Meet the Thurston Team
This week we are pleased to highlight:
Maria Hoffman
Math Teacher
Birthday: March 19
Tell us about yourself.
I've been teaching math at Thurston for over 20 years! I grew up in Southern California and majored in math at UCLA, then worked in the business world for a few years before getting my teaching credential. I'm married to another now retired teacher who has his own little tour business. We have two children: Chris, 32, lives in LA and is in medical sales, and Marissa, 29, who is following the family tradition and is expected to complete her teaching credential this spring.
The best advice for parents and students about my subject:
Math is SO much more than numbers and timed tests! Encourage your children to play puzzles and logic games, look for patterns, and think creatively. My new favorite website for math is
youcubed.com
from Stanford University - there are a ton of great resources for students and parents here.
What would be your ideal way to spend the weekend?
A good hike in nature with friends, a little down time with a good book and a nap in my backyard, and any opportunity to spend time with my family!
What’s the best single day on the calendar?
January 1st! The craziness of the holidays is over and you get time to reflect on the past and set goals for the future. Plus, I love the Rose Parade (and have been able to see it in person quite a few times).
What is something you think everyone should do at least once in their lives?
Zipline over a Costa Rican jungle.
Where is the most interesting place you’ve been?
This summer my husband and I went to The Alhambra in Granada, Spain. It was on my bucket list because of my love for both geometry and European history. It is breathtakingly beautiful: fascinating Moorish architecture designed around lovely fountains, beautiful gardens, and intricate tile work with all sorts of geometric patterns
What are some small things that make your day better?
I can sometimes see a flash in a students eyes when they make a connection with a math concept - I love that moment, and any other positive feedback I get from my students.
What’s something you like to do the old-fashioned way?
Read the newspaper. I love weekend mornings with a big breakfast and the newspaper spread all over the kitchen table. My husband and I tried to cancel delivery and go online, but we only lasted a week or two.
Thank you Maria Hoffman for participating in our weekly teacher & staff interview!