Meet Sherri Adler of SingaporeMathSupport.com in Scottsdale

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sherri Adler.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
In 2007, I was teaching at my sons’ school, and a new curriculum was introduced called Singapore Math. We were one of the first schools in the U.S. to implement this program, and there was very limited training and no teacher guide to use for the first year. My teaching partner and I were often called upon for assistance within our school, because we were finding great success with it. In 2008, the distributor of the materials had contacted us and had asked us to write an official training manual for the State of California for a newer version that was to be released.

From that point on, it was history. My previous teaching partner and I started a training company to fill a need that was void. Teachers needed help with their Singapore Math(r) journeys. Initially, we trained teachers while simultaneously teaching in local classrooms but eventually became nationally recognized lecturers, and needed to put some of our classroom time on hold. In 2013, I sold my ownership percentage, of that original company, to my business partner and founded my current company, www.singaporemathsupport.com. Currently, I support teachers who are using Singapore Math(r) and lecture around the country on a variety of math topics. My goal is to help teachers and students find a love of math, while improving the math minds.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
As a small business owner, a wife and a parent, priorities became a struggle. Since the majority of my business included traveling, I had to make sure that my family life was also prepared and taken care of. I can tell you without a doubt, if my parents were not involved with playing chauffeur for their grandchildren, I would not have been successful. My children went to a charter school that was not in the neighborhood and transportation was often a challenge. I also needed to make sure that after-school care was provided. My husband was very supportive, and helped with the daily routines.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about SingaporeMathSupport.com – what should we know?
Singapore is often the #1 country in mathematics (and science) and their materials are written, and taught, in English. Their success is more than just the materials however. The philosophy of teaching why, before how, is one component of the success. The materials are based on problem solving and force students to think. It is based on several theorists; Bruner, Ashlock, Piaget, Skemp, Dienes, Vygotsky & Piaget to name a few. Some of the big ideas behind Singapore Math(r) are visualization, making connections and communication. The overall curriculum believes that teaching less allows for learning more…a deeper not wider understanding.

I believe I have such great success in training teachers because I am a teacher as well. I approach all of my trainings from that perspective. I am not the “professor or sales pitch” person. I don’t sell anything, and I believe in what I do. Many teachers have math anxiety, and they are incredibly busy so they don’t want to spend an entire day (or two) learning about how to teach math. They want useful information that they can implement immediately, and that is what I offer. The staff development that I provide is always useful, high energy and engaging. The time flies by because the teachers are having fun learning!

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
If it wasn’t for Jeffrey Thomas, who decided to bring Singapore Math (r) to the United States, and start a small business out of his garage, I would not be doing what I am doing today. He and his wife Dawn, have changed the way our country learns math. What we were doing, wasn’t working, and they had the foresight to see that. We are a technology society that is based around mathematics. Reading and writing were always the focus in school, while math was put on the back burner. The Thomas family knew that had to change and bring math to the forefront.

Contact Info:

• Website:www.singaporemathsupport.com
• Email:sadler602@gmail.com
• Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/groups/SingaporeMathSupport/
• Other:https://www.linkedin.com/groups/2668902

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