A little bit about my self...Blais Cross

My name is Blais Cross. I currently live and work in Douglas Arizona. Making the the choice to teach in the borderland region of the State has proved to be both challenging and rewarding. I am excited to be able to say that I am participating in the Transition to Teach program, currently offered at the University of Arizona South. This past year has been full of great experiences which have allowed me to better understand how to present math topics in a thought provoking manner. I am dedicated to convincing students that math can indeed be fun when approached in a critical thinking kind of way. 

Since rumors of the implementation of Common Core and the PARC test requirements coming down form the State level, I have been very proactive to attend valuable training and workshops, but I notice the course work that I am currently studying in my M. Ed. program is so much more valuable. My courses have really allowed me to open my thought process to think outside the box. I have a feeling that is why I was chosen to work with the GEAR UP program this summer. I have enjoyed being able to collaborate with other educators, and have learned so much in a fairly short amount of time. 
Someone at the Douglas Unified School District saw my vision and trusted that I could tackle the challenge of a restless 8th grade class. It is common knowledge that the summer school students would much rather be sleeping in until noon and vacationing with their loved ones, but I feel confident when I say the classroom has been alive with engaged learning.  I must admit, sometimes planning for in depth activities oftentimes involves late nights and weekends, but in the end it is worth it because I see brilliant minds challenged and ready to think outside the box right along with me.