Mathematics

Introduction

As a math department, we are continuously working to ensure that all students will make sense of and have access to rigorous mathematics collaborative, interactive, and relevant. We believe that all students can be successful in math and are dedicated to providing appropriate supports to do so. 

Our math courses prepare students for college-level math, which is required for majors in mathematics, science, and engineering.  Additionally, the complex problem-solving and logic regularly used in our courses strengthens these key skills.
Some careers associated with math skills include teachers, engineers, actuaries, sports statisticians, architects, meteorologists, data scientists, computer programmers, and IT professionals.

Course Descriptions

Newcomer Geometry

  • Understand and apply geometric terms & notations
  • Understand how Rigid Transformations carry out congruent figures
  • Define and see trigonometry ratios & relationships
  • Apply inductive & deductive Reasonings in proofs
  • English language development

GenEd Geometry

  • Define, use and represent geometric vocabulary.
  • Use coordinates to prove simple geometric theorems algebraically.
  • Understand congruence in terms of rigid transformations.
  • Define trigonometric ratios and solve problems involving right triangles.
  • Use volume formulas to solve problems.

Newcomer Algebra 2

GenEd Algebra 2

  • Model situations as functions (e.g., linear, exponential, rational)
  • Graph and write transformations of functions
  • Use trigonometric functions to model real-world situations
  • Factor polynomial expressions
  • Use statistics to better understand data

Probability and Statistics

Pre-Calculus

  • Recall the definition of a function, basics of functions and their graphs, function operations, and function transformations
  • Define trigonometric functions; understand the right triangle trigonometry and unit circle.
  • Know and apply identities involving the trigonometric functions
  • Recognize parametric equations and polar coordinates and use them to draw graphs and plot points
  • Recognize conic sections and their geometric properties
  • Learn the basics of limits to help with the beginning of the calculus course.

About the Teachers

Moe Kyaw

Courses in 2024-2025: GE Geometry, Financial Literacy

Rachel Peterson (she/her)

Courses in 2024-2025: Geometry, GE Biology, AP Biology

Ms. Peterson grew up near Boston, MA and studied Biology and French at UMass Boston.  She moved to California in 2019 to get her Masters and teaching credential from Stanford University.  She started working at Thurgood Marshall (Zoom-version) in 2020 and was thrilled to move to the physical building in 2021.  In her free time, she enjoys singing, exploring her new city, and cuddling with her cat, Poppy.

Lillian Somarriba (she/her)

Courses in 2024-2025: Newcomer Geometry, Algebra I

Ms. Somarriba has worked in education since 1982! She began as a student aid at the National Autonomous University of Nicaragua.  By 1991 she was in San Francisco, where she has taught math and worked as a paraprofessional.  She has been at TMAHS since 2001.

J. Wu (he/him)

Courses in 2024-2025: Newcomer Geometry, Pre-calculus

Mr. J graduated from San Francisco State University and majored in Mathematics for Teaching . His teaching career started here at Thurgood Marshall Academic High School, where he has taught both Newcomer and General Education Mathematics for six years. He also coaches badminton! One of his favorite hobbies is traveling to different countries and visiting their landmarks.

This page was last updated on September 10, 2024