About

Every year, students and families are invited to participate in a teacher effectiveness survey that informs the practice of teaching through a variety of lenses and, when studied objectively, should theoretically inform how classes are conducted from year to year. The Mathquez received the results of both surveys very late in the 2013-2014 school year and wanted to respond in a way that addressed both student and parental concerns. 

This is part of the data that sparked the inspiration for this blog.

The primary purpose of this site is to inform students and their families with the inner workings of sixth grade math and provide some of his perspective on both content and character related issues.

About Sixth Grade Math 

This is an exciting time to be a student in New York City because, in part, of our success teaching to the Common Core standards. In the sixth grade, students will focus on topics such as

• solving ratio and rate problems
• becoming fluent in the multiplication and division of fractions
• working with rational numbers
• writing, interpreting, and using expressions and equations
• developing an understanding of statistical thinking

Mr. Vasquez, The Distinguished Teacher

Biographical Information

Professional background: Mr. Vasquez graduated from St. John's University in 2000 with a B.S. in Journalism and went on to complete a M.S. in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) at St. John's University in 2004. In 2012, he posted an academic achievement of 100% of students at or above grade level. In 2012 Mr. Vasquez was also featured in The Together Teacher, a "how-to guide on being organized (enough) to be a great classroom teacher." In 2013, he was a Semi-Finalist for the Fishman Prize for superlative classroom practice. In 2013, Mr. Vasquez was also named a Distinguished Teacher for Achievement First Bushwick Middle School. He is currently in his 15th year as a professional educator in the New York City public school system. 

Sometimes Mr. Vasquez wears his weighted ruck while teaching!

Personal background: Mr. Vasquez was born in Brooklyn, raised in Queens and attended schools in the Bronx and Manhattan. When he is not actively trying to close the achievement gap, Mr. Vasquez enjoys training for obstacle course races and endurance challenges, especially those sponsored by GORUCK. In 2014, Mr. Vasquez completed a GORUCK Heavy by enduring 26.5 hours over 47 miles while carrying a 55lb ruck. 

Mr. Vasquez, his wife and their three sons: Luis, Javier and Lucas