Rewriting the Math Story: How a CAVA Teacher Is Helping Students Build Confidence, One Problem at a Time 

Math anxiety is real, but it doesn’t have to be permanent. At California Virtual Academies (CAVA), Algebra I teacher Jeanette King is on a mission to change how students experience math by shifting the focus from getting the right answer to understanding the “why” behind it. 

Jeanette has taught at CAVA for more than 12 years. She has seen students transform from self-doubt to confidence simply by approaching math as a skill they can develop instead of a talent they either have or do not. 

Making Space to Explore 

Jeanette’s classroom looks a little different. Instead of stress filled drills, her students “play” math. They make mistakes on purpose. They look for patterns. They try again. They celebrate the moment when something finally clicks. 

“That aha moment is so powerful,” Jeanette says. “It reinforces that it’s okay to not get it right away. Tenacity is what really matters.” 

Math scores remain a challenge in California. According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), only 23 percent of the state’s eighth graders are proficient in math. Jeanette believes that number does not reflect student ability. It reflects how we talk about math, teach math, and support students both in the classroom and at home. 

Helping Families Rethink the Math Mindset 

At CAVA, teachers like Jeanette help families build a learning environment that goes beyond the screen. That includes helping parents reframe how they talk about math at home. 

“You don’t have to love math to support your child,” she says. “But the way you talk about it matters. Avoid saying things like ‘I hate math’ or ‘I was never good at this.’ Instead, say, ‘Let’s figure this out together’ or ‘Explain it to me. Teaching is a great way to learn.’” 

One of Jeanette’s top tips is to encourage students to write things down by hand. Research shows handwriting boosts retention compared to typing. She also suggests making math visible at home by posting vocabulary or key formulas on the wall. 

Math Is a Skill, Not a Label 

Jeanette has worked with students who came in thinking they just were not math people. But by removing the pressure to be perfect and focusing on exploration and understanding, those same students often leave with newfound confidence. 

“Math isn’t about speed,” she says. “It’s about thinking clearly and trying again. The best skill in math isn’t memorization. It’s perseverance.” 

This mindset extends to how schools approach math education as well. Jeanette believes teachers need training, support, and access to strategies to meet the needs of diverse learners. Especially in virtual classrooms, creative and personalized instruction makes a big difference. 

Building a Stronger Foundation 

At the end of the day, Jeanette sees math as more than a subject. It is a foundation for life. 

“Math is freedom. It’s the basis for financial literacy, career opportunity, and critical thinking,” she says. “If we want students to succeed, we must show them math isn’t a barrier. It’s a bridge.” 

With the right support at home and in the classroom, more students are discovering they have what it takes to cross it. 

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