What is Matsuda Math?

Denine hated math growing up and even failed Algebra I her freshman year of high school. As a teacher, her math weaknesses became her strengths, as she understood what her students could not. Today, she is passionate about teaching students how to love math but also empowering teachers who may not see themselves as math people. It is difficult if not impossible to instill a love of math in students, when the teacher hates math.

Denine draws her inspiration from educational leaders like Jo Boaler, Stanford University professor, that all people are math people. There is no math gene, as she falsely believed for most of her life. Denine works hard to help her students see themselves as the math people they are and to embrace mistakes and failure as essential to learning. She loves sharing strategies with other teachers so they too can help their students bloom. She is passionate about students growing in math skill, growth mindsets, and confidence.

Bachelor of Science Education and Child 

Development from Loma Linda University in 1986

Master of Arts in Child Development from California State University in 1997

Glendale Adventist Academy, grade 6 Glendale, California

Alameda Elementary School Downey Unified School District grade 4 a California Distinguished School

La Sierra University Adjunct Professor School of Education 

Redlands Adventist Academy Redlands California grades 4-5-6

North American Division Educators’ Convention, 2023, 2018, 2006, 2000

Loma Linda University EXSEED Conference, 2023, 2020, 2019, 2017, 2016, 2015

Wisconsin Conference Math Inservice, 2020

Pacific Union Conference Math Inservice, 2020

Southeastern California Conference ENCOUNTER, 2019, 2018

Pacific Union Conference Reading Inservices, 2020, 2007

Pacific Union Conference Language Arts, 2016

Southeastern California Conference Reading Inservices, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005

Pathways Teacher Trainer, 2006

California Association of Private School Organizations, 2005, 2002

Wisconsin Conference Guided Reading Inservice, 2001

Stanley has always excelled in math. In grade six he and his classmate covertly started a bank where classmates could borrow currency with interest, until there was a theft and the principal shut down the whole banking system. He has enjoyed teaching math from grade six to college level. He too has learned the value of taking time for hands-on activities, even in his college courses.

Stanley believes best practices of today may not be the best practices of tomorrow. As educators, we must continually strive to broaden our knowledge and be willing to learn new ideas. The easiest way to do this is through continuing education via professional workshops, conventions, and networking. Stanley would love for Matsuda Math to be part of your ongoing professional development

Bachelor of Science in Biomathematics from Loma Linda University in1986

Master of Science in Applied Mathematics from University of Southern California in 1993

Work History

Glendale Adventist Academy grade 6 and high school math

Mesa Grande Academy high school math

Redding Adventist Academy junior high and high school math

Shasta College

Crafton Hill College

Loma Linda University School of Medicine and School of Pharmacy

Glendale Adventist Academy grade 6 and high school math

Mesa Grande Academy high school math

Redding Adventist Academy junior high and high school math

Shasta College

Crafton Hill College

Loma Linda University School of Medicine and School of Pharmacy

North American Division Educators’ Convention, 2023, 2018, 2006

Loma Linda University EXSEED Conference, 2023, 2020, 2019

Watermark Engage, 2019

LiveText Conference, 2015

Computer Using Educators Conference, 2008

California Association of Private School Organizations, 2005