Zerisenai Sahle

“From an early age, I had a love for mathematics and quantitative reasoning. As an adult, I developed a passion for both teaching and learning. As an Education Data Specialist, I will be able to combine all my talents and passions to do meaningful work within the field of education. The Learning Analytics program at UW-Madison will provide me with the skills I need to move into this new, evolving, and exciting space. I can’t wait!”

Middle School Math Teacher

Senai serves as an 8^th grade math teacher at an independent school outside of Boston, Massachusetts. Before beginning his professional journey as a math educator, he grew up in the Fields Corner neighborhood of Dorchester with a Caucasian mother and an Eritrean father. During his K-12 education, he attended ten different schools including urban public schools, suburban public schools, and an exam school. Senai then attended a private liberal arts college, joined an online master’s degree program and a doctorate program at a public university. As an adult, Senai has worked different jobs in many different settings within the field of education. He learned valuable lessons at every stop. However, his journey is not complete. A master’s degree in Learning Analytics from UW will give him the opportunity to play a role in creating a more effective and equitable American education system.

Applying an inquiry-based instructional model while helping parents navigate the evolving landscape of math education in America

Senai has spent several years employing the Connected Mathematics Project curriculum as a primary resource and sharpening his ability to utilize inquiry-based instructional methods. He has learned about learning theories that underpin such methods. He has pursued his own research interests regarding parents who grew up with “traditional” procedure-based math instruction, and their experience with their children’s unfamiliar, inquiry-based math curricula. Senai has learned about the long history of failed mathematics education reforms, the challenges to implementing reforms, and the continued dispute over contending approaches. He believes in supporting parents and students while providing a cognitively demanding mathematics education rich in productive struggle.

Senai is a 2023 Committed Scholars Program recipient.