From Ciudad Obregón to Phoenix: The Journey of Math Teacher Zaira Figueroa

By Zaira Figueroa an International Teacher form IAG

For the past five years, I have had the privilege of shaping the minds of young mathematicians who have a lifetime of learning ahead of them. I've watched students enter my classroom with the biggest disdain for numbers, only to stay for the warm comprehension of mathematical concepts and the acceptance of who they are as individuals.

Where It All Began

I graduated from Escuela Normal Superior de Ciudad Obregón, Sonora, with a bachelor's degree in Education, majoring in Mathematics. I chose this career because I understand how much some students dislike math due to a lack of understanding or because complicated concepts aren't explained as explicitly as they might need. In my experience, certain strategies are crucial to creating an effective learning environment.

Embracing Cultural Exchange

When I discovered the J-1 Visa Program, it felt like the perfect opportunity to embark on something new and transformative. I wanted to challenge myself professionally, but even more, I wanted to be part of something bigger. The program provided the chance to participate in a cultural exchange, to learn about different cultures, and to make a meaningful impact on the diverse communities I would teach in. The experience of teaching in the U.S. has not only allowed me to grow as an educator but has also given me the chance to share my own culture and learn from others. This journey has been one of the best experiences of my life, and I feel incredibly grateful to have taken this path.

Crafting Effective Learning Experiences

Creating meaningful and effective learning experiences requires using a variety of strategies that help students engage with the material in a structured yet adaptable way. One powerful technique I use is English Language Immersion, such as the C.U.B.E.S. method. This approach is particularly useful when tackling complex math word problems. By breaking down the context and focusing on each part of the problem, students can better understand what is being asked of them, improving both their math skills and their confidence in English.

I believe that a well-structured classroom environment is essential for student success. However, it's equally important to be flexible with the content being taught. I use a consistent framework that students can rely on—beginning with bellwork, followed by a mini-lesson, the main lesson, and ending with independent work. This structure provides students with a sense of stability, but the content is adaptable, allowing me to tailor lessons to meet the diverse needs of my students.

Classroom management is another key element of a successful learning environment, and strategic seating arrangements play a significant role. I implement seating charts that are thoughtfully arranged based on data or my knowledge of each student's learning style and abilities. Pairing students together who can complement each other’s strengths helps create a collaborative environment where students learn not only from the teacher but from each other.

One of my core beliefs is that students rise to the expectations we set for them. Maintaining high standards, even when students struggle, is vital for their growth. When a positive teacher-student relationship is established, students are more likely to take on challenges and strive to meet those expectations. It’s about showing them that they are capable, even when the journey is difficult.

I’ve always aimed to be the kind of teacher I needed when I was a student. I still remember my fifth-grade teacher who saw potential in me when I didn’t see it in myself. She believed I was smart, creative, and capable, and that belief transformed the way I viewed myself. It motivated me to work harder and become not just a better student, but a better person. That experience shaped my teaching philosophy, and I strive to provide that same level of encouragement and belief in all my students.

In every classroom I’ve taught in, I’ve brought with me the lessons I’ve learned, not just as a teacher but as a lifelong learner who values the beauty of diverse perspectives.

“Math is the only place where truth and beauty mean the same thing.” — Danica McKellar