People talk about mathematics as though it is a subject that only a select few are capable of being successful with. This is something that needs to change.”
Tanya’s Story
Tanya LaMar’s journey with mathematics began in college, where she encountered a course that emphasized critical thinking and reasoning through arguments. Embracing the challenge of thinking differently, Tanya discovered a newfound confidence in her intellectual abilities. “I began to use the same logic and problem-solving skills in my everyday life. More importantly, my success in mathematics gave me a level of confidence I hadn’t experienced before.”
As a high school math teacher in South Central Los Angeles, Tanya dedicated herself to making mathematics accessible and empowering for all students, particularly those who have been historically underserved. She worked to dismantle the myth that only certain types of people can excel in math, recognizing how such messages perpetuate societal inequities. “Sending the message that only certain types of people have the ability to do mathematics only contributes to the inequities we see in our society.” Tanya believes that equipping students with skills in logic and reasoning prepares them not just for college and careers, but for life. “I want to be part of a movement that empowers students to see themselves as capable and confident math learners.”
The first person in her family to earn a college degree, Tanya graduated cum laude with a BS in Mathematics from California State University, Long Beach. She later earned an MA in Education and a Ph.D. in Mathematics Education from Stanford University, where her work focused on equity in STEM education. Now, as co-founder and CEO of Struggly, Tanya continues her mission to help all students embrace struggle as an exciting and integral part of the learning process. Her work at Struggly builds on her experiences as a teacher, providing innovative tools that empower both students and educators to make sense of mathematics and thrive.