When I think about things I find interesting in math, I keep circling back to 1. In some ways, it’s the simplest number—just one thing. And yet, 1 wears so many disguises. The invisible 1 trips students up all the time: in 3x + x, in x^1, in coefficients that are “there but not written.” When we simplify fractions, rationalize denominators, or even dividing by a complex number, we handle the problem by multiplying by one—just not the obvious one. We choose a form of 1 that changes everything while changing nothing I’m curious—what’s a concept like this for you? Something small or “obvious” that turns out to be doing a ton of hidden work in math?

One of the most influential conversations I’ve ever had began as it often did, back when I was in the public school. I was complaining about the work load, the lapses in administrative ethics… A dear friend turned to me, and says “you’re not a tree.” The seemingly random statement threw me for a moment. But the meaning hit. I huffed. “Education is everything I’ve ever done. What? I go get an entry level job in a new field?!” He smirked, patted my forehead and said “aww. Did someone forget how to learn stuff?” You may laugh. I did. You might say “How RUDE!?!” I didn’t. I laughed, took his advice, and started Flippin’ Math. Since 2017, I’ve learned a great deal about websites, setting up an email list. All the baby entrepreneur things, working to build my life, as opposed to accept it. I’m excited about Skool, about having a community to build the “something better”. Anyone else hit that wake-up and make a change moment?

I grew up LITERALLY in the school. When I was born, my mom had been working at the school where my sisters were enrolled. She wasn't on the payroll at the time, but had been a "PIP", parent in participation for years before I came along. I grew up to the smell of mimeograph ink, as mom made copies for all the teachers. As soon as I could walk, I found the library, where I was taught to thread the filmstrip projector so I could watch "There's a Wocket in my Pocket". . . Again. My best friend in my early years was the principal at the time. As a 3-4 year old, I would sit and tell him jokes. (I freakin LOVE YOU, Mr. Wiskerson!) I never really imagined growing up to be anything other than a teacher. I thought it was gonna be music, but honestly, I think music was too sacred to me for it to be my dayjob. I taught music for 4 years. Got my Masters, have taught math since 2013. Covid ran me out of the public school system -- not only because it was horrendous on the front lines as public school teachers, but because it showed me that virtual was possible, and could be very effective (when done intentionally, instead of as a band-aid in a time of crisis).

Had a long day today. 7 hours of math. At least Roger came to sit with me for the last hour! 😋