New York Rangers Teacher Highlight and Most Valuable Teacher February Nominee!

Future GoalsTM Program

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New York Rangers Teacher Highlight and Most Valuable Teacher February Nominee!

Name:

Danielle Walden

School:

IS 98 Bay Academy District 21 NYC DOE

Classroom Team:


Why did you decide to become a teacher?

I have always enjoyed working with children. When given the opportunity to educate children and see how they can apply concepts you taught them, my desire to become a teacher continued to grow.

What has been your most memorable moment as a teacher?

The moments that come to mind are not of that of the “aha” moment students have when they understand a concept that was taught, its the moments that I made an impression in their lives.  When students that I have taught come back to visit or reach out to ask for advice, or tell me that I have made an impact in their life.  One time in particular was when I taught younger students and a parent had told me their children were playing school. What was memorable about this was that her two daughters were arguing over who was going to play me as role of the teacher. 

What is your favorite part of Future Goals and how are you using it in your classroom?

Future Goals is an engaging program that the students look forward to working on each week. When working on a variety of digital platforms, Future Goals blends the real-world concepts with math seamlessly. In my classroom, we have started Everfi Fridays where we introduce the lesson early in the week, applying to math concepts that have been taught,  and complete the interactive lessons on Fridays. 

What was your student’s reaction to the program?

While teaching virtually, keeping students excited and engaged when they are bombarded by technology is difficult; but with Future Goals, they are excited for class when it is Friday.  My students love how it applies true real-world concepts to mathematics.  They also have their favorite activities, Uncover the Ice and Paint the Ice.  My students cannot wait to win the Stanley Cup!

Who is your favorite player?

Even though he no longer plays for the New York Rangers, Henrik Lundqvist is my favorite NHL player.  Henrik Lundqvist is not just an amazing goalie who assists his team to win games, he also assists to change lives of children and adults in the community through his foundation.