Liz and Berry met in 2013 as part of the founding staff at a charter school in Downtown Detroit. Liz was a third grade teacher and Berry a third grade teaching assistant. They became an instructional team in 2015. Their work in the classroom did not go unnoticed as their students’ growth with Math test scores were off the charts! This was Liz’s last year in the classroom as she became a Math Instructional Coach in 2016. Berry became her teammate again the following year as he was promoted to Math Instructional Aid.
While in her new role, Liz noticed that some teachers were afraid of math because of the experiences they had as a youth in school. She discovered that math phobia was real and made it her mission to get rid of the math stigma for both adults and students. She created several Math initiatives around the school to increase Math excitement and engagement. Berry and Liz teamed together to introduce Fun Factor Friday, Problem of the week and Xtra Fly Math Guy. Berry played the character of Xtra Fly Math Guy and became a popular face and name throughout the school. There would be no Math Guy without Berry. Together, Berry and Liz helped to improve Math scores and made Math a buzz word again.
They are now looking to bring the excitement beyond just their school. Xtra Fly Math will provide tips for both teachers and parents with Math instruction. You will find blogs, tutorials, and weekly videos that address common math misconceptions. They will also take suggestions for video tutorials. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter @xtraflymath.
Meet Liz and Berry
Liz has been an educator since 2008. She taught 3rd and 4th grade for 8 years, has been an instructional coach for over 6 years and is currently a K-8 principal in Detroit. She has a Masters in Elementary Education with an endorsement in Math and Educational Technology.
Berry has been in education since 2013. He was a teaching assistant for 3rd grade for 4 years and an Instructional Aid for 4 years. He tutors students in Math to help gain their conceptual understanding.