Derivita Power User Stories: Teacher of The Month

Derivita is proud to announce our "Teachers of the Month" for August and September to celebrate Back-to-School Season!

Derivita's "Teachers of the Month" are exceptional math teachers who utilize the Derivita platform in their daily classroom.  Whether their usage is off the charts or they are utilizing Derivita in a creative way or just kicking butt in their math classroom - these teachers are truly one of a kind.

Our "Teacher of the Month" is Margaret Scarano, who teaches Algebra at Wando High School! Check out our short interview about her Derivita journey below:

What course do you teach/use Derivita with?
I teach Algebra and use Derivita mainly for practice assignments.

What year did you first start using Derivita?
I started using Derivita about five years ago after learning about it through a CCSD pre-planning workshop.

What made you decide to start using Derivita?
I decided to use Derivita because it provides students with immediate feedback, allowing them to correct their missed questions and even offers similar problems if necessary.

How many students are using Derivita now?
Currently, I use Derivita with all of my students in all of my classes.
 
What does a typical school day look like for you?
A typical school day starts with direct instruction to introduce the topic, followed by either a group activity or individual practice with Derivita.

How are you incorporating Derivita into your day-to-day instruction?
I incorporate Derivita by assigning practice problems during lessons, allowing students to work through problems at their own pace, and using it for homework assignments.

Have you seen any positive or negative impacts that Derivita has had in your classroom?
I’ve seen positive impacts such as improved student engagement and understanding of concepts. The immediate feedback on whether students got the question right or wrong allows them to attempt the question again. This ensures that they keep trying and receive individual help until they've mastered the standard.

What do your students think of Derivita?
My students appreciate Derivita for its interactive nature and the immediate feedback it provides, which helps them feel more confident in their learning.

What is your favorite feature of Derivita?
My favorite feature is the immediate feedback system, as it enables students to learn from their mistakes right away.

If you could describe Derivita in one sentence - how would you do that?
I would describe Derivita as an innovative tool that transforms algebra practice through interactive engagement and instant feedback.

How long have you been teaching?

I have been teaching for 13 years—7 years in Georgia and the past 5 years at Wando High School in Charleston.

What is your favorite part about the teaching and learning process?
My favorite part about the teaching and learning process is witnessing students' growth and understanding as they engage with the material. It’s incredibly rewarding to see their "aha" moments and how their confidence develops over time.

What is your go-to song on Apple Music or Spotify or YouTube right now?
My favorite artist at the moment is Chappell Roan, as it really energizes me and helps set a positive tone for my day.

Ready to start your own Derivita journey?

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