subject in fourth grade—the Hippo Hooray Straight A’s in Math Award—and to this day I recall how much it motivated my future success.”