Ann Guillerman
Teaching Philosophy
Important skills I want to teach my students
I want to encourage curiosity in my students to help them develop strong problem-solving skills. Through modeling a structured approach, I aim to give them a clear framework for tackling challenges. I also want them to view failure as part of learning, so they can approach problems confidently and keep trying. I hope to foster the tenacity and resilience that will carry them through life and to have a positive impact on our world.
Teaching methods to reach these goals
- Model Curiosity — Share interesting details such as history or modern application of topics.
- Encourage Questioning — Ask open-ended questions to spark curiosity.
- Break Problems into Manageable Steps — So that students can draw on their existing fund of knowledge
- Create a safe space for failure as a normal part of the learning process.
- Emphasize Process Over Results — Hands-on activities which encourage students to explore for themselves.
- Use Collaborative Problem-Solving — Foster peer-to-peer learning and contributions to problem-solving
- Reward Curiosity and Risk-Taking — Acknowledge participation and praise efforts
My favorite projects
One of my favorite projects is a unit circle, which students make from a paper plate and note cards cut in the shape of the special triangles. I think it reinforces the connections between degrees, radians, and trigonometry. By the time most students have completed the project, they are already identifying the patterns needed to retrieve information quickly. It also allows students to add personal flair to a useful mathematical tool.
What I like best about teaching at Seven Hills
My colleagues are knowledgeable, experienced, and always ready to help. I believe education should be individualized, and Seven Hills excels in supporting every student to reach their potential. Despite our various roles, we never lose sight of our core identity as teachers.