On this Teacher’s Day 2024, we would like to introduce you to one of our best online math tutors, Anneris Joya. She is from Colombia and has had 23 years of teaching experience in K-12 schools and online. In addition to her teaching roles, she is also the author of several math teaching textbooks for a well-recognized editorial in Latin America, called Santillana. Anneris speaks Spanish and English and is an expert in teaching math. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and a Master’s degree in Mathematics Teaching. Keep reading for a sneak peek into our 1-on-1 interview with Anneris:
You are one of Bilingual Bridges’ best online math tutors and we want the world to meet you! Please tell us a little about yourself, including where you live and what you do.
My name is Anneris Joya. I am a passionate mathematics teacher. I am Colombian and currently work at an International Baccalaureate (IB) School in Bogotá, in the Primary Years Program. I am a Spanish-English bilingual online math teacher for Bilingual Bridges and am an editor for Santillana math textbooks.
When and why did you decide you wanted to become a math teacher?
After graduating from high school, I decided to pursue a career as a math teacher because of my deep love for mathematics and my ability to help my classmates understand the subject.
I’ve heard you’ve had great experiences working for Santillana. How did you get the opportunity to work for this fantastic editorial? Many Bilingual Bridges teachers from Latin America used your textbooks in school!
Approximately 23 years ago, I started writing mathematics textbooks for Santillana Editorial. I got this opportunity through one of my closest friends, who was the executive editor. She recommended that I take a test to determine if I had the necessary skills to write a fourth-grade level math book. The test was very intense and involved writing several pages within a short timeframe. Luckily, I performed well and incorporated all the suggestions they provided, which is one of the most challenging aspects of the job. Since then, I have co-authored several primary and secondary education mathematics textbooks. I’m so happy you were able to learn from them when you were in school!
As a math tutor, what are the most significant changes in math learning and teaching in recent years from your perspective?
From my perspective, two of the most significant changes in math learning and teaching are online math learning, the rapid increase in digital tools, such as interactive software, online platforms, and virtual manipulatives, and the emphasis on differentiating instruction. This allows for effectively addressing students’ diverse needs by employing various strategies that cater to different learning styles and levels of understanding.
Do you teach anything else, or are you fully dedicated to being a math tutor?
No, I have only taught mathematics throughout my career as a teacher, from kindergarten through the eleventh grade. I teach in person and I am also an online math tutor.
Do you ever give your students any advice?
Yes, I do. I remind them to keep in mind that they shouldn’t be afraid to making mistakes. Their math skills will continue to improve with practice!
As a math tutor, what has been your most unique experience, either positive or negative?
One memorable experience teaching math was using the Singapore Method with my second graders. We worked with base ten blocks for the first time, and as the students eagerly opened the jars of hundreds, tens, and small cubes, their desks quickly became crowded. They started building and playing with the blocks, which I expected since the manipulatives felt like toys to them. However, chaos ensued when cubes and jars fell to the floor, and all the students rushed to pick them up. It was a challenge to regain order, but a valuable learning experience.
Can you share your hobbies and how you like to spend your free time away from being a online math tutor?
I love reading interior design and decoration magazines. I also truly enjoy traveling to different parts of the world and immersing myself in different cultures.
Are you interested in having Anneris as your online math tutor? Our team of teachers comes from all over the world and has diverse backgrounds, and they are ready to help you. To learn more about Anneris and our amazing team of teachers, just click here!
– Written by Maria Sara Arias, Bilingual Curriculum & Instruction Specialist at Bilingual Bridges
