<p>Jian Liu is an adjunct assistant professor at the NYU School of Professional Studies (NYU SPS) as well as a seasoned training specialist at a federal government agency within the Department of Homeland Security, where he creates training programs for acquisition and contracting professionals. He holds a BA in Pure Mathematics from City College of New York and an MA in Teacher of Mathematics 7-12 from NYU Steinhardt. He was honored to be a Math for America Fellow in 2011. In 2015, he earned an MS Ed in Bilingual Childhood Education from City College. Most recently, in the summer of 2019, he completed his MS Ed in Educational Leadership and Administration at The College of Saint Rose.</p> <p>Previously, Liu held the role of associate in bilingual education at the Office of Bilingual Education and World Languages within the New York State Education Department (NYSED). In this capacity, he led various projects supporting stakeholders in the English language learner and multilingual learner communities. Before his work at NYSED, Liu served as an assessment manager in the Office of Assessment at the NYC Public Schools, where he spearheaded multiple projects focused on assessments for NYC public schools, including the Specialized High School Admissions Test.</p>

<p>From a young age, Liu always knew he wanted to become a secondary math teacher. This dream came to fruition after he graduated with his first Master's in Mathematics Education in 2012. Liu&nbsp;then worked as a bilingual math teacher at a public school in Brooklyn, New York. Although he left the classroom in the summer of 2016, his passion for teaching mathematics remained strong.</p> <p>Liu's journey into education began with teaching high school bilingual math in Brooklyn, where he leveraged his expertise to inspire and educate students. &quot;I continued to seek out teaching opportunities, and fortunately, an opening for a math teaching position at NYU SPS became available,&quot; he recalls. &quot;The teaching profession is a rewarding career for me, as I thoroughly enjoy my interaction with students and find great fulfillment in inspiring them to learn mathematics.&quot;</p>

<p>Liu's connection with NYU SPS began during his first Master's in Mathematics Education at NYU, where he served as a math tutor. NYU SPS felt like a second home to him, nurturing his passion for education and teaching. In 2017, he had the opportunity to join NYU SPS as an adjunct faculty member, a role that allows him to continue contributing to the academic growth of his students.&nbsp;</p> <p>Since then, Liu has taught various math courses such as Math I, Math II, Mathematical Reasoning, and Math Recitation at NYU SPS. He has had the opportunity to teach both traditional and non-traditional undergraduate students from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. &quot;Through my enthusiasm for mathematics and engaging teaching methods, I've been able to not only teach mathematical concepts effectively, but also inspire some students to develop a newfound love for the subject,&quot; he explains.</p> <p>This impact is evidenced in the positive course evaluations he receives. In recognition of his exceptional teaching, Liu&nbsp;was honored with the Teaching Excellence Award from NYU SPS in April 2022 and the&nbsp;Adjunct Faculty Service Award&nbsp;in May 2024. His ability to connect with students and foster a supportive learning environment has made a significant difference in their educational experience, helping them gain both mathematical skills and a deeper appreciation for the discipline.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Many students who have enrolled in Liu's classes come with negative experiences of learning mathematics from their past. Through his enthusiasm for mathematics and engaging teaching methods, Liu has successfully taught mathematical concepts while also inspiring students to develop a newfound love for the subject. </p> <p>However, one of the challenges Liu faces is accommodating students with varying levels of mathematical foundation in the same course. However, he manages this by providing detailed explanations and additional support to his students both inside and outside the classroom, ensuring that each student has the opportunity to succeed.</p> <p>&quot;I'm dedicated to preparing his students for post-graduate life by not only teaching mathematical content but also sharing my experiences as an immigrant, a first-generation college student, and a person of color,&quot; he divulges. &quot;I emphasize the importance of networking with professionals from diverse backgrounds and fields, encouraging students to build connections that can support their career growth.&quot;</p>

<p>Liu also serves as a mentor, providing guidance and support to his students as they navigate their academic and professional journeys. He frequently writes letters of recommendation and acts as a reference for students seeking internships or full-time job opportunities.&nbsp;</p> <p>&quot;By combining academic instruction with practical advice and support, I help students develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed in their post-graduate endeavors,&quot; conveys Liu, who integrates his real-world knowledge and experience into the classroom through practical activities that relate to everyday life.&nbsp;</p> <p>For example, one of the activities he conducted with his students involved budgeting for a week, specifically focusing on operations with decimals. Liu saved all his breakfast receipts for five days and blacked out the total amounts. He then had students work in pairs to calculate the total amount spent on breakfast for that week without using a calculator. The teams competed to see who could arrive at the correct answer first.</p> <p>By incorporating such real-world examples, whether from his own experiences or those of his students, Liu makes his lessons more relevant and engaging. This approach helps students understand the practical applications of mathematical concepts, enhancing their learning experience and making the subject more accessible and enjoyable.</p>

<p>Liu offers several pieces of advice for incoming students. First, he encourages students to stay curious and open-minded. &quot;Embrace the diversity of ideas and perspectives you'll encounter, as they can greatly enrich your learning experience. He also emphasizes the importance of time management,&quot; he urges. &quot;Balancing coursework, extracurricular activities, and personal life is crucial to success.&quot; Liu advises students to develop a schedule that allows them to stay organized and focused on their goals.</p> <p>Networking is another key piece of advice. Liu encourages students to build relationships with peers, professors, and professionals in their field of interest. According to Liu, these connections can provide valuable support, mentorship, and opportunities throughout their academic and professional journeys.</p> <p>Finally, Liu stresses the importance of resilience. &quot;Challenges and setbacks are inevitable, but it's important to persevere and maintain a positive attitude,&quot; he concludes. &quot;Learn from these experiences and use them as opportunities for growth.&quot;</p> <p>A&nbsp;<a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ba-in-social-sciences.html" title="BA in Social Sciences">BA in Social Sciences</a>&nbsp;from NYU SPS can open doors that you may have never imagined were possible. See where you can start the next chapter of your career with a degree from the&nbsp;<a href="/content/sps-nyu/about/academic-divisions-and-departments/division-of-applied-undergraduate-studies.html" title="Division of Applied Undergraduate Studies">Division of Applied Undergraduate Studies</a>.</p>