Academics

Educator Profiles

Beth Cammarata

Math
HS Academics
Clifton, NJ

I have a B.A. in English, Education, and Mathematics from the College of Santa Fe and an M.A. in Teaching from Grand Canyon University. I have been in the field of education and working with the Santa Fe Indian School since it was the Albuquerque Indian School in 1978. I’ve taught English and Math since 1988 and currently teach Algebra I and Algebra II. I am also developing a new project-based math course for upper level students that can be taken instead of Trig/Pre-Calculus or Calculus. I believe that every student is capable of learning math. I do my utmost to help students learn, including providing extra tutoring after school and in the evenings. I enjoy a close relationship with my students and have many members of my extended family in several communities.
There are so many memorable moments here at SFIS! One particular memory is when students and I had the opportunity to work with Anna Sofaer and experts on Chaco Canyon. It was not part of a class and was not graded, but we all had a wonderful learning experience—done for the love of learning, and made me remember why I teach! I have had many memorable moments where I can see that I’ve made a difference in a student’s life. Those are the most rewarding, and they are not always about the math class I happen to be teaching. Some have happened as a part of an extracurricular activity, some on a personal level, but all are wonderful!
To me, one of the most important SFIS core values is for the students to have a voice in the school program, and for them to take responsibility for their work and actions. Having a student-centered approach is crucial to the success of the school. I have always been a student advocate. The new strategic planning process is really addressing this, and the administrators are making a tremendous effort to include students in the planning. In my classroom planning, I try to think about the needs of the students first and foremost when planning lessons or other educational activities. I have included students and former students in some of the planning for my classes, and I always listen to their suggestions and try to incorporate them in the next set of lessons whenever possible.
I am passionate about math education! I want our students to know that they are just as capable as anyone else, and to lose the math anxiety that has plagued them. I use many techniques to make the students comfortable in my classroom, including playing games and group work. I enjoy showing students how and why the math works, the beauty of mathematics, and how math is used in everyday life. My newest passion is incorporating technology into my lessons. I use the TI-Navigator and graphing calculators consistently.
I want for my students to be people who love life and learning, who build strong, healthy relationships, who can creatively solve problems, and who achieve their utmost potential. I want them to be involved in helping their communities (and each other) to attain their highest goals and make their dreams come true. I want them to know that they are worth all the effort that is expended on their behalf and that, with hard work and determination, they can realize the promise of an incredible future. I have so much hope for their future and I truly believe that they can achieve greatness!