FRANKAREND
Frank's Math History
About the “Math-Doctor” from Germany
Frank Arend used to call himself the “Math Doctor”, since he believed, that Mathematics should not be painful, but instead manageable and also enjoyable - like solving a riddle. In fact Frank got introduced to a variety of methods and found out which of those are most effective in understanding mathematical concepts. Starting at an early age, being a student in 9th grade, he began tutoring Math for almost no cost, which soon brought him plenty of students, just by the word of mouth. While studying at the University of Bemen, Germany - subjects Math and Physical Education - he joined a popular Tutoring School (Schuelerhilfe) and got to meet more and more students - students with all kinds of difficulties with math, that Mr. Arend took as a challenge to proof, that math does not need to be a torture, but is possible!
During his studies including student teaching at public schools, Mr. Arend received a scholarship for a one year teaching position at Dickinson College, PA. While working for the physical education department, he taught Ballroom Dancing classes, which brought him to the front page of the College newspaper, “...the most popular class on campus with a waiting list of 144 students”.
After finishing his studies, Mr. Arend filled his life with another career as a professional performer in acting and singing, while waiting for his first position as a teacher at a public school. He has always been part of a small community theater in the town he grew up, he had won a student reading contest and played a lead in a school performance. Frank’s career in the performing arts had his highlight in the broadcast of one of his theater plays on a major German television channel. During this time, Frank also wrote and sang a German pop song under the pseudonym “FT Folkert” which was published and broadcasted over the radio.
However, Mr. Arend never left his path of teaching and kept the connection to the Tutoring School; all together about 4 years of working with students of “special needs”.
Starting to work, at a public school in Germany, Mr. Arend did not gain the satisfaction he had expected. In fact it was a rather disappointing experience in the German school system; the State chose the school for him, the students were not appreciating his enthusiasm and creativity as much as he had wished for. Soon it was clear, that Germany could not fulfill his dreams and desires. USA with its private schools was the adventure Mr. Arend was ready to take. Believing also, that his career as a performer would have its place some day.
The USA would become the place for Mr. Arend,where he would be respected!
Teaching in the US
As of now, 2012, Mr. Arend has been teaching continuously for 12 years; Nashville, TN, Wilder, KY(Cincinnati), San Francisco, CA and Los Angeles, CA. He taught four years at a religious school, Churchill Christian Academy, near Cincinnati and had a great impact on its math program. Dr. Cates who tested the students on a yearly basis, informed Mr. Arend, that the Math scores had never been as high before he was in charge of the Math classes.
During his four years at Churchill Christian Academy Mr. Arend developed software in various subjects to support and intensify his teaching results. He created computer programs for his students to increase their math skills or study Science or History in an entertaining way.
In the year 2006, Mr. Arend became the head of the math department of a highly respected private School, the “Adda Clevenger Theater and Junior Preparatory School” in San Francisco.
www.addaclevenger.org
Parents are thankful to have had Mr. Arend and are impressed of the high educational level, that Mr. Arend was able to give to their children. Some testimonials will be placed on this website.
In the year 2009, Mr. Arend moved to Los Angeles. He took a teaching position at the EMEK HEBREW ACADEMY in Sherman Oaks, teaching 6,7 and 8th grade students math.
www.emek.org
(Recommendations are displayed under “REFERENCES”)
What is different about Mr. Arend’s teaching?
Mr. Arend has experienced the European and the US school system and added his own principals to his teaching. His way of teaching is unique. He uses his own material - self created work sheets and adds additional interesting math riddles to his curriculum, which he developed for his students. His spontaneity and the effort of creating his own material are much more motivating then using the average math book page by page. In fact a math book is hardly ever used in Mr. Arend’s class and the parents appreciate this immensely. Preparing the appropriate class material on a daily basis gives Mr. Arend the opportunity to be close to the progress of his students, their levels and needs. Often the math books in the US are too overwhelming! Many of the teachers in this country go strictly by the book starting with page one and losing the connection to the students. “Step out of it and work with the students, rather than with the book! Besides, too many mistakes have been found in these Math books; mathematical errors, but also didactical mistakes, such as placing far too many problems on a test or making problems unnecessarily complicated and missing its main purpose”.
Frank Arend:
I am a teacher, that loves to challenge the students and loves to “push his students to the limit”, how a student of mine once accurately described me.
The Adda Clevenger School had given me this opportunity, by giving me the freedom to develop my own curriculum.
Enjoy my site!
Watch the videos - check out the additional information!
Thank you,
Frank Arend.