Teacher of the Month | Introducing Beth D.
At Pacific Preparatory, we are so lucky to work with the best of the best instructors, all who are deeply committed to creating customized lessons for each and every student. This month, we are pleased to celebrate Beth, an amazing math teacher with us who is beloved by her students. Learn more about what makes Beth great!
When did you start teaching and why?
BD: I began teaching in 2007. I filled in as a long term substitute for Algebra and found that I just absolutely loved teaching and working with teenagers.
What do you enjoy most about teaching with PacPrep?
BD: Pacific Preparatory is amazing because we have the option to work one-on-one with students. We can really get to know each other, what motivates each student and how to help them reach their full potential. The teachers at PacPrep can also work together to help create correlations between classes so the students can see how each subject relates to each other and apply that knowledge to so much more than just a standard assignment.
Can you tell me about a specific time when you saw a student thriving at Pacific Preparatory?
BD: One of the most exciting aspects of Pacific Preparatory is having the flexibility to dive deeper into an area that is of particular interest to a student. One of my younger students was learning about triangles. We had covered right triangles, acute angles and how to find missing angles. I mentioned that later in their high school education they would take classes like Geometry and Trigonometry and build upon these foundations. The student said, “Well can we learn about Trigonometry now? I like this and I don’t want to wait that long.” I thought about it for a brief moment and said “SURE”. Then I went ahead and started talking about sine, cosine and tangent. The student loved it! Not only did they soak up all the information, they were SO excited to tell me that they had taught their older siblings and parents about Trig at their dinner that night. These moments and interactions are why we do what we do and why PacPrep is so special.
What are your top 3 book recommendations in your subject area?
BD: Oh, there are so many! But, I would say the top 3 are:
How I wish I’d Taught Maths: Lessons learned from research, conversations with experts, and 12 years of mistakes by Craig Barton
Yes, but why? Teaching for understanding in mathematics by Ed Southall
I Wish my Teacher Knew: How one Question Can Change Everything for Our Kids by Kyle Schwartz
What is your favorite activity to do outside of teaching?
BD: I am an avid long distance runner. I love the challenge of endurance running and usually run a few marathons each year along with half marathons, trail races and even ultra marathons. The Boston Marathon is my favorite but each one is always fun and challenging at the same time. We live on a beautiful lake in South Carolina and enjoy spending time on our boat, kayaking and paddle boarding.
Beth, we and your students are so lucky to have you on our team! Congratulations on being our Teacher of the Month!