Who you look up to

Dr. Roberta Schorr is a professor of mathematics education at Rutgers University. She was my teacher and has been my mentor for the past four years, and as such, she has been instrumental in my development as both an aspiring educator and a standout scholar. As my professor during the 2013-2014 academic year, she taught me a number of effective techniques on how to best teach mathematics, assess student understanding, and improve my own knowledge of how students learn mathematics. I have applied the lessons she taught me in my work as a math tutor and mentor to help benefit my students. What’s more, I fully intend to utilize her lessons throughout my career as a math teacher.

As my mentor for my senior thesis during the 2014-2015 academic year, she offered me guidance and instruction on how to execute my research on the factors that influence academic achievement in mathematics. With her assistance, I was not only able to complete my thesis with flying colors, but I was also featured in my university newsletter for exemplary research. In addition, I had the fantastic opportunity to develop my research and writing skills, which has surely proved beneficial as I work my way through the graduate school curriculum.

I genuinely appreciate her concern for my education. Her thoughtful letters of recommendation have resulted in my winning numerous scholarships and awards, and her contributions have helped me finance my education so that I can earn my degree. There are few professors who would have taken the time to guide and mentor me, and I am certainly blessed to have had a professor like her.

Although I believe I have achieved a great deal over the course of my undergraduate career at Rutgers, most of my achievements would not have been possible without her teaching and your expert guidance. It truly means a lot to me, and I hope she knows that I wouldn't be where I am today without her help. As such, I would like to say, “Thank you, Dr. Schorr, for everything!"