Waez Mahaytab
Illustration of Mr. Miesas playing guitar, one of many hobbies
Mr. Ivan Mieses is a dedicated mathematics teacher who has been part of PSIS 218 since 2006. Passionate about mathematics and determined to make his students love the subject, he has become a well-known and liked member of the 218 family. His philosophy in teaching focuses on perseverance and never giving up, which touches the hearts of his students. Having taught for 25 years, Mr. Mieses has reached the lives of hundreds of students. Before joining our school family, he taught at a number of schools, where he perfected his art and developed his own method of teaching mathematics. Mr. Mieses believes math can teach students social and life skills, encouraging perseverance and overcoming challenges. He believes the students can experience math as relevant to their own lives and the lives of society in the big world.
Mr. Mieses is not only a math teacher but is the author of several books. His most recent book, titled “Cayacoa,” explores the history and struggles of the indigenous Cherokee people, highlighting themes of resilience and the importance of standing up against injustice. The novel addresses specific topics relating to the Cherokee people’s struggles but also universal such as the struggle for identity:““Cayacoa stood in front of the mirror, searching for his reflection, but all he saw were the faces of those who had shaped his life, not the person he was destined to become.”
He also explores cultural heritage and modernity, as this extract demonstrates: ” The old rituals handed down from generation to generation but as Cayacoa walked through the urban streets, it was clear the modern landscape no longer shared customs.” This quote speaks to the theme of tension between the old and the new— challenging the reader to understand how complex cultural values have adjusted over time.
Mieses encountered great obstacles in writing the book, even a near-death experience during the research process in upstate New York. The reaction among readers has been overwhelmingly positive. Notably, members of the Cherokee community reached out to thank him for his respectful representation of their history and struggle. In collaboration with the Cherokee community, Mr. Mieses has gathered additional resources, including vocabulary and cultural background material, to enhance the learning experience for his audience.
In short, Mr. Mieses is not just a math teacher but a storyteller and advocate for resilience and empathy. After nearly 20 years at PS218, Ivan Mieses is retiring to focus more on his family, his writing and his hobbies.
