Statement of Purpose
15 January 2002


	My long-term goal is to obtain a Ph.D. in cross-disciplinary studies involving the history of science, and the cultural development of ancient Athens.  My interest in classical studies is particularly keen with regard to the education of Athenian youth, privileged and plebian/proletariat.  I also plan to found an organization which combines entertainment and education reform.  My work toward an M.A.T. in mathematics will further both of these specific goals.  My overall goals are to contribute to society, offer / use my energy in a positive way, nurture my love of /for learning, and to foster a love of learning in others.  While any Master of Arts in Teaching specialization would help me accomplish these ends, what an MAT in mathematics does is to keep me in solid touch with that most concrete part of education that I feel to be most essential to basic functioning in society: calculation and logic.  Pythagoras, al-Khwarizmi, and Pacioli show us that mathematics is foundational to society.  The modern stock market demonstrates that a thorough understanding of history is required to use that logic wisely.

	I have both formal training, and varied work experience in engineering and computer science.  This experience combined with M.A.T. training will enhance my ability to make a contribution by answering the need for mathematics teachers.  Drawing upon my working application of mathematics skills offers a practical view of the uses for mathematics, in the classroom. The binary search algorithm has already provided hours of classroom amusement, while a program to illustrate the knights tour kept an inquisitive student busy over a rainy weekend.  An explanation of static engineering answered the question from another curious student as to the use of mathematics in building!

	My eventual goal is to combine the teaching of mathematics with that of history to provide context and passion.  My vision for education is that it become a hands-on, full imersion process.  The organization I wish to build seeks to combine many topics, from the social studies to mathematics, with the study of history, through the performing arts.  As an example, several students or reenactors for a class studying arachnids can act out the myth of Arachne¡¦s contest with Athena.  Each student can take turns at the loom, and keep samples of the weaving.  The geography, language, attitudes, clothing, etc  can be taught, as well as the grid coordinate system, using a real cloth example.  Not to mention the unfortunate Arachnid.  ƒº

	Both my desire to connect with people, and my love for learning and sharing knowledge, come together in teaching.  I currently teach mathematics at the Brentwood School, an alternative special educational high school in Merrimack, NH.  I also teach Third Grade Hebrew School on Sunday mornings  for Temple Betenu, in Amherst, NH.  I have very much enjoyed teaching, as an adjunct professor, an introduction to C++ programming course at my local community college.  Outside of the classroom, as both an amateur reenactor, and dancer, I have given informal workshops in various styles of dancing, tablet weaving, and on Catalan history.  I also regularly take any opportunities I find to learn and share on a variety of subjects, from Spanish, French, Catalan, Hebrew, aviation, Ancient Greece, Rome, and medieval Europe, to current theories in cosmology, and Mediterranean cuisine!

	All of my interests and talents may be brought together, in an M.A.T., to enrich my understanding of cross-disciplinary teaching techniques.  This will enable me to use my unique energy to contribute to the work of building a society that is far-sighted, values the talents of each individual, and encourages learning for all styles of learners.  As a culture, we must focus not only on technological achievements, but also on building an appreciation for the process of learning.  This approach must encompass many areas, and must also make it fun along the way, if we are to remain vibrant and free.