Ben Rubenstein Wins A 2013 Blackboard Award For Teachers

What are some of the key joys and challenges of being a math teacher?

I derive great joy from watching my students grow and become more competent, not just in mathematics but also as individuals. I also really love having stimulating conversations with coworkers who are interested in doing their jobs to the best of their abilities.

Some of the challenges include the everyday struggle of figuring out what my students need to help them grow. The struggle is getting to know my students so well that I can understand what might be best for them, given the three or four times I see them a week, for 50 minutes each.

Tell us about any special projects or initiatives you’re most proud of this year.

This year, I am most proud of the ninth grade curriculum that I designed with a coworker for an algebra and geometry course. This year, we saw more growth in students than any previous year. I am happy that we have met our goal—which was to develop a deep understanding of the relationship between the two branches of mathematics as well as to help [students] develop as learners—and hope to continue to tweak it and improve it in the coming year.

Over the course of your career, what do you consider some of your greatest accomplishments to date?

I think my greatest accomplishment was a paper I wrote on the development of ideas. It highlighted similarities throughout the process of idea development, regardless of the discipline. It gave rise to many offshoots, and these offshoots continue to shape and inform the way I think about teaching. In other words, I am most proud of the events that have helped me grow as a learner the most.

What drives you and keeps you motivated to continue your hard work as a teacher on a daily basis?

What keeps me motivated are the students, parents, coworkers, and administrators that support me and help me grow. Just interacting with [students] and helping to make them more capable, independent young people is the real reward. I also appreciate my membership in Math for America, which provides a community of highly qualified math teachers who come together to discuss pedagogy and mathematics.

For more information about the Blackboard Awards, visit blackboardawards.com

Mott Hall Charter School

Located in the Morrisania neighborhood of the South Bronx, the Mott Hall Charter School is a middle school for grades 6, 7 and 8. In its 12 th year, Mott Hall continues to live by its motto &ldquo;RISE to the Challenge&rdquo;; and through these RISE core values - Responsibility, Integrity, Scholarship, and Excellence - scholars are taught the character skills to overcome obstacles and are introduced to these attributes from the moment they walk through the door and reinforced throughout their time at Mott Hall. The Mott Hall Charter School teaches for the 21st Century through its unique approach to learning, providing a holistic educational experience grounded in evidence-based research on how students learn best. Mott Hall accomplishes this through a whole child approach, not merely addressing content but focusing on the key elements of mind, body, character, and social emotional health. Its distinctive mission prepares scholars to succeed in top high schools, colleges, and careers, becoming inquisitive, open-minded, and compassionate citizens of the world. Mott Hall Charter School offers a rigorous academic program grounded in the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program. Scholars are required to take three years of foreign language, coursework in the arts, and have the opportunity for Regents level classes in mathematics and science in 8th grade. All classes integrate technology and utilize elements of the AVID College and Career Readiness program to provide scholars with the organizational, time management, and study skills they need to succeed. Mott Hall Charter School&rsquo;s programs include access to community-based organizations focused on mentoring, adult civics classes, adult ESL classes, computer science classes, engaging online platforms to increase student learning, after school and Saturday tutoring, art, music, softball, basketball, and much more! Mott Hall is now offering a 6/7 Bridge 12:1:1 self-contained classroom: 1 classroom, 12 scholars, 1 educational teacher, and 1 full-time Special Education teacher.

Beansprouts Nursery School

Founded in 1980, Beansprouts offers a warm, supportive community in which our classrooms belong to the children. Our teachers serve as guides and mentors, while the children spend their days playing and sharing in a structured environment designed to stimulate their curiosity and build on successful experiences.

Twin Parks Montessori Schools

TwIn Parks Montessori Schools nurtures a child&rsquo;s natural tendency to learn.&nbsp; Our three campuses on the Upper West Side of Manhattan serve children from 3 months to 5 years of age.&nbsp; We are called Twin Parks because each of our campuses are across from Central Park or Riverside Park.&nbsp; Being close to nature is just one of many things that make Twin Parks a wonderful school.&nbsp; Twin Parks is well known for its warm stimulating environment, joyful, active, independent learners, and welcoming community.&nbsp; At Twin Parks, each child is regarded with profound respect and care. Our nurturing teachers foster a beautiful learning environment designed to help each child reach their full potential.&nbsp;&nbsp; All of our students, even our youngest children, have enriched experiences in math, language, science, cultural arts, music, art and movement.&nbsp; The Montessori approach is internationally renowned for the development of each child&rsquo;s creativity, individual resourcefulness, and potential. All of our classrooms share a deep commitment to the Montessori Method and at each level our program is carefully constructed around the developmental stages of the child. The Montessori curriculum varies at the levels of our school, but the goals are consistent throughout the programs: - To partner with parents in the education of their children - To foster a love and joy of learning - To help children develop a positive self-image&nbsp; - To foster open minds, compassion, and respect for others - To develop independence and confidence. - To instill in each child a sense of responsibility for the world in which we live - To maintain the highest standards for a safe and clean program.