What do you teach and why did you become a teacher?

I teach eighth-grade math and support Math 1 scholars at the Health Sciences Academy at Monroe Middle School. I have also been a developmental math instructor at Central Piedmont Community College. I was inspired to teach by my late father, who was a math teacher. My teaching style mimics my high school math teacher.

What is your favorite memory from your teaching career?

My favorite memory is when my EVASS (Education Value-Added Assessment System) score was +7 points. Dr. Harvey, principal at Sun Valley High, told me I “blew it out of the water!” I'll never forget that!

Outside of teaching, what are your hobbies or interests?

When I am not teaching, I like to run. I also enjoy traveling. I am from Kenya, so I enjoy going back and visiting my family.

If you had a superpower, what would it be?

I would love to have the ability to accurately predict the outcome of any factorial experiment.

If you could teach any subject outside your current field, what would it be and why?

Economics. 

What's one piece of advice you'd give to aspiring teachers?

As a teacher, you can make a BIG difference. Be humble and share things with your students. Hold them accountable, and let them hold you accountable. About 60 percent of the technology skills I use, I learned from my students.

If you could pass on any wisdom to your students, what would you share?

Always be honest (integrity is priceless). If you lose your integrity, it is difficult to get it back. In everything you do, give 100% of your attention and effort.

If you could pass on any wisdom to your students, what would you share?

8.    UCPS has a wonderful team of professionals, especially at HSA@mms. I enjoy the great  team I have worked with for a long time

What do you enjoy most about working in UCPS?

I enjoy the people I work with. I have worked with Ms. K for over 15 years. I have worked with my principal (Dr. Foster) on and off for a good length of time. All these people are so wonderful.

Describe your most creative lesson plan. How did you make the topic fun for students?

My most memorable lesson is introducing linear functions. My students had to share the data on their savings in their piggy bank. We generated linear functions for each student using the initial savings as the y-intercept of their function. Students were able to use their functions to project how much money they will have saved by the time they graduate from high school.

The main objective was to introduce the applications of functions and to answer the common question, “Where can you use this?” 

It was an eye-opener for my students.