Candice Lear literally provides her students with a recipe for success in math. In an "Algebra Cookbook" she co-created with a fellow teacher, Ms. Lear presents individual math lessons as recipes, each one containing a succinct verbal explanation of the process needed to solve the problems for that algebraic topic. Full of tips, formulas and key points, the book has become such an effective instructional tool that other teachers are adapting the concept for their subjects. With a positive, upbeat attitude that encourages and inspires students and colleagues alike, Ms. Lear has helped nearly every one of her Algebra I students pass the state test. Her hands-on activities help students grasp key concepts, as when she maps a Cartesian grid on the floor with string and masking tape and has students stand at various coordinates related to the problem at hand. Ms. Lear also modifies her curriculum for disabled students so that all in her classes have an opportunity to succeed. It's a testament to her steadfast belief in her students that by the end of the school year, even those deemed "at-risk" have made such significant improvements that they admit they "love math." In the recipe for academic success, Candice Lear is clearly a key ingredient.
