SCL Pre-Conference on Math
June 26, 2013
Start Time: 9am
End Time: 5pm
PROPOSED SESSIONS:
Understanding the Current Condition: Mathematics in America
By: Andrew Elizalde
Teaching Mathematics Classically
By: Andrew Elizalde
Integrating Mathematics History and Primary Sources
By: Ravi Jain
Teaching Science so that Students Learn Science
By: John Mays
Strategies for Refining / Reforming a Mathematics Program
by: Andrew Elizalde
Biographies of Speakers
Andrew Elizalde, Dean of Academics, Mathematics Department Chair, Lower School Principal, Veritas School
Andrew Elizalde earned his B.A. at Depauw University where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa and Magna Cum Laude, earned a math major, physics minor, and religious studies minor, and received the H.E.H. Greenleaf award as the most outstanding 2000-2001 graduate of the school’s mathematics program. He later obtained a teaching credential from California State University Long Beach with a professional-clear qualification for his coursework regarding exceptional children and technology integration. His teaching experience includes work in both public and private schools in subjects ranging from 5th grade mathematics to advanced calculus and physics. Andrew now serves as the Dean of Academics, Mathematics Department Chair and Lower School Principal at Veritas School, a K-12 classical Christian school in Richmond, VA. His work at Veritas has most notably included a comprehensive reform of the schools’ K-12 mathematics program, the design and implementation of annual in-house professional development, and the advancement of a student support services plan. Additionally, Andrew offers consulting services to classical Christian schools aiming to refine pedagogy, mathematics curriculum, and professional development strategies. He has been a keynote speaker at the ICS Math and Science Lyceum and most recently, Trinity Classical Academy’s annual conference in Southern California. Andrew and his wife have three daughters and are members of All Saints Reformed Presbyterian Church.
John D. Mays, Director, Laser Optics Lab, Regents School of Austin
John D. Mays has logged 17 years teaching in high schools and colleges in a teaching career that dates back to 1985. After receiving his BS in Electrical Engineering from Texas A&M University, John spent 14 years in industry in engineering and engineering management. Vocationally drawn toward education, John completed an MEd in Secondary Education from the University of Houston in 1989, and subsequently completed 36 hours of graduate study in Physics at Texas A&M. He joined the faculty at Regents School of Austin in 1999 and completed an MLA at St. Edward's University in 2003. John served as the Math-Science Department Chair at Regents School from 2001 until 2009 when he became Director of Regents’ new Laser Optics Lab. In 2009 John founded a new writing and publishing work, Novare Science and Math, and in 2012 he began writing and consulting full time. He is the author of Teaching Science so that Students Learn Science, as well as six other upper school science texts and teacher resources. John continues to direct the Laser Optics Lab at Regents School of Austin.
Ravi Jain, Educator of Physics and Calculus, Geneva School
Ravi Jain teaches a combined Pre-Calculus and AP Physics C-M class called “Scientific Revolution” as well as AP BC Calculus and AP Physic C-EM. He earned his B.A. from Davidson College and an M.A. from Reformed Theological Seminary. Prior to coming to Geneva in 2003, he taught math up through AP Calculus at Seminole Presbyterian School in Tampa, Florida, and subsequently worked at various churches in an associate pastoral role. Since 2009 he has been a member of the Alcuin Fellowship, a group that seeks to refine Christian classical education both in theory and in practice.