Conquering Mathematics

CONQUER: to gain mastery over or win by overcoming obstacles, or to overcome by power.

Mathematics: the science of numbers and their operations, interrelations, combinations, generalizations or abstractions.

For many people, those two words present an unwelcome challenge, if not downright fear. But Nancy Schultz has created a positive change to those feelings. Her Pompton Plains center, aptly named Conquer Mathematics, is a learning center for everyone’s journey to maximum success in the study of math. Here’s the story of how it came about.

Schultz’s second grade teacher understood how math phobia could be overcome, fueling the young student’s love of mathematics. The passion grew during Schultz’s years at Wayne Hills High School, when another dedicated teacher recognized her unique abilities. With special permission from the Board of Education, she went on a solo field trip and was introduced to the NCTM: The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, a connection she maintained for decades to come.

Montclair State University offered the courses Schultz needed to become a high school math teacher, so she “ate up every math class available,” she says. By her junior year, she was studying advanced calculus as an independent study with the prestigious Max Sobel, then president of NCTM. Graduating early, Schultz was hired at Morris Knolls High School to teach a variety of courses.

FINDING WHAT WORKS

Her career took a different turn when she married Bob Schultz and traveled with him for two years throughout the U.S. and Europe. Adding math tutoring to her resume, she returned to Morris Knolls until the birth of her first child.

While an at-home-mom, Schultz answered Max Sobel’s invitation to teach evening undergraduate classes at Montclair, leading to her master’s degree and connections with school districts.

Along the way, Schultz began to realze that skills developed at young ages have a greater impact on later learning. Building on the CPA approach (concrete, pictorial, abstract), she noticed that not enough time was being spent on the pictorial aspect of this theory. She found that increased experience in hands-on practices benefited learners more than memorizing math facts.

She began sharing her expertise with other teachers and her reputation grew. When more certifications were developed, Schultz was in constant demand. PRISM (Professional Resources in Science and Math) was formed in 1990 at a variety of regional centers, and Schultz became the math connection at Montclair. Still teaching at night, visiting districts during the day and representing PRISM, she had a heavy load.

Eventually she realized that perhaps she could combine her efforts and venture out on her own. With her family’s help, she began to look for property to open a new center, and the idea grew.

NEW LOCATIONS

Despite some individual challenges, Schultz found office space in Fairfield and opened Conquer Mathematics in April 2010. She advertised to districts and their teachers through word of mouth, emails and her respected reputation.

The facility became a labor of love, as her husband Bob designed and built every table used in her classrooms. Each tabletop is a pentagon so that participants never have their backs to the presenter. Proudly displayed is her coveted Max Sobel award for Outstanding Service and Leadership in Mathematics Education.

Within a few years, Conquer Mathematics outgrew its initial property and the Schultzes bought the building at the current Pompton Plains site. More construction was necessary to accommodate sessions, and in September 2018 the existing location welcomed its first classes.

The goals of every session are simple: “We want to work out ways to teach so kids will love math and will understand math,” comments Schultz.

Teachers take four to eight sessions; each meeting is about one month apart so students are not missing their teachers for weeks at a time. Classes begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 2:15 p.m. Everyone attending is treated like an honored guest: There are snacks, customized lunch orders from a local restaurant, many short breaks and professional encouragement throughout.

Even the bathrooms are upscale, with different geometric designs in each. Participants are given binders to collect theories, ideas and skills shared during the day. A separate copy room provides all the written materials, and attendees are welcome to create their own visuals to take back to their schools.

Walls of the main classroom are lined with boxes and bins of manipulatives, emphasizing the pictorial or hands-on method that’s been so successful. Candy is used for both manipulatives and incentives!

FUN AND SUCCESSFUL

With an engaging, inviting and bright environment, it’s easy to see why this place is so effective. Sessions are designed for specific grade levels from kindergarten through high school.

Conquer Mathematics offered over 100 workshops throughout this past school year, using the two inspiring classrooms in the beautifully designed building. Over 141 districts (including Pequannock) have availed themselves of the center, and nearly 1,500 teachers have returned to their classrooms with renewed mathematical energy.

Summertime is reserved for curriculum work, using a staff that assists districts with math lesson plans for an entire school year. Activities and materials are provided to support the scope and sequence of each program: Levels range from early childhood through algebra and geometry. No one ever leaves the center uninspired.

Comments from participants range from “amazing,” to “magical,” and “This place is a math spa!” Indeed, Schultz insists, “Math shouldn’t be a challenge. Everyone can do it.” With fun, motivating and successful techniques, Conquering Mathematics proves this in every session.

BY MARY SHUMEYKO