Spotlight On: RMS Math

This is a new series highlighting RMS staff and departments, organized by RMS parent Hazen Sewell. Our next spotlight is on the RMS Science Department: Ada Chen, Jess Siquig, Joani Reich, and Morris White. 

Ada Chen
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What is the vision of your department? (What would you like the RMS parents/caregivers/community to know about your department?)
To help students learn math that is applicable to the real-world and foster a growth mindset when learning math.
 
How long have you been teaching/working at RMS, and in what subject(s) or area(s) have you or do you currently teach/work in?
This is my 2nd year teaching math at RMS. I currently teach 6th and 7th grade math. 
 
What was your favorite class or subject when you were in middle school?
I really enjoyed my orchestra class - I played viola and really enjoyed it. I also loved my history classes because it was cool to learn about things in the past that affect what is happening in the world today. 
 
Tell us about your family or family heritage, or a family tradition if you’d like to share.
I was born in San Francisco and went to public school in SFUSD at Commodore Sloan ES, then Aptos MS, then Lowell HS. I grew up in a Chinese-American household, and one of my favorite traditions was making Tang Yuan (glutinous rice ball soup) during the winter. Growing up in SF was a huge privilege because I was surrounded by a diverse body of students. Those experiences have helped me in my job as a teacher, so that I am aware of many different cultures and traditions that are different from my own.
 
Do you have a hobby you’d be willing to tell us about?
I really enjoy hiking - there are so many trails in and around San Francisco that I go to with my friends and family. 
 
What do you like most about your job?
I enjoy being a teacher because every day is a new opportunity to learn - also I never know what to expect, even when I try to plan out my whole day, something unexpected comes up!
 
What inspired you to pursue teaching?
I studied civil engineering in college, but during the summers, I worked as a teacher at a local summer program called Aim High. I loved teaching middle students and learning from more experienced teachers, and discovered that I enjoyed helping students solve problems and develop a love for learning. 
 
If you had one important piece of advice you’d like to pass along to all RMS students, what would it be?
Don’t procrastinate - If you would believe it, I was a HUGE procrastinator in high school. I would always wait until the very last minute to start assignments; once I got to college, I learned to stop procrastinating, the hard way. Assignments are so much easier when you do them piece by piece!
 
What is one thing you wish people knew about you, either as a teacher or in your life outside of RMS?
I’m a big sports fan - I spend a lot (probably too much) of my time watching SF Giants, Warriors, and 49ers games during the week. I love going to games when I can with my husband or with my friends! 
 
What do you think RMS should be known for?
Having a super awesome math department :)
 
How can RMS caregivers best show support for RMS teachers?
Support their students - there is only so much that teachers can do outside of the classroom… we can control what students learn and accomplish in our classrooms, but once they leave the doors of RMS, it takes more support at home to foster and celebrate the learning that they are doing!
 
Jess Siquig 

What is the vision of your department? (What would you like the RMS parents/caregivers/community to know about your department?)
Our vision is to create an inclusive and supportive environment where every student can build confidence in their mathematical abilities, develop critical thinking skills, and apply math to real-world situations. We aim to make math engaging and accessible to all students, regardless of their starting point, by providing a mix of collaborative and individualized learning opportunities. We want parents, caregivers, and the community to know that our department is committed to ensuring that each student not only meets but exceeds math standards, preparing them for high school and beyond. We focus on fostering a growth mindset, encouraging students to embrace challenges, learn from mistakes, and celebrate their progress.
 
How long have you been teaching/working at RMS, and in what subject(s) or area(s) have you or do you currently teach/work in?
I have had the privilege of working at RMS for the past five years. I began my journey here as a Computer Science and STEAM teacher for grades 6-8. Following the return to in-person learning after COVID, I transitioned to teaching math and have had the opportunity to work with students across all grade levels.
 
What was your favorite class or subject when you were in middle school?
My favorite subject in middle school was math. I enjoyed the challenge of solving problems and discovering the logic behind each concept. Math helped me develop critical thinking skills and taught me the value of perseverance, which has been invaluable both in and out of the classroom. That early love for math is a big part of what led me to become a math teacher today!
 
Tell us about your family or family heritage, or a family tradition if you’d like to share.
I come from a proud Filipino heritage and was born and raised in Hawaii. My parents, along with my older sister and brother, immigrated from the Philippines to Hawaii in search of a better life. My mom was the first to immigrate with her family while my dad worked overseas. She faced the challenges of being a single mom until my dad joined us in Hawaii, after which my twin sister and I were born. Family is very important to us, and I cherish the values and traditions that have been passed down through generations.
 
Do you have a hobby you’d be willing to tell us about?
I have a few hobbies that I truly enjoy! I love singing and playing the guitar and ukulele, which allows me to express myself creatively. Swimming is another passion of mine, and I could spend all day at the beach. I’ve always loved jigsaw puzzles, as I find them relaxing and satisfying to complete, and I’ve also taken an interest in chess recently, which has been a fun challenge. Each of these hobbies brings me joy and helps me unwind!
 
What do you like most about your job?
What I enjoy most about my job is the chance to make a positive impact on my students' lives. I love watching their growth, both in math skills and self-confidence. I also enjoy creating a learning environment that feels safe and welcoming, where students can ask questions, make mistakes, and learn from them. Building connections with students and helping them discover their potential is truly fulfilling.
 
