Jessica’s Story
Jessica Mapps’ love of mathematics grew in high school. She played softball and soccer and participated in a variety of school activities but math always got preferential treatment. “Since math was my favorite subject it was always the assignment that got done first.”
Jessica attended Oswego State University and The State University of New York, University at Buffalo, where she finished her mathematics degree. She also served as a math tutor for area high school students. “In my last year of college I got two great student teaching placements.” At Lancaster High School, she taught geometry, prepared 10th graders for the New York State Regents exam, and instructed college-bound 12th grade students in college problem solving. She also taught 8th grade algebra at Springville Middle School.
Jessica values some fairly unique experiences she has had. The summer after she received her bachelor’s degree, Jessica taught math at the Gow School in South Wales, N.Y. “This is an amazing school offering a specially designed curriculum for students who have experienced academic difficulties or have language-based learning disabilities.”
Once she began her paid teaching career, Jessica has been specializing in teaching algebra and geometry. After teaching part time at Sweet Home High School while completing her master’s degree in mathematics education at the State University of New York at Buffalo, Jessica went on to Orchard Park High School in Orchard Park, N.Y., and has been there since 2007.