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Mathematics

Reason and communicate mathematically.

At Walker’s, mathematics instruction is guided by a desire to instill critical thinking and the integration of technology into classroom instruction.

Our math faculty provide experiences that encourage and enable students to value mathematics, develop confidence in their mathematical ability, use mathematics to solve problems, and be able to reason and communicate mathematically.

Instruction is problem-based and focuses on the practice of new skills and concrete applications. Mathematical rigor is introduced at all levels, commensurate with the course level. Our lower level courses are taught with a great deal of structure, providing a solid foundation for abstract thinking, integration, and synthesis needed in the more advanced selections. We offer regular and honors sections for every grade level; 98% of our students take a 4-year mathematics program. 

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The traditional subjects of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry provide the theoretical background for students intending to further their education. For students who plan to pursue careers in mathematics, science, and engineering, the pre-calculus and calculus courses are preparation for higher level mathematics courses.

Various teaching techniques are employed to address multiple learning styles in order to help each student find and develop her unique abilities and strengths in math. At the core of our mission is the determination to encourage our young women to find their own “unique voice” in our mathematics classrooms as students are encouraged to lead discussions, ask clarifying questions, and contribute alternative methods of problem solving.

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Mathematics Faculty

Darrell Carrington

Darrell Carrington P'02

Chair, Math Department and Math Faculty

Darrell Carrington P'02

 860-408-4268

B.A., Washington College
M.A., Wesleyan University

What was it about The Ethel Walker School that made you want to work here? The setting. What is your favorite part of the subject(s) you teach now? Challenging the girls and making them think. What is your favorite Walker's tradition? Senior Picture on the Chapel Steps on Graduation Day. Why did you want to go into teaching? I love kids and teaching would give me the opportunity to stay involved in athletics (through coaching) which had always been a big part of my life. What other roles do you hold on campus? Mathematics Department Chair, Varsity Golf Coach What is your favorite thing to do in your free time? Any vigorous outdoor activity ----- hike, bike, rollerblade, kayak, snowshoe. What is the most rewarding part about working at Walker's? The girls let me be me. Please list any awards, fellowships, or distinctions you have earned during your career:
  • Teams I coached have won three Founders League Titles
 

Julie Greshin P'12

Middle School Math/Science Faculty

Julie Greshin P'12

 860-408-4339

B.S., Tufts University
M.S., Duke University

Julie began teaching at Walker’s in the spring of 2005. She is a member of both the science department, teaching sixth grade science and eighth grade earth science, and the math department, teaching sixth and seventh grade math. Julie coordinates the School’s Wednesday morning assembly program, she is the head of the Middle School Math Olympiads club, assistant director of the Middle School winter play, and she is a student adviser. She began her teaching career at Kingswood-Oxford School in West Hartford, CT.

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Lee-Ann Harris P'13

Math Faculty

Lee-Ann Harris P'13

 860-408-4297

B.A., Trinity College
M.Ed, University of Hartford

What was it about The Ethel Walker School that made you want to work here? There is a sense of community at Ethel Walker that I have not experienced anywhere else. It is welcoming and friendly. It is a place where students can be competitive on the field and supportive everywhere else. People at Walker's are appreciated and accepted for who they are. It is a wonderful place to work. What was your favorite subject when you were in middle or high school? I always loved math. I liked that there were rules to follow, a right answer at the end, and often, different ways of getting to that answer. I loved noticing patterns and relationships. I get excited about math and the students notice that. What if your favorite part of the subject(s) you teach now? I have taught every grade here and many different classes. I enjoy the variety. My favorite part of teaching math is seeing a student's face light up when a lesson "clicks" for her. That "aha" moment is the best. I often have students work in groups so that they can share their understandings of a concept. When I hear a student explain an idea in her own words, that is when I know she has ownership of that topic. What is your favorite Walker's tradition? Mountain Day. We are all outside together. We climb a mountain and have a beautiful view of the valley. Then we climb down we enjoy a picnic lunch together. It's a perfect day! If you were to give advice to an incoming Walker's student, what would it be? Try new things. This is the time in your life to explore different interests and you have so much available to you here at Walker's. Get to know your teachers. We are here to support and challenge you. Get to know your classmates. No matter how many years you are a student here, it will go by too quickly. Be present and enjoy the people around you. What is the most rewarding part about working at Walker's? We are all here for the students. They are an awesome bunch of girls. I love getting to see them in the classroom and then watch them play a game or perform on stage. We get to know the whole person, see where they shine, support them where needed, and challenge them when they are ready. What other role(s) do you hold on campus? Middle School Debate Coach, Assistant Swim Coach, Faculty Head of Dials Please list any awards, distinctions, or fellowships you have earned during your career:
  • 2018 awarded Anastasia Payne Rooke ’48 Chair in Science, Math and Technology
  • 2014 NCGS and 2016 CASE/NAIS Conference Presentation on Centennial Celebrations: "Have Your Cake and Honor it Too" with representatives from Emma Willard, Foxcroft and Westover

Daniele Ness P'24, '25

Math Faculty and Robotics Program Director

Daniele Ness P'24, '25

 860-408-4265

B.S., The University of Texas

Daniele moved to Simsbury with her husband and three daughters from Maryland where she was teaching middle and upper school math. Daniele has a passion for math and has eight years of teaching experience in Texas and Maryland. She earned her B.S. in Civil Engineering from The University of Texas and worked as an engineer prior to becoming a math teacher. As a civil engineer, she was a consultant for a structural engineering firm designing foundations and rectifying foundation failures in commercial businesses and residences. She was also an engineer for the city of Houston, where she was responsible for coordinating utility relocations for highway expansions. She is excited about combining her love of math and her interest in engineering here at Walker’s. She coordinates the robotics program as well as teaches math.

Jennifer Wall P'22

Math Faculty

Jennifer Wall P'22

 860-408-4267

B.A., The College of New Jersey
M.A., New York Institute of Technology

Jennifer Wall, a private math tutor for middle, high and college students, joined Walker’s in 2016 as a member of the math faculty. Jennifer is a graduate of the College of New Jersey and the New York Institute of Technology where she earned her master’s degree in instructional technology. Previously, Jennifer was a math teacher at Northern Valley Regional High School in New Jersey. She served as a long-term substitute at Walker’s during the 2011–2012 academic year where she taught AP calculus, AP statistics, honors calculus and trigonometry.

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