New math teacher balances classes between two schools

New math teacher Patrizia D’Antona is currently teaching one Geometry class during seventh period at Saratoga High while also teaching Algebra 1 at Los Gatos High during periods 2, 3, 4 and 6.

Before applying for a teaching position in the district this summer, D’Antona was an electrical engineer at a local chip-design company for several years and then transitioned into becoming a homemaker.

Because the majority of her time is spent at LGHS, it is difficult for D’Antona to accommodate all of her students’ needs.

“I have to split my teaching and tutorial time between the schools, which makes it harder for me to focus completely on one or the other,” D’Antona said.

D’Antona tries to dedicate her Red Day tutorials to her students at Saratoga while devoting her Blue Days to her students at LGHS.

Despite the less-than-ideal class arrangements, D’Antona  aims to provide students with the necessary resources and guidance for them to succeed. She has created lessons plans that include “a bit of fun,” while incorporating rigorous material to challenge students.

“I strive to create balanced lessons which include real-world math activities,” D’Antona said. “I make myself available to the students in any way that I can.”

In the few weeks D’Antona has taught at SHS, the math department has welcomed her and eased her transition into a new district.

"All the math teachers at Saratoga have been super helpful in making me feel a part of their team even as I am splitting my time between two schools," D’Antona said.