Irina Uk
Math and programming educator, instructional technology designer, photographer and yogi with 14 years of private tutoring experience.
Cambridge, MA
Expertise
Programming Teacher at Digital Media Academy
May 2015 - Present
I taught Introduction to Programming in Java to high school students and Introduction to Programming using Scratch and Processing to elementary and middle school students.
Instructional Designer at Scholastic
Apr 2014 - Apr 2015
I designed the software component of Math 180 Course 2, a yearlong blended learning program for middle and high school students performing below grade level. Those components include corrective feedback, badges, teacher-facing mindset reports and video program tutorials for teachers. In addition, I wrote sixty three video scripts of all of the short animated lesson videos in the entire course and managed the instructional video script animation and review process. At the same time, I reviewed and edited all of Math 180 Course 2’s software lessons curriculum. Math 180 Course 2 currently has an estimated 40,000 users.
Instructional and UX Designer at IDC Herziliya Media Innovation Lab (miLAB)
Sept 2014 - Feb 2014
My primary role was designing, prototyping, and testing the Scratch Project Cards app, an interactive Android application with lessons and supports for students using Scratch in informal settingsI. At the same time, I adapted a curriculum guide for fourteen Israeli schools to provide educators with methods and tools to teach with Scratch, a programming language for kids. I planned curricular and relevant technology training to Scratch mentors in their preparation for facilitating Scratch lessons.
Instructional Design Intern at CAST (Center for Applied Special Technology)
May 2013 - Aug 2013
I designed six activities included in Writer’s Key, a digital platform used by ten middle schools to learn composition writing. I also developed and facilitated a summer video production program for middle school students.
Mathematics Teacher at North Lawndale College Preparatory High School
Mar 2009 - June 2012
I taught Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Precalculus and Math Analysis on all levels from remedial to the highest honors. That included co-teaching in classes with high percentages of students with IEPs. During my time as a teacher, I became the Precalculus course team leader, managed all the Precalculus teachers in aligning curriculum to new academic standards and implementing it. My work influenced an average annual growth of 4% on eleventh grade students’ state test math scores. My teaching approach involved designing and implementing art and technology based instructional methods and materials for Math learning using TI calculators, GeoGebra, Java applets, and other digital and new media tools to engage all students. Furthermore, I implemented a growth teaching and learning model with supporting curriculum, and I presented and facilitated a workshop on the model at professional development seminars. Aside from teaching mathematics at North Lawndale College Prep, I also mentored students embarking on math-related academic research projects and conducted a College Seminar class for eleventh and twelfth grade students.
English and Math Tutor at DePaul University: Summer Bridge Program
May 2006 - Aug 2006
I conducted group and individual tutoring sessions in Business Calculus and English. During my term, I worked with students on academic probation to help them successfully transition from high school to college.
Teaching Methods
I believe that good instruction involves attentiveness to students' preferred learning styles and their learning needs, curating individualized lessons and materials, and meeting the students where they are and helping them grow. To provide students with such individualised attention and instruction, it is important to stay current with the development of educational practices and to build a toolbox of approaches and resources. I believe in leveraging others' methods and learning technologies to reach students. I also believe that all students can learn and want to learn.
I am constantly developing myself and researching ways and tools to improve instruction. I am observant and detail oriented, so I gather a lot of information about my students to cater instruction to meet their personal needs. I am patient, yet firm. I provide quality instruction and communicate to my students that I expect qualify effort from them in return. Lastly, I have a track record of moving even the most reluctant students towards intrinsic motivation and being independent learners.
Education
- Master of Education (M.Ed.) from Harvard University Graduate School of Education in Technology, Innovation and Education in 2013
- Secondary Education Certificate Program from National-Louis University in Mathematics Teacher Education in 2009
- Master of Science (M.S.) from DePaul University in Applied Mathematics in 2007
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) from DePaul University in Finance and Mathematical Sciences in 2006
Professional History
- Creative Coding Program Project Lead at Harvard Ed Portal in Cambridge, MA from 2016 - Present
- Programming Instructor at Digital Media Academy in Cambridge, MA from 2015 - Present
- Instructional Designer at Scholastic in New York, NY from 2014 - 2015
- Instructional and UX Designer at IDC Herziliya Media Innovation Lab (miLAB) in Herziliya, Israel from 2013 - 2014
- Instructional Design Intern at CAST (Center for Applied Special Technology) in Wakefield, MA from 2013 - 2013
- Video Production Intern at HarvardX in Cambridge, MA from 2013 - 2013
About Me
Hi! I am an applied mathematician turned math and programming educator and instructional designer. After several years in industry, I realized that I wanted to impact societal issues so I left actuarial science to pursue teaching. I taught all levels and areas of high school mathematics in a Chicago charter school for four years.
My success in helping students in urban settings demonstrate proficiency and inspiring them to pursue math related disciplines in college and my interest leveraging learning technologies to make learning accessible to all students led me to the Harvard Graduate School of Education. I studied in the Technology, Innovation and Education program as an Urban Scholar and a Graduate Multimedia Fellow.
