SOE alumna Brittany Barnes was named the 2014 Hart Vision Teacher of the Year by the California Charter Schools Association at their annual conference in March. Barnes is the lead teacher for mathematics at the Math and Science College Preparatory High School in Los Angeles, which was founded by Emilio Pack, an SOE alumnus and faculty member.
“A lot of students come in not enjoying math. Math is their least favorite subject, but once they’re done with Brittany’s class, undoubtedly the vast majority of them say how much they love math. It’s a testament to Brittany’s skill and passion for teaching,” remarked Pack.
Barnes received her bachelor’s degree in math from LMU and her secondary teaching credential and a transformational leader certificate in math and science teaching from the School of Education. She is currently a teacher leader in LMU’s Center for Math and Science Teaching and is also pursuing a master’s degree in teaching mathematics.
Barnes began teaching in 2009 at Dr. Olga Mohan High School, an Alliance College-Ready Public School. While at Alliance in 2013, more than 90% of Barnes’ students scored advanced or proficient on the California Standards Test for geometry.
“My goal for my students is for them to understand the deeper connections in math, not to memorize rote procedures, but to form a deeper understanding that’s grounded in something they already know and understand,” says Barnes. “A lot of times in math people are scared of making an error, but I try to help my students truly value their errors and see them as opportunities to grow.”
The Hart Vision Awards, established in 1995, are named in honor of Gary K. Hart, retired California State Senator and former California Secretary of Education. While serving as state senator, Hart sponsored the legislation that established California charter schools.
