By Lynn Nixon

RANDOLPH, N.J. – For some students, algebra can be a painful subject, but having a patient and compassionate professor can make a difference. Professor Evren Gulistan is a new adjunct professor in County College of Morris’ math department. While this is only his second semester teaching algebra at CCM, Gulistan’s dedication to helping those struggling with math has already had a positive impact on CCM’s students.

“Professor Gulistan spent a lot of time with me and some of the other students before and after our algebra class last semester,” said Ryan Stampfl, a CCM business student. “He encourages you to ask questions and makes sure you understand everything before he moves on to the next problem. He definitely helped me improve my grade last semester.”

Gulistan enjoys working with students and helping them succeed in math. “What I like most about teaching is being able to inform students of knowledge that they can use to better themselves,” Gulistan said.

He offered the following advice to struggling math students: “Practice makes perfect. Consistent practice with homework problems will improve your skills.”

In addition to teaching algebra at CCM, Gulistan is a full-time high school teacher at Bergen County Technical School. He has been teaching math there for the past five years, including algebra classes for students struggling with High School Proficiency Assessment testing.

It was Gulistan’s strong teaching background that made him a good candidate for CCM’s adjunct position.

“I like the fact that he has teaching experience,” said Associate Professor Doreen Sabella, the assistant chairperson of CCM’s math department. “Especially since he is teaching at CCM part time, so he is comfortable in a classroom. I am very happy with his progress and glad to hear the students like him.”

While Gulistan excelled in math as a student, he didn’t know he wanted to be a teacher until his junior year of high school. “My pre-calculus honors teacher had a unique teaching style and a sense of humor that made the class fun and educational at the same time,” Gulistan said. “It was then that I had found my calling.”

Gulistan graduated from William Paterson University with a bachelor’s degree in math while taking part in the K-12 teacher education program. He then obtained a master’s degree in math with a concentration in math education from Montclair State University.

Gulistan lives in New Jersey with his wife, who is also a math teacher, and their 4-year-old son. In his spare time, he is attending Montclair State University to obtain a master’s degree in special education.

“I noticed a lot of my colleagues have special education degrees,” Gulistan said. “So I wanted to broaden my background.”

Currently, Gulistan is teaching CCM’s College Algebra class on Saturday mornings.

“I was always interested in teaching at the college level,” Gulistan said. “So when the opportunity came to work at CCM, I jumped at the chance. So far it has been very rewarding and a great experience.”