Inspiring Conversations with Ariel Crutchfield of Math Plus Sum

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ariel Crutchfield.   

Hi Ariel, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Ariel Crutchfield, and my journey started as early as second grade. As a child, I would walk around the house with a briefcase full of worksheets and play school with my brothers and sisters. I’ve always had a passion for education and always inspired to be an individual that made a difference. 

While attending Wayne State University and studying Elementary Education coursework, I worked for the DAPCEP program as a teacher’s assistant and helped elementary students with the Math coursework aligned to the program’s curriculum. After graduating from Wayne State University with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and ZA Endorsement, I began my teaching career. While teaching, I attended an abundance of professional development trainings which enhanced my depth of knowledge about Mathematics, leadership, student relationships, and how to increase student achievement. This ultimately led me to return back to school to retrieve my master’s degree in educational leadership and be promoted to a Math Master Teacher within my school district. 

My passion for education extended outside of the classroom which provided me with an opportunity to work with students in a different capacity. One of my closest friends and I started a tutoring business called A&C Tutoring because we saw the learning deficits that many of our students were facing. We traveled to various libraries, tutoring students throughout the school year, which eventually led me to opening up my home and hosting Math camps for students in grades 3-8. 

In 2019, I branched out and created a math toolbox line which is known as Math + ΣSum (Math Plus Sum), to provide students with HandsOn activities to create kinesthetic learning opportunities to build the foundational skills in Mathematics. When the pandemic hit in 2020, I realized that Math Plus Sum could be more than just a toolbox; I used that platform to provide learning resources and tips to parents to build not only their understanding of math but to engage and support their children. 

When transitioning back to in-person learning in 2021, I saw firsthand the impact that virtual learning had on students academically, especially in the urban community, and decided that I needed to do more. I studied and began reaching out to community leaders to see how Math Plus Sum could provide more resources to students to help with the learning deficit. Since then, I have hosted parent workshops at schools to discuss the importance of education, attended community events, as well as used my social media platform to provide parents with tips, resources, and instructional videos on how to complete various math problems with what parents call “the new math.” 

Now you will find Math Plus Sum as a toolbox, online support, and educational resource that supports teachers, parents, students, and all other stakeholders. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road. Prior to the pandemic things were moving at a different pace which allowed me to be more productive and fluid. The effects of the pandemic slowed things down tremendously, especially when working with students face to face, and required me to pivot to an online platform. The pandemic also required me to focus more on my mental health; although I was facing challenges personally, I still tried to be present via social media to support all of my parents that were looking for resources to support their students through the virtual world. As I transition back to face-to-face, I’m still presented with challenges but continue to persevere. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I founded Math Plus Sum in 2019  and created the Math toolboxes because I saw firsthand the lack of foundational skills that many students possessed. The Math toolboxes support students’ academic abilities as they master mathematical concepts starting as early as Preschool, are equipped with manipulatives, and step-by-step directions so that parents and students can follow along easily. The toolboxes also consist of a variety of kinesthetic activities that are aligned to the Common Core State Standards.

Math Plus Sum strives to provide learning opportunities for students to build their mathematical skills, support teachers in the classroom as well as educate parents/guardians and all other stakeholders on the importance of education. As the owner, I have received several awards, recognition, and promotions for my dedication to education and if it’s anything that sets me apart from others, it would be my passion and dedication to students and their families.

This year Math Plus Sum has added student workshops to the list of services that we offer. Our student workshops focus on the core concepts students learn within each grade level as well as financial literacy. The workshops provide students with hands-on experiences which makes the learning experiences more fun and engaging as well as teach students how to build their confidence, self-esteem and maintain a growth mindset.

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Education is constantly changing and unfortunately, you find that people that haven’t taught inside the classroom are the ones making decisions about education and what’s best for the students. It’s my hope that these same people reach out to people that are in the trenches (like me) and use us as a resource before making decisions. 

If asked, where do I see Math Plus Sum in 5-10 years; 

I see Math Plus Sum excelling and becoming the number one educational resource for school districts, families, and students. I see school districts partnering with Math Plus Sum for professional development trainings for teachers as well as partnerships with communities to create opportunities for student learning. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mathplussum.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/mathplussum
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mathplussum
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@mathplussum