I’m Idil Abdulkadir 👋
I am a math educator with over 15 years experience as a classroom teacher, Instructional Coach, and Curriculum Developer. The foundation of my work in each of these roles is the idea that classrooms are communities — a union of the communities we create in them and the communities we bring to them. You can see more about my educational philosophy below.
Let’s talk about Math Education, (Digital) Pedagogy, and Creating Healthy Learning Communities
On Math Education & Pedagogy…I had the pleasure of teaching math for 10 years, and supporting teachers as an Instructional Coach during the 2020-2021 school year, at the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB). Over my years at the OCDSB I taught a wide range of courses from grades 9 to 12, including specialized math courses for English Language Learners and Students with Interrupted Formal Education. From problem-based learning, to project-based learning, to digital tools and curricula, I developed a passion for innovative classroom approaches and supported others in implementing them as well.
On Digital Pedagogy…I love technology and the possibilities for play and exploration that it can create. In 2019, this love of technology and expert pedagogy led me to a Desmos Fellowship, which then became a full-time Curriculum Developer position at Amplify Education (then Desmos Classroom) in 2021. I currently work on the delightful Amplify Desmos Math curriculum.
On Creating Healthy Learning Communities…In addition to my time in the classroom working to build healthy and positive leaning communities, I completed a Masters degree that explored issues of belonging, identity, and well-being to answer the question of how youth from marginalized communities form student identities. My thesis specifically looked at the experiences of first-generation university students.
While in the classroom, I was part of many Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) focused. One such PLC secured a grant from the Ontario Teachers’ Federation for a project entitled “Exploring Equity Through Culturally Relevant and Responsive Pedagogy.”
My philosophy of education…
Classrooms
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Communities
Classrooms AND Communities: I believe that schools are always in conversations with the communities they are located in and the communities that they serve. Classrooms and schools should work with families and communities because we all want the best for students.
Classrooms AS Communities: I believe that creating a sense of safety, belonging, and community in our classrooms is central to our work as educators. Students learn best when they feel safe, when they are valued, and when they have strong relationships with their teachers and peers. Community building is a pedagogical skill.
Classrooms IN Communities: I believe that our classroom content and norms should reflect the communities that our students belong to. Curriculum does not exist in a vacuum - it should be culturally and contextually appropriate because schools exist in communities.