Introduction

My name is Austin Murphy, and I am a 25-year-old first year mathematics teacher at Madera High School in Madera, CA. I grew up in Fresno in the Central Valley and earned my BA in Music at UC Santa Barbara. After graduating, I became a substitute teacher and worked in three different districts (Fresno, Clovis, Santa Barbara). Back in August I started my credential program at National University, and 8 months later I am pretty close to finishing all my required courses before my internship begins next year.

I chose the teaching profession because I have always excelled at mathematics and enjoy discussing algebraic ideas. The curriculum is much more engaging from this side of the desk, which is why I enjoy the opportunities I get to work with high-achieving, inquisitive students. I also would like to coach basketball someday, and working as a teacher would be the best way to get involved.

I joined Madera High School back in November, and this is my first year teaching full-time. I currently have two Algebra 1 classes, two Problem-Based Mathematics classes, and one Financial Literacy class.

Personality:

After taking the personality quiz, it looks like I am an ISTP leadership theorist. This doesn't directly affect my chosen content area of mathematics, but it means that I am the most successful when dealing with the theoretical aspect of a subject like algebra. The findings suggest that I have a "logical and a practical mind and therefore enjoy solving tangible problems."

These results suggest that my relationships with my students will be the most beneficial if I am able to inspire my students to think about that the theory and practicality behind our lessons. Our content has real-world applications that can be realized through solving problems.

Inventories:

The teaching and learning inventories suggest that I am reflective, visual, and sequential. These traits mean that I will be most successful working with students with similar traits. It may be difficult to connect with students who differ from me, but as a professional educator it is my responsibility to try to reach everyone.

Students who are visual learners will succeed in my classes, and they will thrive when they embrace the step-by-step nature of my lessons. A final reflection allows us to contemplate the relevance, functionality, and importance of various concepts.