Meet Math Medic Foundation Board Member at Large, Dwaina Sookhoo

We are excited to welcome Dwaina Sookhoo to the Math Medic Foundation Board of Directors as a Member at Large. Dwaina is a high school mathematics teacher, doctoral researcher, and lifelong learner who is passionate about creating equitable mathematics experiences for students. We recently sat down with Dwaina to learn more about her background, her interests, and what inspired her to get involved with Math Medic Foundation.

Tell us about your current role. What do you enjoy most about your work?

I am a high school mathematics teacher. My favorite part of the job is the students. I love their energy, their personalities, and making connections with them beyond the content. We all have good days and bad days, and it has been wonderful and rewarding to be part of their lives for a slice of their high school experience.

Why were you interested in becoming involved with Math Medic Foundation?

Math Medic Foundation aligns with the kind of mathematics educator I’ve always wanted to be. Throughout my career, I’ve been drawn to opportunities that bring teachers together around meaningful conversations about teaching and learning.

What excites me most is that involvement with Math Medic Foundation goes beyond using instructional materials. It creates opportunities to collaborate with educators from different contexts, learn from innovative practitioners, and contribute to broader conversations about mathematics education. I see it as a space where I can continue growing while also sharing what I’ve learned through my own classroom experience and research.

Did you always know you wanted to work in education?

My first job was babysitting, mostly because there wasn’t much else anyone would trust a high school student to do. I enjoyed working with kids, but I never would have guessed that it would eventually lead me to a career in education.

Over the years, I’ve also worked as a lifeguard, water safety instructor, tutor, paraprofessional, and camp counselor. Looking back, many of those experiences pointed me toward teaching long before I realized it myself.

What’s a professional accomplishment you’re especially proud of?

One accomplishment I’m particularly proud of is developing my doctoral research while continuing to teach high school mathematics full time. My research examines how culturally inclusive instructional practices and Complex Instruction can support more equitable mathematics classrooms.

Every stage of the process, from reviewing literature to conducting interviews and analyzing data, has helped me become a more reflective educator. I hope the work can contribute to broader conversations about equity in mathematics education.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?

Lately, I’ve been getting back into sports and other physical activities. I joined a pickleball league, a lacrosse league, and a spin gym. I’ve also been trying out some new hobbies, including a knitting collective and a writing club.

Since I’m currently working on my doctorate, most of my interests happen in short, manageable bursts, but I enjoy having a variety of things that keep me active and engaged.

Where would we find you on a typical weekend?

Usually exploring! I love discovering new neighborhoods and restaurants across Queens, Brooklyn, and Manhattan. You might also find me taking a walk around my neighborhood, relaxing on the couch catching up on shows, participating in one of my latest hobbies, or spending some time working on my doctorate.

Tell us about your family and pets.

My dog, Onyx, is a six-year-old French Bulldog and my pandemic puppy. I brought her home in March 2020, right before lockdown, and we spent a lot of quality time figuring out life together. She’s definitely my best friend.

I also come from a very STEM-oriented family. My sister is the Computer Science and Robotics Chair at the Dalton School, my brother is a civil engineer for New York City, my mother is an ophthalmologist, and my father is a retired MTA train operator. We grew up very close-knit and still stay connected even though we’re all busy with our own careers.

Who inspires you?

Without question, my mother.

She immigrated from Haiti at age 18, built a life for herself in the United States, became a doctor, and raised three children. I cannot imagine being in her shoes at my age, and her perseverance continues to motivate me whenever I’m working through something difficult.

What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?

I’m left-handed, I took piano lessons for more than 13 years, and I love planning and hosting events.

I also had four pet turtles growing up named Batman, Robin, Speedy, and Napoleon. At one point, they all lived in a 100-gallon tank that I cleaned every month.

Any guilty pleasures?

I will happily binge-watch just about any version of 90 Day Fiancé. They’re endlessly fascinating.

Favorite teams?

NY Knicks! NY Mets! NY Giants!

Last question: you’re a math teacher, so what are you secretly bad at?

Mental math! I always encourage my students to use a calculator because I need one too.

We’re grateful to have Dwaina serving as a Member at Large on the Math Medic Foundation Board of Directors and look forward to the perspective, passion, and experience she brings to our work. Welcome, Dwaina!

 

Please join Math Medic Foundation in our mission to improve math outcomes for all. You can contact us to get involved or donate here.

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