By Dr. Jairoh N. Taracina, Greenheart Mathematics Teacher, Craig R-III School District
How my journey started
When I first came to the United States as a Greenheart Teach USA exchange teacher, I knew that the experience would challenge me to grow, not only as an educator, but also as a learner. Over the years, every classroom, student, colleague, and community I have encountered in Missouri has helped shape the teacher I continue to become. This school year at Craig R-III School District, one of those opportunities for growth began with a simple classroom question: How can I create a learning environment where students can work at different paces while still remaining organized, engaged, and responsible for their learning? That question eventually led me to develop Dr. Jay’s Math Hacks Learning System, a structured self-paced classroom approach designed to give students a clearer pathway through their mathematics learning.
The system uses a Math Hacks Menu Board that guides students through a sequence of learning activities, including journals, bellringers, pre-assessments, lessons, practice platforms, accuracy checks, summative assessments, and reflections. Students also use weekly monitoring tools to keep track of their progress and take greater responsibility for completing their work. What began as a practical classroom strategy eventually became something I wanted to study more carefully.
Turning Classroom Practice into Research
After implementing the system with my students, I conducted a study examining their perceptions of Dr. Jay’s Math Hacks. The research focused on areas such as clarity, ease of use, engagement, motivation, responsibility and ownership, and usefulness in learning mathematics. The experience reminded me that teachers can also be researchers within their own classrooms. We do not always need to wait for solutions to come from somewhere else. Sometimes meaningful innovation begins by observing our own students, identifying a challenge, trying a thoughtful solution, and then examining whether that solution is actually helping. The study was eventually published, which became an important professional milestone for me. More than seeing my name attached to a publication, what mattered most was knowing that an idea developed from the day-to-day realities of my classroom could contribute to a larger conversation about teaching and learning. The full published study “Students’ Perceptions of the Dr. Jay’s Math Hacks Learning System in Mathematics Classes from Grades 6 to 12” can be viewed here.
From Craig R-III to a Statewide Mathematics Conference
Another meaningful opportunity followed when Dr. Jay’s Math Hacks was accepted for presentation at Show-Me Sparks: The Missouri Elementary Mathematics Conference in Jefferson City, Missouri. On August 8, 2026, I had the opportunity to present “Dr. Jay’s Math Hacks: A Structured Self-Paced System for Engagement and Academic Ownership” to fellow educators. For me, this was more than simply presenting at a conference. It represented the journey of an idea, from observing a need in a small Missouri classroom, to designing a solution, listening to students, conducting research, publishing the findings, and finally sharing the experience with other educators at the state level. Standing in front of fellow teachers and sharing something that was developed in my own classroom was both humbling and meaningful. I was not presenting a perfect system or telling other educators that they needed to teach exactly as I do. Instead, my message was simple: “You don’t have to copy my entire system. Start with one piece that fits your classroom and let it grow from there.” During the session, participants were able to see how the system works and explore ways that individual components could be adapted to their own classrooms.
Why This Opportunity Matters to Me as an Exchange Teacher
One of the greatest gifts of the Greenheart Teach USA experience has been the opportunity to learn from another educational system, while contributing ideas from my own professional experiences. Cultural exchange is sometimes associated primarily with sharing food, traditions, language, and celebrations. Those experiences are important, but I have also come to understand that professional exchange is cultural exchange. Every time teachers from different backgrounds share strategies, classroom experiences, perspectives, and solutions, we learn from one another. As a Filipino educator teaching in Missouri, I carry with me the educational experiences and values that shaped me in the Philippines while continuously learning from American schools, educators, communities, and students.
The Dr. Jay’s Math Hacks journey became one example of what can happen when those experiences meet. Greenheart previously shared parts of my journey when I was still adjusting to teaching and living in the United States. Looking back at those stories now makes this milestone especially meaningful. My earlier experiences were about finding my place, building relationships, and learning to navigate a new educational environment. This chapter feels different, it is about beginning to contribute something back. Greenheart’s Teach USA program describes international teachers as bringing skills and global perspectives into U.S. classrooms, while also growing personally and professionally through the exchange experience. My own previous Greenheart features emphasized exactly that journey of connection, professional growth, and cultural exchange.
A Shared Accomplishment
I am especially grateful to my host school district. They provided me with a classroom where I can continue learning, experimenting, and growing as an educator. Research publication and conference presentation are meaningful accomplishments. Their greatest value is what they represent: teachers continuing to learn so that we can better serve our students.
Continuing the Journey
My journey as an educator continues to remind me that professional growth does not always begin with something big. Dr. Jay’s Math Hacks began with a a question: “Is there a better way?”. It developed from a classroom strategy into published research. Then, it turned into a presentation shared with educators across Missouri.
Thank you, Dr. Taracina, for sharing your wonderful story with us! You are an inspiration to international teachers and educators.
Is your school ready to host highly qualified international educators to contribute to the learning experience of your students and communities? Visit HostGreenheartTeachers.org to apply to host today.
If your school participates in one or more of Greenheart’s cultural exchange programs, your school will be eligible for up to $4,000 in grants as a Greenheart School. Learn more by visiting GreenheartSchools.org.