E-Mail: simpsonj@rohan.sdsu.edu

Student Teacher, Mathematics, Morse High School

• B.A. Economics, University of California, San Diego
  
  
• Single Subject Credential, Mathematics, San Diego State University (expected August 1998)
  Supplementary Authorization in Economics
  

Background

After spending my first 18 years behind the "Orange Curtain" in Yorba Linda, California (born at St. Jude Hospital in Fullerton, March 1, 1972), I spent my "freshperson" year as a Banana Slug at UC Santa Cruz. After months of studying Marine Biology and volunteering for a California Sea Lion project, I realized that I did not enjoy temperatures below 60 and everyone on earth dreams of being a trainer at Sea World. I returned to Orange County (Mom and Dad were "thrilled") for a year in preparation for a transfer to UC San Diego (realizing at this point that Economics was a subject that was not only interesting to me, but also something I had a "knack" for).

UCSD was a great experience for me. I learned an incredible amount both in and out of the classroom. For two years I drove UCSD Shuttle Services and my experience driving a "commercial vehicle" enabled me to land a job at the "World Famous" San Diego Zoo as a Bus Operator/Guide.

I am currently working on my Teaching Credential at SDSU. During the week I am a Student Teacher at Morse High School and I continue to work as a tour guide at the zoo on weekends, holidays and throughout the summer.

Interests, Activities, & Plans

My professional interests are currently geared towards mathematics education at the secondary level. I am currently learning a lot about the theories related to the teaching and learning of mathematics and trying to figure out how I can incorporate these ideas into my classroom in the future. I plan on getting involved in student athletics, peer tutoring, clubs and student health (i.e. cafeteria food nutrition evaluation and reform).

In the future I hope to do a lot of traveling. This past January I went to Zihuatenejo, Mexico with my boyfriend, Rob. We had an incredible stay which included scrumptious seafood from the local waters, snorkeling at Ixtapa Island, socializing with the locals and of course the beach vacation traditions: parasailing and riding wave runners. My vacations in the past include road trips covering the sights of the American southwest (Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Yellowstone, etc...), a cruise to the eastern Caribbean (Tortola, St. Thomas, Nassau, Puerto Rico, etc...) and a few short trips down to Baja. As soon as possible I would like to begin traveling to other areas of the world including everything from the savannas of Africa (research for my tours at the zoo) to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. I am especially interested in traveling throughout Europe by train and visiting the many different cultures of Asia.

Other Interesting Things

In my spare time I love to be outdoors. I enjoy running, rollerblading, swimming, hiking, camping and, sometimes, just lying out in the sun. I love to go out with friends to eat, talk, drink, dance and see movies.

I enjoy almost any type of music and lately have spent lots of time listening to Bob and Ziggy Marley, Sting, Stevie Wonder and Dionne Warwick (Say a Little Prayer).

Favorite Places in Webspace

(still working on this section...)

Last updated on Tuesday, September 23, 1997.