Spring Woods Middle 2014 Teacher of the Year - Joseph Maurer

Joseph Maurer
Spring Woods Middle School
Grade 8, Mathematics 

Education                                                 
University of Houston Graduate School of Education iSmart (Integrated Science Mathematics and Reflective Teaching) cohort member, 2013-Present
Houston Community College, Associates of Sciences in Health Sciences, 2011
University of Houston, Bachelor of Arts, English Literature & Linguistics, 2006

Teaching History                                    
Spring Woods Middle School, Spring Branch ISD, 2011-Present
Spring Forest Middle School, Spring Branch ISD, 2006-2011 

Seven years total of teaching experience

In his own words…

“I believe that all students can be successful with time, resources, inspiration and each other. Children are curious about the world around them. Given the opportunity, students can and will come together to learn about anything that captures their attention. Students are self-directed learners who will surprise us with their insight, ideas and creativity. What makes me an outstanding teacher is that I provide students the structure and spark to drive their curiosity about the mathematics we learn in class.”

In the words of others…

“Mr. Maurer is a team player, serves as an instructional leader on our campus as well as Math Department Chair. He is inclusive in his leadership of his math team and has encouraged other teachers to try the flipped classroom and other instructional methods for student success. “
Karen Liska, Spring Woods Middle School Principal

“In his classroom the flow of learning begins the moment a student crosses the threshold because, as he says, ‘Every minute counts!’ His math class is an active place where students are learning and then demonstrating what they have learned. You may often see students up in front of the class teaching their classmates what they have learned, and the students are excited about this!”
Cathy Lassiter, Spring Woods Middle Educational Diagnostician

Selected Honors, Awards & Activities:
Spring Woods Middle School mentor Teacher, 2012-Present
National Council for the Teachers of Mathematics, 2013-Present

TExSOL Conference presenter, October 2013

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