Professional Background

I began teaching Mathematics at Roosevelt High School in 1993. I currently teach Algebra One, Geometry, and Advanced Placement Calculus. My students range from grades 9-12.  Over the past twelve years that I have been teaching, I have taught all levels of mathematics and have introduced two new courses into the curriculum, Statistics and a refresher course we call Skill That Count, (STC).   I have a Masters Degree in Mathematics Education and a Bachelor of Science Degree from Wayne State University, Michigan.  I am currently involved in the Mitten Program with the University of Michigan Dearborn.  I have a major in Mathematics and a minor in Computer Science.  In addition to teaching at Roosevelt High School, I have worked as an adjunct professor at Henry Ford Community College in Dearborn Michigan and I have presented at many teacher workshops through various organizations, such as Detroit Area Council of Teachers of Mathematics, Michigan Mathematics Leadership Academy, North Central Association, Wayne RESA and for school districts in my area.  I enjoy professional development as a participant as well as a presenter.  I keep up-to-date with technology through memberships and workshops.  I am a member of the  National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, and the Detroit Area Council of Teachers of Mathematics.  I became a teacher because I love Mathematics and all forms of technology and I enjoyed working with young people.  Through all the trials and tributes I would not change a minute of it.  I love my career!

School and Student Population

   Roosevelt High School [photo 1], [photo 2],  was established in 1923 and is the only high school in the school district which has six elementary, one middle school, and three special program centers.  The student enrollment in the 2004-2005 school year is 1416 students.  We are a class A school, and NCA accredited.   The Foundation Allowance is $6700.  The graduation rate at Roosevelt High School for the 2003-2004 school year was 86.4 percent.  This is the percent of students that started Roosevelt High School in the ninth grade and later graduated. 
    Figures as of the 2000 census show the city of Wyandotte has a population of 28,006, with approximately 11,800 households.   There is very little racial or ethnic diversity in the City of Wyandotte with 97.9 percent of residents indicating White as their racial group.  The city has a median household income of $43,740.  
   My classroom, photo 1, photo 2, photo 3, photo 4, is on the first floor of a section of the building that is three stories.  It has a friendly, yet educational atmosphere.  There are 35 student desks.  My students range in grade level from grades nine through twelve.  Students are required to successfully complete two years of mathematics with Algebra One being our lowest level mathematics course.  Class size ranges from 27 to 35 students per class.  Students are heterogeneously placed in classes including special education mainstreamed students.  Some classes are "team taught" which utilizes both a special education teacher and a mathematics teacher in the classroom.  These classes will include ten to twelve special education students as well as twenty or more regular education students.  Any teacher may be assigned a team class.

Technology Environment

Technology in my classroom is limited, but growing.  The Star Chart is a list of our technology capabilities and current uses. I have a TV, DVD player, and an overhead projector.  I have my ITT laptop, which has just recently provided me with a wireless connection in my classroom, prior to February of 2005 there was not a working connection in my classroom.  With my laptop, I have web access.  Most of our books are old and do not have web support, but some have test bank CD s.  I am able to access and use various programs to plan lessons. 

The school has a moderate amount a shared equipment.  There are three computer labs. One Mac, and two Windows.  One lab, in our LMC, has updated equipment and an Active Board, but only 20 computers.  Class sizes are often 30 - 35.  The other two labs, one math/science and one English,  offer approximately 30 older computers, (when all are in working order).  At times the use of technology can be inhibited by a lack of computers.  It is often difficult to get days in the newer lab due to the sharing demands.  However time in the math/science lab is often availabe and I have become a regular user.  Our principal has recently provided an Active Board for the math/science lab, but  it has just been installed in March 2005 and my lessons on this project do not include the use of the board as it was not yet available.  Other equipment such as Digital Cameras, Data Projectors, and Digital Video Cameras, are also used on a shared basis through our Audio/Video Department.  Software available in the Library Media Center include MS Office programs, Front Page, and Inspiration.  Software in the math/science lab includes MS Word, Power Point, Fathom, and Geometer Sketchpad.  Connections are often slow and hit or miss in the axillary labs.  Sometimes the wiring can't hold up to the need and the power goes out. We have technical personal on staff; however, they are shared throughout the district and not always available. 


Joanna Secco
Practicing Teacher

Roosevelt High School
540 Eureka Avenue
Wyandotte, Michigan
www.wyandotte.org

Grade Level: 9-12 Mathematics

seccoj@wy.k12.mi.us

Topics:

  • Algebra One
    • Communicating Mathematically
    • Families of Functions
    • Matrices
    • Scatter Plots and Trend Lines
    • Probability
  • Geometry
    • Conditional Statements and Properites
    • Rigid Transformations
    • Power Point Review
  • Calculus
    • Related Rates
    • Sketching Derivatives

Background
Professional Background
School and Student Population
Technology Environment