About me:
Hi! My name is Laura Gray, and I am in the process of finishing my masters (MAT) to obtain teaching certification in secondary education in mathematics and business education from The University of Georgia! I hold a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems from Indiana University with a minor in Sociology. I will be starting this fall as a mathematics teacher in the wonderful halls of the Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology! I hope my teaching will live up to the school's #4 national ranking!!
First and foremost, I believe in the potential and brilliance of every student that walks through my door and have worked with students of every demographic throughout in my career. If a student has passion for a subject, we will work together to interpret mathematics that align to and enhance their knowledge in that arena as that is what the art of mathematics has always been about! I love to tell the story of mathematics and discuss all of the crazy men/women who advanced mathematics to where it is today. After all, who doesn't love to study the art and science developed by star gazers?
My ten years of work experience with Fortune 500 companies (General Electric, Hospira, PricewaterhoueCoopers, Procter & Gamble) provides a unique asset to the classroom. I am able to provide real world STEM and business applications of concepts in mathematical lessons and tasks. Specifically, I can teach data analysis/reporting in the real world setting as well as various management styles that I am certified in. My degree, certifications, and work as an auditor allow me to teach accounting and computer programming classes on top of courses in mathematics. I am also able to utilize my knowledge of data manipulation to assess, differentiate, and provide a unique perspective to lesson planning. My work as a manager to offshore staff and international assignments has brought cultural acceptance and diversity to my teaching methods in the classroom.
I am extremely motivated and dedicated to my profession. As a student teacher, I was often the last to leave the school on a regular basis and attended many after-school events to support students outside of the classroom. I am organized and prepared to take on any task with a positive attitude. I work hard to see my students achieve, but also to support my fellow teachers in achieving. I often pair students with mentors throughout the country via my professional network to help inspire them within their interests and career paths. I am very dedicated to finding the correct resources for students, especially when they are not in areas of my own expertise, as it only enhances the value of their education.
My career has provided me with expertise in the areas of data analysis, process evaluation, and data warehouse design. My former teams were even awarded the Enterprise Business Intelligence Best Practice award from The Data Warehouse Institute (TDWI) two years in a row! I feel that the use of data analysis and understanding the process of learning are critical factors to being an effective teacher in the classroom. I have the ability to design data warehouse reporting solutions internally that help maximize effectiveness, improve student performance, and enhance teacher instruction. I have also conducted training sessions for teachers and peers this past year deomonstrating how to utilize data analysis tools in the classroom to enhance assessment and performance. I hope to develop student courses in the future on SQL, data warehouse design, and business intelligence.
In addition to my education and work experience, I ran cross-country and track high school and took a course in college on coaching track and field. I am also an avid photographer who has been published by many respected publications (such as the Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, Time Out Magazine, and Spin Magazine). My experience with photography and website design allows me to assist with school communication and clubs such as newspaper or yearbook. I am not restricted to helping out with activities beyond the classroom, if there is a position needed; I am here to support students and be the mentor that they need!
First and foremost, I believe in the potential and brilliance of every student that walks through my door and have worked with students of every demographic throughout in my career. If a student has passion for a subject, we will work together to interpret mathematics that align to and enhance their knowledge in that arena as that is what the art of mathematics has always been about! I love to tell the story of mathematics and discuss all of the crazy men/women who advanced mathematics to where it is today. After all, who doesn't love to study the art and science developed by star gazers?
My ten years of work experience with Fortune 500 companies (General Electric, Hospira, PricewaterhoueCoopers, Procter & Gamble) provides a unique asset to the classroom. I am able to provide real world STEM and business applications of concepts in mathematical lessons and tasks. Specifically, I can teach data analysis/reporting in the real world setting as well as various management styles that I am certified in. My degree, certifications, and work as an auditor allow me to teach accounting and computer programming classes on top of courses in mathematics. I am also able to utilize my knowledge of data manipulation to assess, differentiate, and provide a unique perspective to lesson planning. My work as a manager to offshore staff and international assignments has brought cultural acceptance and diversity to my teaching methods in the classroom.
I am extremely motivated and dedicated to my profession. As a student teacher, I was often the last to leave the school on a regular basis and attended many after-school events to support students outside of the classroom. I am organized and prepared to take on any task with a positive attitude. I work hard to see my students achieve, but also to support my fellow teachers in achieving. I often pair students with mentors throughout the country via my professional network to help inspire them within their interests and career paths. I am very dedicated to finding the correct resources for students, especially when they are not in areas of my own expertise, as it only enhances the value of their education.
My career has provided me with expertise in the areas of data analysis, process evaluation, and data warehouse design. My former teams were even awarded the Enterprise Business Intelligence Best Practice award from The Data Warehouse Institute (TDWI) two years in a row! I feel that the use of data analysis and understanding the process of learning are critical factors to being an effective teacher in the classroom. I have the ability to design data warehouse reporting solutions internally that help maximize effectiveness, improve student performance, and enhance teacher instruction. I have also conducted training sessions for teachers and peers this past year deomonstrating how to utilize data analysis tools in the classroom to enhance assessment and performance. I hope to develop student courses in the future on SQL, data warehouse design, and business intelligence.
In addition to my education and work experience, I ran cross-country and track high school and took a course in college on coaching track and field. I am also an avid photographer who has been published by many respected publications (such as the Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, Time Out Magazine, and Spin Magazine). My experience with photography and website design allows me to assist with school communication and clubs such as newspaper or yearbook. I am not restricted to helping out with activities beyond the classroom, if there is a position needed; I am here to support students and be the mentor that they need!