Following the program, I designed learning technologies at HarvardX, CAST, IDC Herziliya’s Media Innovation Lab, and Scholastic. Amongst the educational technologies that I designed is Math180, a blended learning program for struggling math students and a Scratch Projects Android app with lessons and supports for students learning Scratch, a programming language for kids in informal settings.
Currently, I teach students between the ages of 6 and 18 to code in Scratch, Processing and Java as an independent contractor and for the Digital Media Academy. Likewise, I am the project lead for Harvard Ed Portal’s Creative Coding Summer Program. I wrote the curriculum for this program and am training a teaching team in facilitating the program. By teaching students to code digital art, animation and games, I introduce students to the beauty of applied mathematics- the intersection of design, math and art. I enjoy nothing more than to inspire students to express their creativity through STEM topics and develop a love of learning.
I have been a private tutor for fourteen years. I integrate all of my pedagogical and design experiences to provide students with an individualised program that is tailored to helping them achieve their personal best.
References
(3)
Natasha T.
16:18 PM 18/Feb/16
Relationship: Parent
I am so glad we worked with Irina. I have an average kid who is not behind and not ahead in his academics. However, he is really into technology. Irina was able to incorporate additional online educational materials into his regularly assigned materials and made a benefit of both traditional and innovative teaching approaches. She was able to motivate my kid. We worked with Irina during the Summer and my kid was actually asking when the next class will be. She was able to adjust and customize lessons based on his needs, level of understanding, and mood to cooperate. She had a creative approach for the each of her lessons, and explained the material very well.
Shelly S.
10:30 AM 10/Apr/15
Relationship: Student
As I embarked upon a licensure exam, I quickly realized that my mathematical (analyzation, calculation and fundamental skills) all need ALOT of work. Irina was able to teach, reteach and teach again in the way that I learned best. She was incredibly innovative and attentive to my learning needs. As such...I PASSED!!! Irina is a gem.
Theodora W.
10:29 AM 10/Apr/15
Relationship: Friend
Irina is one of the most dedicated and hard working educators out there. I had the pleasure of working collaboratively with Irina for 3 years at North Lawndale College Prep in Chicago, IL. As a special education teacher, I joined Irina in her classroom to create a co-taught learning environment for students who struggled academically. Irina welcomed me with open arms and really worked with me to ensure that together we met the needs of the students. We met weekly to determine our lessons for the week and discussed various teaching techniques we were going to use in the classroom. Irina has many teaching strategies under her belt that helped meet the needs of our diverse group of students. Some of these strategies include, stations, small group, and breaking down tasks. Irina also utilized many assessment techniques to allow students to demonstrate their mastery of various skills. She is very organized and committed to her work as an educator. She also works great with students. She relates to them and builds strong relationships with them which in turn, the students are more receptive to her teaching. She really tries to push her students to be great and meet their full potential. She inspired many students at North Lawndale College Prep and I am sure will continue to influence many of the other students she works with in her career.
Natasha T.
16:18 PM 18/Feb/16
Relationship: Parent
I am so glad we worked with Irina. I have an average kid who is not behind and not ahead in his academics. However, he is really into technology. Irina was able to incorporate additional online educational materials into his regularly assigned materials and made a benefit of both traditional and innovative teaching approaches. She was able to motivate my kid. We worked with Irina during the Summer and my kid was actually asking when the next class will be. She was able to adjust and customize lessons based on his needs, level of understanding, and mood to cooperate. She had a creative approach for the each of her lessons, and explained the material very well.
Shelly S.
10:30 AM 10/Apr/15
Relationship: Student
As I embarked upon a licensure exam, I quickly realized that my mathematical (analyzation, calculation and fundamental skills) all need ALOT of work. Irina was able to teach, reteach and teach again in the way that I learned best. She was incredibly innovative and attentive to my learning needs. As such...I PASSED!!! Irina is a gem.
Theodora W.
10:29 AM 10/Apr/15
Relationship: Friend
Irina is one of the most dedicated and hard working educators out there. I had the pleasure of working collaboratively with Irina for 3 years at North Lawndale College Prep in Chicago, IL. As a special education teacher, I joined Irina in her classroom to create a co-taught learning environment for students who struggled academically. Irina welcomed me with open arms and really worked with me to ensure that together we met the needs of the students. We met weekly to determine our lessons for the week and discussed various teaching techniques we were going to use in the classroom. Irina has many teaching strategies under her belt that helped meet the needs of our diverse group of students. Some of these strategies include, stations, small group, and breaking down tasks. Irina also utilized many assessment techniques to allow students to demonstrate their mastery of various skills. She is very organized and committed to her work as an educator. She also works great with students. She relates to them and builds strong relationships with them which in turn, the students are more receptive to her teaching. She really tries to push her students to be great and meet their full potential. She inspired many students at North Lawndale College Prep and I am sure will continue to influence many of the other students she works with in her career.