At San Jose Elementary, math isn’t just numbers and equations—it’s a full-on carnival of creativity, thanks to the imaginative efforts of dual language teacher Ms. Torres.
As part of a recent classroom transformation, Ms. Torres turned her 4th grade math classroom into a vibrant circus, complete with themed decorations, costumes, and hands-on activities that brought math concepts to life. From juggling place value challenges to balancing fraction equations on the “tightrope,” students were immersed in an environment where learning felt more like play. But don’t be fooled by the fun—beneath the excitement is a foundation of rigorous, standards-based instruction.
"Seeing them grow, gain confidence, and embrace their bilingual ability is what inspires me every day to continue doing fun, meaningful lessons with them," said Ms. Torres, a proud 2024 Teacher of the Year semi-finalist for Duval County Public Schools.
In her classroom, students teach each other, switch between languages with pride and develop a mindset of perseverance and teamwork. The transformation left students engaged, energized, and excited about math.
At San Jose Elementary, innovative teaching like this is more than an event—it’s a reflection of our mission to inspire a love for learning in every student, every day.
View Full Vimeo Story here: https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/1092773899