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El Houcin Houssam was at all times fascinated by arithmetic and thought he would take his quantity abilities into the monetary providers business.
But it surely turned out it wasn’t the enterprise of numbers that fascinated him.
“I spotted that what actually motivated me wasn’t working with numbers in a enterprise setting,” mentioned Houssam, a math trainer at West Aspect Excessive Faculty in Newark. “It was serving to others perceive and respect math.”
Now in his sixth 12 months of educating, Houssam has been named the 2024-25 Essex County Trainer of the Yr, cited for serving to his college students pursue careers in science, engineering, and math.
Houssam’s recognition was celebrated on Feb. 28 on the Montclair State College School for Training and Engaged Studying’s annual Night of Gratitude Dinner. Along with educating Algebra 2 and AP Calculus AB, Houssam serves as an advisor for the college’s debate membership, the place he encourages college students to “embrace challenges” and construct empathy.
He not too long ago spoke with Chalkbeat concerning the private finance lesson he loves to show, his personal expertise as an English language learner, and his recommendation for highschool debaters.
This interview has been edited for size and readability.
What was your response to being named the 2024-25 Essex County Trainer of the Yr? What does this recognition imply to you?
It was a mixture of pleasure, gratitude, and a little bit disbelief. Instructing is one thing I put my coronary heart into day-after-day, so to be acknowledged on this approach felt actually particular.
This recognition means so much to me, not simply as a private achievement, however as a result of it highlights the laborious work of all lecturers who go above and past for his or her college students. It’s a reminder that the influence we make within the classroom is seen and valued. Greater than something, it motivates me to proceed rising as an educator and to make use of this platform to advocate for my college students and fellow lecturers.
How and when did you resolve to turn into a trainer? What you about arithmetic?
I didn’t at all times know I wished to be a trainer. Actually, my journey into schooling wasn’t a straight path. I initially studied Arithmetic of Finance, considering I might go into the monetary business. However over time, I spotted that what actually motivated me wasn’t working with numbers in a enterprise setting — it was serving to others perceive and respect math.
The turning level got here after I began tutoring at Essex County School. That’s the place I spotted the enjoyment and influence of serving to college students actually perceive troublesome ideas. I noticed how a lot of a distinction I might make in somebody’s confidence and understanding. That’s after I determined to pursue educating and earned my Grasp of Arts in Instructing.
Arithmetic has at all times fascinated me as a result of it’s like a common language. It’s logical, structured, and but, so artistic. I really like how math connects to actual life, from the patterns in nature to the way in which companies function. However what actually drew me in was the problem — there’s at all times an issue to unravel, and I get pleasure from guiding college students to search out options in their very own approach.
What’s your favourite lesson to show and why?
One among my favourite classes to show is exponential capabilities, particularly when exploring compound curiosity. I really like this lesson as a result of it connects math to real-life conditions that college students can relate to, like saving cash, investing, and understanding how loans work.
It’s at all times rewarding to see college students understand how highly effective math is past the classroom. After they grasp how small investments can develop over time or how rates of interest have an effect on debt, it sparks curiosity and deeper discussions about monetary duty. Plus, I get pleasure from exhibiting them that math isn’t nearly numbers — it’s about making knowledgeable selections that influence their future.
As the talk membership advisor, what recommendation do you’ve gotten on your college students?
As the talk membership advisor, my largest recommendation to my college students is to at all times be ready, keep open-minded, and pay attention simply as a lot as they converse. A robust debater isn’t simply somebody who argues effectively however somebody who understands totally different views and responds with logic, proof, and confidence.
I additionally encourage them to embrace challenges. Some debates will likely be robust, they usually might need to argue a place they don’t personally agree with — that’s the place actual development occurs. It teaches vital considering, empathy, and the flexibility to adapt underneath stress.
Inform us about your individual expertise with college and the way it impacts your work right this moment.
As a pupil, I confronted challenges, particularly studying in a brand new language after transferring to the U.S. from Morocco. My native language is Arabic, and I additionally converse French. Studying English as my third language was undoubtedly a problem, however it additionally gave me a singular perspective on the struggles that many college students face when studying one thing new.
I do know what it’s prefer to wrestle, to really feel misplaced, and to work laborious to catch up. However I additionally know the influence of nice lecturers — those that noticed my potential, believed in me, and pushed me to succeed.
That have drives me to be that form of trainer for my college students. I give attention to constructing relationships, making a supportive classroom, and making math accessible to all learners. I need my college students to know that challenges don’t outline them. Their effort, resilience, and willingness to study do.
What’s one thing taking place locally that impacts what goes on inside your classroom?
A lot of my college students face obstacles like meals insecurity, housing instability, and restricted entry to educational sources exterior of college, which influence their focus, attendance, and engagement in studying.
How do you maintain your self if you’re not at work?
I maintain myself by staying lively and spending time outdoor. I really like taking part in soccer and occurring hikes — it helps me clear my thoughts and keep energized. Touring can also be a giant a part of my life as a result of it permits me to expertise new cultures and views, which I deliver again into my educating.
Past that, I find time for household and pals, which retains me grounded. Instructing will be demanding, so I attempt to discover steadiness by doing issues that deliver me pleasure and assist me recharge.
Catherine Carrera is the bureau chief for Chalkbeat Newark. Contact Catherine at ccarrera@chalkbeat.org.