“Creating an environment as natural as breathing is my goal,” Ms. Letty Reza, Upper School math teacher, said when describing her role as a teacher.
Ms. Reza received a certificate of recognition from The University of Chicago for excellence in teaching and mentorship.
The certificate recognized Ms. Reza’s “dedication,” said James G. Nondorf, dean of admissions and financial aid at The University of Chicago, in an email dated Nov. 1.
“True learning is a collaborative experience that depends much on the dedication of the teachers as it does the motivation of the student,” Mr. Nondorf said.
Ms. Reza said she enjoys what she does and is honored to receive this recognition.
“I am humbled to have the opportunity to discuss math as my career. I love math and appreciate how beautiful it is. I want my students to see and appreciate its beauty as well. “
Her current students described her as a skillful teacher.
“She is an amazing teacher,” said junior Mathew Berman, one of her precalculus students. “She’s extremely timely, and posts everything on Canvas, which as a student I can appreciate.”
Junior Caroline Swanson appreciated how Ms. Reza takes the time and effort to make sure she understands all of the concepts covered in the course, especially on homework checks.
Ms. Reza’s style is one of the things that sets her apart; she described her style of teaching as clear and accessible to her students.
“I like to use layman’s terms when presenting math concepts. My goal is to break down complex problems into smaller more manageable components.”
Speaking in common terms really helps her students understand the concepts.
Junior Kate Hyman said, “I don’t think I would be able to understand math without her, [and] her clarity truly makes her a great teacher.”
Ms. Reza also gives her students a chance for a “commercial break” during class.
“The commercial breaks are super fun and interactive, and I feel like they set her apart from my previous math teachers,” Swanson said. “I learn a lot every day in her class, and I really love having a brain break.”
