Mathematics Department
6th Grade - Patrick Rodgers
rodgersp@springfieldpublicschools.com
I am returning to Renaissance for my 5th year at Renaissance with a switch to Matematicas! I received both my Bachelor's degree in History and my Master's in Education from UMass-Amherst. I taught at Renaissance as part of my 180 Program and then joined the staff as a full-time Social Studies teacher the following year. After seeing the importance of Math education for our students, I have made the intentional content switch so that I can make a larger impact on my students. Middle school Math is the foundation for more difficult skills that will be tested on the MCAS, the SATs, and college exams. As a result, I take middle school Math extremely seriously as it correlates with student graduation rate and college acceptance rate. While I tend to be very serious in my classroom, students can catch a glimpse of my goofy side in the hallway, on my middle school boys soccer team, the high school swim team, or the middle school flag football club. 8th Grade - Kerri-Ann Warren
warrenk@springfieldpublicschools.com
I am entering my 12th year as a Math educator and my 4th year at the Springfield Renaissance School. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Math Education at the Oakwood University, located in Huntsville, Alabama and my Master’s degree in Math Education at the Alabama A&M University, located in Normal, Alabama. I spent my first eight years teaching 8th grade Math in Huntsville, AL. I have had the opportunity to teach at both the high school and middle school level at Renaissance, and this year I will return to middle school to teach 8th grade Math while running a 12th grade crew. One of the most important goals I set each year is to ensure a welcoming educational environment, where students feel safe and comfortable taking academic risks. I look forward to doing the same with my students this year. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my six-year-old son, my family, and my friends. My favorite hanging out spot is at the Dunn’s River Falls located in Jamaica. 10th Grade - Erica Foley
foleye@springfieldpublicschools.com
I am in my 6th year teaching and my first year at Renaissance. I have taught 7-12th grade Math. I attended Hampshire College, which does not “do” majors, but I studied Math, Education, and Gender Studies. Hampshire also does not “do” a lot of Math, so I spent a great deal of time at UMass, Smith, and Mount Holyoke taking Math classes. I received my teaching license through Mount Holyoke. I spent the last year in Cambridge, MA receiving my Master's of Education in Math Instructional Leadership from Harvard University. I am thrilled to be starting at Renaissance. I am passionate about the ways Math can be used to fight for justice and positive change. My goal is to help every student believe they are a “math person.” Outside of school, I play roller derby. I also like to cook, read, and hike. |
7th Grade - Heather Parker
parkerh@springfieldpublicschools.com
I am in my 8th year of teaching, 4th year at Renaissance and 3rd year in 7th Grade. I have taught all levels of Math 7-12. I Graduated from Westfield State University with my Bachelor's in Math and license in teaching 6-12. I am currently finishing up my Master's in Leadership in Education at AIC. I treasure spending time with family, cooking, and watching Grey’s Anatomy. I live in Springfield and grew up in Somers, CT. 9th Grade - Heather Burtchell
Burtchellh@springfieldpublicschools.com
I am the 9th grade Algebra I teacher. This is my second year teaching at Renaissance. I recently graduated from Assumption College where I majored in Mathematics and Secondary Education. I completed my student teaching at Auburn High School in Auburn MA. I grew up in South Windsor CT, and attended South Windsor High School. I enjoy hiking, snowboarding, ice skating, golfing, and puzzles. 11th Grade - Marci Egbert
egbertm@springfieldpublicschools.com
This school year is my 6th year teaching at Renaissance. I am excited to begin my first year in the 11th grade! I was born and raised in New Jersey, but decided to travel to Massachusetts in order to further my education. I received my Bachelor's Degree at Western New England University, where I majored in Mathematics, and I have lived in Springfield ever since. I carried on to obtain my Master's Degree in Education at Elms College. I played volleyball throughout high school and college, and my love and passion for the game has given me the opportunity to be the Head Coach of the Renaissance Girls Volleyball team. When I’m not playing indoor or outdoor volleyball myself, I enjoy reading, spending time with my pets, solving Rubik's Cubes, and smiling. 12th Grade - Neal Creeden (Dept. Chair)
creedenn@springfieldpublicschools.com
The 2019-20 school year will be my eighth year teaching at the Springfield Renaissance School and second as a full time member of the senior team. I attended Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut where I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics while also playing varsity basketball for four years. When I am not at school, you will usually find me running, cooking, or taking Lisa (our golden retriever) on long walks. |
