After a robust lesson in protons, electrons and atomic numbers, Sylvia Gayatinea turned the last 15 minutes of her chemistry class into a student led discussion that ran deeper than a recitation of the periodic table of elements. 

She arranged for her 11th grade students (also comprised of advanced placement 10th graders) to meet in groups and then instructed them to report feedback that was heard around the room.  

"Express your feelings," Ms. Gayatinea said with a beaming smile. "And if you don't know the name of someone in your group, ask them."

Students were encouraged to reflect, assess and then share their thoughts about the chemistry problems themselves. 

"Were they easy? Were they hard? Were they fair?" 

Genuine enthusiasm drives this highly communicative and collaborative teaching style. It's also one of Ms. Gayatinea's strategies for having her students well prepared for the chemistry regents. 

"I love my subject! Clearly!" Ms. Gayatinea said, as she let out a laugh. "I want my students to shout out, acknowledge the work, and also show how much they appreciate each other. "I try to make it as interesting as possible."

This is Ms. Gayatinea's  26th year teaching, and her first year at HSFI. We are happy to welcome Ms. Gayatinea to the HSFI family! 

Outside of HSFI, she continues to be an active member of Math for America, an organization that collaborates with other NYC Public School STEM teachers, in both math and science. "I get a lot of my resources there. I have that as my inspiration."