Teaching Philosophy

MEGA MATH™ is more than a class; it's a concept. The MEGA MATH™ model is based on research and instructional models that demonstrate the effectiveness of small learning groups. In this context, children are given opportunities to interactively engage in math with peers, thereby boosting their interest in learning while consistently reinforcing concepts. Classroom activities are designed to be dynamic and fun. Kids are acquiring knowledge in ways that are both subtle and profound.

Grow confidence, self-efficacy, and self-reliance

Learning to trust your instincts, set high standards for yourself, and be responsible are consistently reinforced. We ask kids to help others, be proud of their work, and rely on themselves. Everyone can be a math person!

Establish a strong math foundation

Here, math skills are built through games, contests, and real-life scenarios that make learning fun, meaningful, and connected to the world around them.

Instill in kids an enjoyment of learning math

We make classes FUN because that's how kids learn best.

Our goals

I'm Nadia Alam, an education professional who has worked for over two decades in the field of education, primarily in education policy and institutional research. I am also a parent. For many years, my day-to-day work required using math to analyze situations, gather and compare metrics, solve problems, identify trends, and find answers to improve educational systems and outcomes. I have used math throughout my career and I love to teach it! I love working with kids and I especially revel in seeing kids conquer a new concept with pride.

We call our math classes "teams" and our instructors "coaches." Our coaches employ a teaching style that is energetic, interactive, and focused on building confidence and motivation. We keep math groups small enough to provide individual attention and large enough to allow for socializing, fun, and games. We believe children have so much potential and benefit from being both appropriately challenged and nurtured.

MEGA MATH™ was conceptualized in 2022, after the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when parent friends were expressing frustration of learning loss during quarantine and others were sharing how their elementary age children were bored and/or unmotivated in math at school. I considered what I'd learned over the years about the factors that raise motivation and academic achievement in children and reflected on my own teaching experience overseas in Japan, where I saw the incredible benefits of group-based orientations to learning. I decided to start a math group for my son and a few friends to experiment with peer learning groups for math. The idea caught on, and MEGA MATH™ was born.

I have a bachelor's degree in sociology and a master's in education. I also have a diversity and inclusion professionals certificate and enjoy working with students from varied backgrounds. I believe diverse classrooms add richness to the learning experience.

Nadia Alam, Owner

LinkedIn Profile

Fun fact: I once climbed Mt. Fuji (I was in my 20s and doing a teaching program in Japan). It was one of the scariest and most exhilarating experiences of my life!

"I started MEGA MATH™ with the express purpose of getting kids to enjoy math while building their math knowledge and confidence. At Mega Math, we do things differently. We leverage children's innate desire to socialize with peers and we bring math into that equation."