About Me

My name is Barbara Bernstein, and I have always been interested in how people grasp concepts and retain skills. As an undergraduate at the University of Chicago, I majored in “Philosophical Psychology” and wrote a senior thesis on Educational Standards.  I then got a Master's Degree in Mathematics Education and a Ph.D. in Human Development, both from the University of Maryland.

During graduate school, I did substitute teaching and “home instruction” for Prince Georges and Montgomery Counties in Maryland. I also tutored some students who wanted some enrichment, as well as online tutoring students who needed extra help for a Friends Middle School. In addition, I taught Mathematics and Math Education at Bowie State University.

I’ve published many articles on Math instruction and mentally stimulating games for children. Our family played a lot of “thinking games" on long car rides. They were designed so that a young child who can't read or spell could participate along with older children and adults. That enabled the whole family to have fun together. I have to give credit to my husband who made up most of these games.

I also coached some "Odyssey of the Mind" and "Destination Imagination" teams at my children’s schools. These are problem solving tournaments for children in grades 2 through 12. They require both analytical skills and creative, out-of-the-box solutions for all kinds of problems. For example, a team of kids might be given a box of odd items, and told to make a gadget that will turn on a light switch from 6 feet away using only those items. My teams were frequently successful in advancing from the county to the state competition level. The kids had fun and learned a lot from these exercises.

After teaching for a number of years, I began working in a family business, helping to produce and publish annual editions of a "Tax Guide for College Teachers" and a "Tax Guide for Teachers" (for primary and secondary school teachers). In addition, I have taught dance and direct a company (DanceInTime.com) that performs and runs educational dance programs. (See highlights of our Kennedy Center show which was partly sponsored by the Kennedy Center’s Education Department: https://youtu.be/11m-KMc20Tg.)

Teaching Math and Dance are not as different as they sound. Both are subjects that some people are uncomfortable with. So the teacher’s first task is to help students become comfortable with the material so they can be relaxed about making mistakes as they practice and learn.

In closing, I want to comment on the widespread need for students to progress academically after an extended period out of the classroom. I am happy to offer online instruction to assist. Feel free to contact me any time to discuss a program that would be helpful.

Testimonials

Your manner in class immediately put me at ease. You seem to know how much one can absorb in a particular session, and had the class continually reviewing moves while also moving on to ever more complicated ones.

Charlie

Thank you so much for your class today. I appreciate your teaching style. You give clear directions and are inclusive, while attentive.
Alison

You are amazingly patient and insightful. I am looking forward to growth under your instruction.
Mary

I love your class and I really appreciate the assistance, encouragement, and positive affirmation.
Melissa