Developing Young Mathematical Thinkers
Jennifer Theiss, a second grade teacher at Indian Hill Primary School and recipient of the Foundation’s 2023 award for math teaching excellence says, “My passion for mathematics teaching is to foster a loving, safe classroom environment that celebrates active mathematical thinking every day.”
“Because of Mrs. Theiss, our building has enjoyed many rich discussions, opportunities to observe in her mathematics classroom, and a depth of learning for all of the adults in the building that has greatly enriched the mathematics education of children at Indian Hill Primary School.”
- Dr. Erin Owens, Principal, Indian Hill Primary School
“The most important concept I can teach students about math is that they have the power to solve problems in the way that works best for them,” remarks Jennifer Theiss, a second-grade teacher at Indian Hill Primary School in Cincinnati. To develop that confidence, she assigns her students a real-world mathematical challenge to solve each day. These challenges build a strong number sense over time by giving the children ample opportunities to explore and play with numbers. While working towards solutions, the children partner with their classmates to share mathematical strategies. Instead of relying on Mrs. Theiss to tell them the “best way” to get the answer, the children evaluate their own thinking strategies and teach each other. Mrs. Theiss asks probing questions to guide them in their discovery.
Mrs. Theiss prioritizes building a strong foundation in the students’ number sense. Part of her daily math routines is to build fluency with counting.
“My math instruction is not truly mine – it’s the students’,” explains Mrs. Theiss, the recipient of the Jennings Foundation’s 2023 George B. Chapman, Jr. Teacher Award for Excellence in Mathematics Education. Her classroom, she explains, is a safe environment where she emphasizes mathematical thinking over fact fluency. Students are encouraged to have rich discussions, and they feel confident sharing those methods because their efforts and strategies are celebrated. These meaningful interactions allow students to take ownership of their learning, strive for improvement because of intrinsic motivation, and learn to work well with others.
“The students know they have the tools to attack any problem they come across because they have developed the confidence in their abilities to problem solve,” says Mrs. Theiss. “That’s why we teach math in the first place – so they can solve problems in the real world.”
Mrs. Theiss teaches mathematics through problem solving. For example, she has embedded math standards into a yearlong study of animal habitats and adaptations. Her students collect data and take measurements to complete assignments pertaining to the classroom aquarium.
Mrs. Theiss has been a classroom teacher for 29 years. What she cherishes most about her work is the relationships she builds with the students and their families. She has always taught second or third grade and has enjoyed watching former students grow up in this small suburban district.
Erin Owens, Indian Hill’s Principal, says Mrs. Theiss’ passion for developing mathematical thinkers goes beyond the second grade. She mentors colleagues, presents at conferences, and shares practices across the K-12 district. She opens her classroom to other teachers to observe and models what it means to be a lifelong learner.
When offering advice to new teachers, Mrs. Theiss says, “Give yourself lots of grace. As long as you show love, compassion, empathy, and excitement, the kids will learn.
“And always help the kids find their strengths, interests, and passions.”
Mrs. Theiss has undoubtedly found that passion within herself. In recommending her for the Jennings award, Principal Owens remarks, “Mrs. Theiss has brought her passion for mathematics education to an early childhood school and has brought dynamic change to the math practices of all our teachers.”
While much in education has changed since Mrs. Theiss started teaching in the mid-90s, she refers to technology as one of the most significant challenges teachers face today. “The kids have a lot coming at them in very short little segments, so the challenge for teachers is to be as engaging as a YouTube video or ‘the next best thing,’” she remarks. “Technology is part of their lives and something we’ve had to adapt to. So, we must ensure we’re incorporating many social interactions in the day to take them away from the technology piece. We must embrace the technology while also ensuring they get good human interaction.
“At the end of the day,” she continues, “kids are kids, and you just have to meet them where they are. They all really love to learn, to play, and to be with their friends. Anything I can do to foster that will benefit them.”
Jennifer Theiss and her class of second graders at Indian Hill Primary School. She provides all students with personalized learning but holds her entire class to a high standard.