Adding Another Algebra Teacher
Cem Yesilyurt returns after completing his student teaching
By Isabella Klawitter
Cem Yesilyurt returns after completing his student teaching
By Isabella Klawitter
This year there is a new addition to the math department for Algebra 1.
Cem Yesilyurt, who was a student teacher for Jenée Dampier in the spring semester of the 2020 school year, has officially joined Pioneer’s math department. Yesilyurt’s personal goal as a teacher for this school year is to give students confidence when encountering tough problems in algebra, while also working to provide students with a safe and judgement free learning environment. “My goals in teaching this year are to help my students learn Algebra as best I can, and to help them see how it is connected to their everyday lives,” Yesilyurt said. “My core values in the classroom are respect, participation, and asking for help. It is important to me that we respect each other's contributions in our classroom discussions and participate in class to make it an active place of learning, and reach out to each other when we reach out to need help so that everyone's needs are met.” |
He found a passion for interacting with students when he tried out teaching for the first time, inspiring him to take on a profession in education. He also enjoys teaching algebra as it is fundamental to math, and has a large impact on a student’s future relationship with that subject.
“I like to help others and when I tried teaching several years ago I really enjoyed making those connections with students, so I decided to pursue a career in teaching,” Yesilyurt said. “If a student learns algebra well it opens up a whole world of math for them. I want to help my students reach that goal.”
Hannah Dudum, 9, one of Yesilyurt’s students, has expressed that he makes sure that his students have a good understanding of the material being taught, also encouraging them to participate as much as possible.
“I like that he takes his time and doesn't go too fast and also explains things well and lets us ask many questions so he can help as much as he can,” Dudum said.
Yesilyurt encourages his students to reach out with any questions they may have, use the after school tutoring program, and keep him informed with how they are feeling about class. He has high hopes for the remainder of the school year that his students will be able to work together well, despite the barrier caused by distance learning.
“I hope that we will all learn the most we can given the current situation, and that my students will connect with each other as we spend more time in class together learning about algebra,” said Yesilyurt.
Dampier, who spent a lot of time working with him as a student teacher is extremely confident in his ability to do what is best for the students at Pioneer and for the math department.
“He brings a fresh set of ideas to the department and new innovative ways to teach things to students,” Dampier said. “I hope that he continues to bring positivity and a hopeful outlook to the profession, and that it continues to rub off on the rest of the department.”
“I like to help others and when I tried teaching several years ago I really enjoyed making those connections with students, so I decided to pursue a career in teaching,” Yesilyurt said. “If a student learns algebra well it opens up a whole world of math for them. I want to help my students reach that goal.”
Hannah Dudum, 9, one of Yesilyurt’s students, has expressed that he makes sure that his students have a good understanding of the material being taught, also encouraging them to participate as much as possible.
“I like that he takes his time and doesn't go too fast and also explains things well and lets us ask many questions so he can help as much as he can,” Dudum said.
Yesilyurt encourages his students to reach out with any questions they may have, use the after school tutoring program, and keep him informed with how they are feeling about class. He has high hopes for the remainder of the school year that his students will be able to work together well, despite the barrier caused by distance learning.
“I hope that we will all learn the most we can given the current situation, and that my students will connect with each other as we spend more time in class together learning about algebra,” said Yesilyurt.
Dampier, who spent a lot of time working with him as a student teacher is extremely confident in his ability to do what is best for the students at Pioneer and for the math department.
“He brings a fresh set of ideas to the department and new innovative ways to teach things to students,” Dampier said. “I hope that he continues to bring positivity and a hopeful outlook to the profession, and that it continues to rub off on the rest of the department.”