In conjunction with the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, the Connelly Foundation offered an opportunity in August in 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 for math teachers throughout the area to enhance their skills. During the free week-long workshop, motived teachers answered the following question: How do we challenge our high performing students?
Participants had the opportunity to:
- Implement effective classroom management strategies
- Identify characteristics of a thought provoking assessment
- Use discovery-based activities in the classroom
- Network with other Archdiocesan teachers
Mr. Patrick Yoka served as the facilitator of these sessions. He currently teaches mathematics at Saint Francis Xavier School in the Fairmount section of Philadelphia. Under the Connelly Foundation’s Math Matters initiative, Pat’s fifth and sixth graders participate in a virtual classroom with students from two other schools: Saint Monica School in South Philadelphia and Saint Laurentius School in Fishtown. Pat keeps his middle school students motivated by challenging them with a discovery-based learning model. He enjoyed sharing teaching strategies and resources with attendees. Participants left looking forward to the new school year.