ASAP in partnership with Teachers Without Borders (TWB) is linking rural math teachers in Zimbabwe directly with math teachers around the globe. During 2011 three TWB math teachers are each working with two math Zimbabwean teachers that have been active in ASAP’s projects to improve math education. Communication is mainly by cell phone and email access through ASAP’s office in Mutare. At the end of the year recommendations will be made to assess if the linkages have added value and benefit to the teachers involved. The teachers involved are featured here.

Name: Hema Soni

Place of residence: Zurich, Switzerland

Area of expertise: Mathematics and Teacher Training (mainly in England, but also internationally)

Years of experience as classroom teacher: 16

Statement of Teaching Philosophy: Pi ( P ) is irrational. Mathematically speaking this refers to a number that cannot be expressed as a fraction for any integers p and q. In short, it is not a rational number. I use it here to introduce my philosophy of teaching and learning. Irrational numbers, like pi, are of significant importance to numerous mathematical theories. There is no easy way to define these numbers and so mathematicians choose to describe them as NOT something else; i.e. not rational numbers. I believe learning is a very complex process and I find it difficult to stipulate what learning is. However I believe the process of learning is easier to grasp when you consider that which it is NOT. So, learning is not just memorizing, it is not exercising repetition, and it is not about regurgitating vast quantities of data. It is about making sense of something, so that it can be used or applied in some way to the multifarious activities we embark upon in our daily lives.

William Chigwanda

Subjects taught: Mathematics, Environmental Science, English, Shona language, Religious and Moral Education, Physical Education, Music, Art and HIV AIDS education
Hobbies: Going to church, watching soccer and playing computer games.
Education: Diploma in education
Teaching philosophy: To assist pupils achieve their full potential, both academically and in sports, by providing them with the essential guidance and knowledge.

Adam Dziko

School: Nyamahumba Primary School of Katerere Circuit, Nyanga District in Manicaland Province of Zimbabwe
Subjects taught: Mathematics, Environmental Science, English, Shona language, Religious and Moral Education, Physical Education, Music, Art and HIV AIDS education.
12 years primary school teaching experience.
Education: Diploma in education.
Teaching philosophy: To equip pupils with mathematical skills and manipulative skills that will enable them to live up to the standards of a competitive world and be able to carry out their day-to-day endeavors effectively. In the teaching of mathematics, I use the participatory approach, with demonstrations.

Name: David Wright

Place of residence: Bridgetown, Nova Scotia, Canada

Area of expertise: Education/Curriculum, Design, Mathematics, Chemistry, English.

Years of experience as classroom teacher: 17

Statement of Teaching Philosophy Education is our most valuable resource; it is only through promoting the key skills of problem solving and communication that we may develop generations of people who will not only recognize but, more importantly, can address the many issues with which they will be forced to deal, from social issues to the environment. "In my view, education should never be seen as a privilege but rather as a human right and as an essential tool for the future."

Daniel Gremu

School: Mbeure Primary School of Chibuwe Circuit, Chipinge District in Manicaland Province of Zimbabwe.
Subjects taught: Mathematics, Environmental Science, English, Shona language, Religious and Moral Education, Physical Education, Music, Art and HIV AIDS education.
Special Duties: Chipinge District Examinations Council Secretary, School Mathematics club patron, District Quiz Master, Family AIDS Action group patron, Gender Club patron
Hobbies: Watching and playing soccer, reading newspapers, writing poems, listening to the radio, administering mathematics quiz competitions.
Education: Diploma in education from Morgenster Teachers College after completing Ordinary level education at St Francis of Assisi.
Teaching philosophy: To assist pupils to achieve their full potential both academically and in sport by providing them with the essential guidance and knowledge.

Paul Munazvo Mutasa

School: Kondo Primary School of Chibuwe Circuit, Chipinge District in Manicaland Province of Zimbabwe
Subjects taught: Mathematics, Environmental Science, English, Shona language, Religious and Moral Education, Physical Education, Music, Art and HIV AIDS education. 12 years primary school teaching experience.
Education: Diploma in education earned after completing advanced level education. Completed a Bachelors Degree in Primary Education in 2004.
Teaching philosophy: To assist pupils to achieve their full potential both academically and in sport by providing them with the essential guidance and knowledge.
Special Duties: Sports organizer, educational gymnastics trainer, volleyball coach, Writers Club Chairperson, Family Life Aids Action Group, Bridge the Gap in Mathematics Club secretary, club chairperson, committee member.
Hobbies: Playing darts, chess, soccer table tennis, badminton, hockey, lawn tennis Reading novels, educational pamphlets, newspapers, sports magazines, Watching action /adventure movies

Name: Eliana Zemmer

Place of residence: Bolzano, Italy

Area of expertise: Elementary school and high school math and language teaching, mediation and facilitation, integration of migrant families and language teaching for migrant women and children.

Years of experience as classroom teacher: 10

Statement of Teaching Philosophy: Teaching is a vocation rather than a profession. It gives the chance to teach and at the same time learn from our students. The passion put into teaching enables to be creative and flexible. Teaching is like going on a voyage: we know where we start but we don’t know how we will reach destination.

Zari Cuthbert

School: Sagambe Primary School of Mutasa North Ccircuit, Mutasa District, Manicaland Province Zimbabwe.
Subjects taught: Mathematics, Environmental Science, English, Shona language, Religious and Moral Education, Physical Education, Music, Art and HIV AIDS education.
School Duties: Teaching a grade 7 class
Hobbies: Going to church.
Education: Diploma in education from Marymount Teachers College completed after Ordinary level education. Received an award for the best Mathematics student in college. Plans to study for a Bachelor in Mathematics Degree with the University of Zimbabwe, under a block release program.

Witmore H Mbona

School: Chitombo Primary School of Mutasa North Circuit, Mutasa District, Manicaland Province of Zimbabwe.
Subjects taught: Mathematics, Environmental Science, English, Shona language, Religious and Moral Education, Physical Education, Music, Art and HIV AIDS education
Hobbies: Fishing, watching cricket, soccer and tennis games.
Education: Diploma in education from United College of Education was completed after Ordinary level education. Mathematics was main subject of study at college.
School Duties: Teaching grade 7 since 2007, volleyball and athletics trainer