Joseph Lacascia

About Joseph Lacascia

I teach Mathematics (Integrated Math 1 and Statistics) at Medford High School, in Medford, MA. My educational philosophy is that building strong relationships with students is essential to pushing them academically. It is highly unlikely for a student to connect with the material without a connection to the teacher, and as a teacher, I strive to co-construct warm classroom environments grounded in trust, mutual respect, and high expectations with my students. Moreover, as an educator, I plan lessons and reflect on past lessons to ensure meet my students\' diverse needs. I value the feedback process and am committed to refining my teaching moves and methods. Finally, I love math and love talking about math with students. I believe a passion for one\'s discipline is integral to teaching, since students can detect fake enthusiasm a mile away. Before teaching at Medford High School, I previously worked at Boston Arts Academy, where I served as a math and science long-term substitute. At BAA, I taught inclusive sections of chemistry, environmental science, probability & statistics, and AP Statistics, and substitute taught mixed-grade Advisories two days a week. Before teaching at BAA, I received my Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in secondary (8-12) Math at Northeastern University, and concluded my teacher preparatory program by student teaching at the Josiah Quincy Upper School in Boston, MA. I also worked as a Senior Mathematics Tutor and the Assistant Education Director at Mathnasium Newton Centre. In these positions, I have been provided with the invaluable experience of providing one-on-one support to students based on their individualized learning plan. I worked with students in grades K-11, and focus on building students\' numerical fluency to support their mathematics instruction at school. I am now looking for ways to use my tutoring skills in more equitable environments.

Experience

1. Mathematics Teacher

   Medford High School

   Jun 2023 — Present · Medford, MA, US

   Teach three sections of Integrated Math 1 to classes of 20-26 freshmen and one section of CP Statistics to a class of 16 juniors and seniors.• Taught two sections of Honors Geometry to classes of 20-26 freshmen and one section of Algebra & Trigonometry to a class of 9 juniors and seniors.• Plan and co-plan lessons that help students analyze mathematical situations, acquire tier three vocabulary words, and reach proficiency with stand standards.• Assessed students using Standards-based Assessment, and allow retakes on assessments, to ensure students view feedback as more important than grades• Taught advisory, engaging in social emotional learning (SEL) practices in order to community build• Hold 2+ hours of office hours per week, helping students with math.

Education

• Northeastern University

  Master's degree, Secondary Education and Teaching

• Boston University

  Mathematics and English

  2018 — 2018

• Université Paris Cité

  Sociology

  2018 — 2018

• Vassar College

  Bachelor of Arts - BA, Mathematics; French and Francophone Studies

Skills

• Public Speaking
• Microsoft Word
• Calculations
• Microsoft Powerpoint
• Peer Tutoring
• Tutoring
• Microsoft Excel
• Social Media
• Writing