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ABOUT
Comprehensive Instructional Support for Math and Reading
Dena is a Math and Reading Specialist who provides instructional math support and professional development to instruct, encourage, and motivate students, parents, guardians, tutors, teacher candidates, and both novice and veteran teachers. She focuses on helping them build strong math foundations for themselves and those they teach or will teach. In her role as an Accreditation and Innovation Project Specialist and Data Analyst, Dena prepares teacher candidates for the NJ Praxis Core Exam through workshops, emphasizing the importance of being fully prepared before entering the classroom. She also serves as a mathematics adjunct professor and Continuing Education Instructor.
Educational Background and Data-Driven Approaches
Dena holds a dual B.A. in English Writing and Education and two master’s degrees in Curriculum and Learning, specializing in Teaching Children Mathematics and Literacy. She has also completed coursework in Learning Technologies, which has proven invaluable in designing custom databases to collect, analyze, and interpret data. This data-driven approach helps identify math deficiencies, informs targeted strategies, and supports the development of programs like boot camps and workshops to improve student learning outcomes in math.
Personal Journey in Mastering Mathematical Concepts
Dena's personal journey in math led her to confront and fill in her own gaps, which deepened her understanding of critical mathematical concepts necessary for problem-solving. Through years of research and dedication, she has mastered these concepts and relates them to real-world situations by incorporating various literacy devices.
Passion for Teaching and Student Success
With over 10 years of experience and research, Dena has developed a strong passion for helping developmental math students learn and retain mathematical concepts, preparing them for the next stages of their education and careers. Her ability to create clear and concise learning objectives and utilize differentiated instructional methods has been demonstrated through the success of her students.