Hi everybody!

I strongly disagree with the opinions expressed by some of our fellow alumni. It is unthinkable that some students lambasted our excellent high school math teacher. Also, I frowned on the obvious lack of respect to our dear teacher. She has decades of teaching experience and anybody who questions her teaching methodology should be ashamed of himself. Mathematics is an analytical subject that requires logical reasoning skills as well as understanding of elementary mathematical concepts. The ability to reason and solve problems in quantitative setting requires a lot of practice; therefore, students should not blame the teacher if the final test is different from the practice exercises provided. The reason why students fail to achieve her academic standards is due to increased dependency on textbooks. Ms. Rubi encourages creative and critical thinking (think outside the box, just like Einstein). Perhaps, the other reason why students fail in her class is attributed to students' inability to grasp the basic concepts of arithmetic. By the time they reach their junior year, students get petrified when they are under fire with Ms. Rubi. I suggest that you brush up your lessons before sitting in Ms Rubi's class (it worked out well for me!)

I was a student of Ms. Rubi 16 years ago and she is one of the most respected teachers in our class. Back then, she was teaching geometry and algebra. Her didactic method of learning was phenomenal! She knew all her practice tests by heart and she would quiz the class by calling names in random. Initially, there was an outcry regarding her teaching style. My class was strongly opposed to the idea of being subjected to embarrassment such as remaining in standing position when the student is unable to answer a question. Believe it or not, we even vocalized our concerns to the principal and petitioned to request another math teacher. In hindsight, it was not embarrassment that led us to our use of drastic measures but the fear of not being able to meet her standards. Thankfully, Ms Rubi remained steadfast and decided to stay and the relationship between her and my class blossomed over time.

Recently I took the GRE test (graduate record exam) in the states to pursue a doctoral degree. During the course of my review, I was very thankful that I could still remember the basic concepts that she taught us in highschool especially geometry, quadratic equations, and simplifying polynomials. I actually got a high score in the quantitative section (math section). Now, I have the opportunity to study in one of the prestigious schools in New York City and I owe it to my junior teacher, Ms. Rubi.

Overall, Ms. Rubi displays impartiality in the class- in fact, she remained aloof to students yet receptive to their concerns. I would say that Ms. Rubi is one of the best teachers that I ever had. I am very lucky. For those students who failed in her subject, consider it as part of your learning curve- there is so much to learn in life. I appreciate her discipline, tenacity, and talent in teaching. Ms. Rubi does not only teach you how to simplify complex equations but she will also correct your grammar (in a heartbeat!) when you verbally translate mathematical expressions. This is the essence of an excellent teacher: the ability to transform students to become well rounded individuals.

Kudos!