Early Math Counts

Hello readers!  Today, I am pleased to introduce you to Alison Balis Hirsch: my friend and colleague.  Over the years, I have mentioned Alison in several of my own posts as I have always looked to her as a model for exceptional teaching and parenting.

This month, Alison is writing about setting up classroom systems that support early math competencies.  We thought August was a good month to consider these ideas as this is time of the year when we take a step back and consider our classroom environments and ideally make innovative changes. I hope you enjoy reading the blog this month and be sure to ask questions or leave comments at the bottom of the page.

Alison Balis Hirsch

Alison has been involved with early childhood education for over 20 years. She received her BS from the University of Massachusetts and her M.Ed. with a focus in Creative Arts in Learning from Lesley University. She began her career in Chicago, working in a kindergarten classroom and then in a pre-kindergarten classroom before becoming the head teacher and Executive Director of a non-profit preschool where she worked for 12 years. Alison’s focus is developing hands-on, creative activities that support educational standards and creating beautiful play-based environments that welcome, nurture and excite young children and their families.

 

In 2008, Alison and her husband relocated to San Francisco where they are raising their two children, ages 7 and 5. Currently, she volunteers in a variety of capacities at her children’s schools, collaborating with teachers within the classroom setting in addition to serving on a number of committees where she volunteers with other parents and early childhood professionals in areas such as inclusion, playground and building design, and classroom organization.