Mr. Caden Laptad
TEACHES:
HONORS GEOMETRY & AP CALCULUS BC
BLUE VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL
Education
B.S. MATHEMATICS
B.S. SECONDARY EDUCATION
M.A. EDUCATION - CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION EMPHASIS
Going Above & Beyond
MR. LAPTAD IS THE MU ALPHA THETA AND TABLETOP CLUB CO-SPONSOR.
Life Outside of School
MR. LAPTAD LOVES ENGAGING IN HOBBIES THAT ALLOW HIM TO EXPERIENCE AND/OR LEARN NEW THINGS. PLAYING TABLETOP BOARD GAMES AND SOLVING LOGIC PUZZLES ENCOURAGE HIS MIND TO THINK STRATEGICALLY; READING BOOKS AND LISTENING TO PODCASTS ENRICHES HIS UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD; PLAYING VIDEO GAMES AND WATCHING T.V. SHOWS HELPS HIM FIND ENGAGING STORIES TO FUEL HIS PASSIONS. MORE THAN ANYTHING, HE LOVES GETTING TO USE HIS MIND TO CONNECT WITH IDEAS AND WITH OTHERS.
What is your teaching philosophy?
"One aspect of my teaching practice that is somewhat unique is my use of a blended classroom environment to help differentiate instruction and maximize my ability to aid students in a one-on-one setting. Students in my Honors Geometry classroom begin each topic lesson with a self-paced 15-minute video outlining the new ideas and basic applications of these concepts. Once finished, they begin practicing this content on their own before we engage in live instruction over more rigorous applications and related concepts. The self-paced component of the class allows each student to ensure a solid understanding of the basics before the more elaborate learning happens and allows me to be readily available to work with students who need individualized instruction. These aspects of my classroom increase student autonomy and responsibility, while also providing me more time to support students in need."
Can you tell us about a memorable student?
"I hate mornings, so I created a daily ritual called the “holi-daily’s”, in which I wear a different theme of sock each weekday, to start each day on a positive note. The second week of school my first year teaching, one of my students asked me if it was “Turtle Tuesdays” (an animal-themed day), and when I confirmed, they proudly pulled up their pant leg to show their own pair of turtle socks! At the end of the year, they gifted me a new pair of fun socks fitting their favorite theme."
What is your favorite part of being a teacher?
"I love being there to help students overcome challenges and show them how to persevere through rigorous problems—especially when they have their “lightbulb moments” where everything clicks, and they fully grasp a concept they’ve been struggling with. The rush of self-confidence, assurance, and determination that spark in moments like these is infectious."
What is the biggest challenge you face as a teacher?
"The biggest challenge I face as a teacher is finding the time to execute all aspects of my job fully and completely. I love designing rigorous and interconnected curricula for my mathematics courses; however, these aspects of my job are only one piece—grading student assessments / assignments, communicating with parents, coordinating with staff, attending necessary professional meetings, and more also fill my calendar. It’s difficult to do each of these things as well as I’d prefer."