Bio
My name is Judy Gerwe, the Math Specialist, for IHM. I am in my 43rd year of teaching. This is my 19th year at IHM as a Math Specialist through the Hamilton County Educational Service Center. Since I struggled in school, I wanted to learn how to be a good teacher for students who struggle. My only strength in school was math so I wanted to teach mathematics.
I earned a degree in Elementary Education from Thomas More College in 1971. As I taught I felt a need to learn more about students with Learning Disabilities and Behavioral Issues. I went on to earn my Masters of Education in Special Education from Xavier University. After Graduate School I took 30 plus hours in teaching mathematics, earned my Gifted Endorsement and this summer became a Highly Qualified Math Intervention Specialist.
I believe that all students can learn if they are taught to their strengths. Math is one of those subjects that must be approached using a variety of learning styles since it can be very abstract. I think it is important to make math realistic and fun. I love to work with students who I see grow over the years in their understanding of mathematics. I rejoice every time I see that AH HA of understanding on the face of a student.
In 1999, I was honored by the Ohio Council of Teachers of Mathematics as the Outstanding Elementary Math Teacher for the Southwest District of Ohio. In 2001, I received recognition as the Outstanding Elementary Math Teacher for the State of Ohio. I have co-chaired five OCTM State Math Conferences in Cincinnati, and am currently co-chairing my 6th conference this October 15 & 16 at the Sharonville Convention Center. I speak at most of the OCTM conferences around the state and at some of the National Council of Math Teachers Regional Conferences. I have served on the Board of the OCTM in various capacities since 1992.
I earned a degree in Elementary Education from Thomas More College in 1971. As I taught I felt a need to learn more about students with Learning Disabilities and Behavioral Issues. I went on to earn my Masters of Education in Special Education from Xavier University. After Graduate School I took 30 plus hours in teaching mathematics, earned my Gifted Endorsement and this summer became a Highly Qualified Math Intervention Specialist.
I believe that all students can learn if they are taught to their strengths. Math is one of those subjects that must be approached using a variety of learning styles since it can be very abstract. I think it is important to make math realistic and fun. I love to work with students who I see grow over the years in their understanding of mathematics. I rejoice every time I see that AH HA of understanding on the face of a student.
In 1999, I was honored by the Ohio Council of Teachers of Mathematics as the Outstanding Elementary Math Teacher for the Southwest District of Ohio. In 2001, I received recognition as the Outstanding Elementary Math Teacher for the State of Ohio. I have co-chaired five OCTM State Math Conferences in Cincinnati, and am currently co-chairing my 6th conference this October 15 & 16 at the Sharonville Convention Center. I speak at most of the OCTM conferences around the state and at some of the National Council of Math Teachers Regional Conferences. I have served on the Board of the OCTM in various capacities since 1992.