What inspired you to pursue teaching?
I was inspired to pursue teaching because of the impact some of my own teachers had on me—they made learning exciting and showed me the value of patience, empathy, and encouragement. I realized I wanted to give that same support to others, especially in a subject like math that can feel challenging for many students. Working with Renegade Girls, a company focused on empowering young girls in STEM, was also a pivotal experience. It showed me the importance of making STEM fields accessible and inspiring for all students, especially those who might not see themselves represented in those areas. Teaching allows me to blend my love for math with my passion for empowering students, making it the perfect career path for me.
 
If you had one important piece of advice you’d like to pass along to all RMS students, what would it be?
If I could give one piece of advice to all RMS students, it would be: Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Learning is a journey, and mistakes are part of the process. Every error is an opportunity to grow, understand more deeply, and become more confident. So take risks, ask questions, and remember that persistence and a positive attitude can take you far in math—and in life.
 
What is one thing you wish people knew about you, either as a teacher or in your life outside of RMS?
I have a deep passion for music and creativity. I play both the guitar and ukulele, which helps me express myself and connect with others. In addition, I love to create and edit videos of events in my life when I have time. This creative outlet allows me to capture memories and share my experiences in a fun way. I believe that both music and video creation are powerful ways to bring people together and tell stories.
 
What do you think RMS should be known for?
I think RMS should be known for fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential. RMS should be recognized not only for academic excellence but also for its commitment to building a strong, connected community that celebrates diversity and encourages curiosity. Our goal is for students to leave RMS not only with a solid academic foundation but also with confidence, resilience, and a love of learning that will serve them throughout their lives.
 
How can RMS caregivers best show support for RMS teachers?
RMS caregivers can best support teachers by fostering open communication and staying engaged in their child’s education. Simple actions like checking in regularly on assignments, discussing school experiences with their child, and attending school events can make a big difference. Encouraging a positive attitude toward learning at home helps reinforce what we work on in the classroom. Additionally, caregivers can support teachers by staying informed through school communications and reaching out with any questions or concerns, which helps us work together effectively to support each student’s growth and success.
 
Joani Reich 

What is the vision of your department? What would you like the RMS parents/caregivers/community to know about your department?    
We believe ALL students are capable of rigorous mathematics. The math department values multiple approaches to problem-solving, real-world application, and maintaining a growth mindset. 
 
How long have you been teaching/working at RMS, and in what subject(s) or area(s) have you or do you currently teach/work in?
This is my 6th year at Roosevelt. I’ve taught all grade levels in math! 
 
What was your favorite class or subject when you were in middle school?
I had a great Humanities (English and Social Studies blend) class in middle school. The teacher was kind and made class super engaging. I also met one of my best friends in that class!
 
Tell us about your family or family heritage, or a family tradition if you’d like to share.
I was born and raised in Manhattan Beach and grew up with my mom, dad and younger brother. We are big foodies! We love cooking together during the holidays. Some of my favorite dinner traditions are making cracked crab and spaghetti for Christmas Eve and making German food with my grandmother. 
 
Do you have a hobby you’d be willing to tell us about?
I take ballet and modern dance classes throughout the week and play on a recreational soccer team on Wednesday. 
 
What do you like most about your job?
 As cheesy as it sounds, the kids! I love witnessing when students make new connections, support one another, or say something hilarious. Every day as a middle school student is different and surprising. 
 
What inspired you to pursue teaching?
Before I was a teacher, I worked in market research. While I loved the math-side of market research, I found the lack of personal interaction very draining. I wanted a career shift and realigned my values. I realized that my most fulfilling roles in life had always involved working with kids. For example, one of my best jobs was as a volunteer camp counselor at Camp Kesem - a camp for kids whose parents have cancer. It was amazing to be able to be a part of empowering experiences with them. Keeping this in mind, I pursued teaching with the goal of creating positive and supportive spaces for students. 
 
If you had one important piece of advice you’d like to pass along to all RMS students, what would it be?
Advocate for yourself! Ask your teachers questions when you don’t understand something and communicate your needs. Your teachers are here to support you. 
 
What is one thing you wish people knew about you, either as a teacher or in your life outside of RMS?
I love trying new activities. I’m always looking for recommendations about cool restaurants and activities in the city! 
 
What do you think RMS should be known for?
Being an academically-driven, supportive and inclusive environment where kids can thrive. 
 
How can RMS caregivers best show support for RMS teachers?
Supporting your students at home with organization and time management, as well as instilling a growth mindset. We also love to hear about your students’ experiences in class, so don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s teachers. 
 
Morris White 

What is the vision of your department? (What would you like the RMS parents/caregivers/community to know about your department?)
My vision as a math teacher is that all students will be provided with equitable opportunities to learn, explore, and advance their math capacity and knowledge in each class and throughout the year.
 
How long have you been teaching/working at RMS, and in what subject(s) or area(s) have you or do you currently teach/work in?
This is my second year teaching math at RMS, and my 15th year of teaching mathematics.
 
What was your favorite class or subject when you were in middle school?
I do not remember.
 
Tell us about your family or family heritage, or a family tradition if you’d like to share.
Related to math, I learned my math at home.
 
Do you have a hobby you’d be willing to tell us about?
One of my hobbies is nature photography.
 
What inspired you to pursue teaching?
My mother inspired me to pursue teaching.
 
If you had one important piece of advice you’d like to pass along to all RMS students, what would it be?
Have fun when you are young.
Learn from teachers.
Be prepared to give back to your community’s schools when you are an adult.
 
What is one thing you wish people knew about you, either as a teacher or in your life outside of RMS?
I have worked in other careers prior to teaching, so my perspective on my career and education is influenced by those previous careers. 
 
What do you think RMS should be known for?
RMS should be known for being a safe, challenging, and rewarding academic and social environment.