Q&A with Tony Ramos

How did you find Fort Worth Country Day?

I was brought to FWCD through Breakthrough Fort Worth, which is how I got into teaching in college. I worked as an Instructional Coach for several summers, and my partner, Jessica Manzano-Valdez, is the Director of Programming. I never expected to teach at a private school, but after spending summers here, I realized my passion for teaching was strong. Now, in my third year at FWCD as a Middle School Math Teacher, I plan to stay as long as the School will have me. I also serve as the Breakthrough College Bound Coordinator, helping high school students navigate their path to college.

What do you love about Middle School math?

EVERYTHING. Math is a beautiful language, and I love changing students’ mindsets about it. Many arrive with strong opinions, but I enjoy building their confidence and seeing the ‘aha,’ the ‘my brain hurts,’ and the eventual (hopefully) ‘I kinda like math, I guess’ moments. Middle schoolers are hilarious, honest and full of energy. It is a time of great change in their lives, and we, as teachers, get a chance to make a difference in it. That opportunity, I guess you could say, is my ‘why.’ The hilarious discussions, unfiltered honesty, deer-in-the-headlights expressions, the noises, the joy, the smells … are just the cherry on top.

I try to make math engaging and accessible by building strong teacher-student relationships. I dedicate the first two weeks of school to community-building before diving into math. This helps to foster an open mindset for learning. I also bring humor and energy to class, making math feel less intimidating. My favorite concept to teach is solving linear equations. We start with simple problems like 4x=20 and build to complex ones. Students see their own growth, which boosts their confidence. It also highlights how math builds on itself and why being present in learning is crucial.

Can you share a memorable teaching moment?

I love hearing, ‘That’s it? Oh my gosh, I get it!’ Those moments make teaching worth it. Seeing students grow from fearing math to enjoying it is incredibly rewarding. That’s why I appreciate the Middle School Penguin Awards at FWCD –they recognize overall growth and perseverance.

What advice would you give students to build confidence and succeed?

Be a Jungle Tiger, our Middle School mantra this year. Nothing in life worthwhile is ever easy. When in the struggle, you have to persevere, and you will eventually find success or learn from it. We learn most through trial and error. We miss a question here, or a question there, and that is okay. You are still learning! Have the courage and desire to be put in those circumstances: the uncomfortable, the unpleasant. It’s an opportunity, and treat it as such.