Emily Weihrauch, Israa Howard, Priscarla Villefranche, and Safa Niazi also contributed to this article.
Every student’s journey to graduation looks a little different, and at Malden High School, the Pathways program continues to help students find their way forward to a high school diploma. This program provides an alternative educational track for students who need a different path to earn their diploma.
This year, the program welcomed Nicole Beinstein, a new math teacher who chose Pathways to build closer connections with students and give more individual attention.
When applying to Malden High School, Beinstein had the option of teaching a traditional math class or joining Pathways. She chose Pathways because she preferred “smaller classes” and preferred “to be able to emotionally connect with the students that really need help,” Beinstein explained.
With a degree in physics, Beinstein is certified to teach both math and science. Before coming to Malden, she taught science in Melrose for three years. Although she has only been teaching math for a short time, she has already noticed students becoming more confident. Some students enter her classroom believing they cannot do math, but over time they have started to recognize and see their abilities.
However, Beinstein noted that many students and teachers still do not fully understand how Pathways works. She hopes that greater awareness will help the school community better understand the program and students.
For Beinstein, the goal of Pathways is clear: “Every student who goes through here leaves with the diploma.”
Her experiences reflect the importance of helping students feel supported, allowing them to succeed in the subjects they once may have struggled with.
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