As a teacher, I am working to frame mathematics as a lens through which my students can see, understand, and engage in their worlds and communities. I hope to provide a space for students to truly experience the wonder of mathematics as I have been able to.”
Beth’s Story
Teaching Discipline
Mathematics
Why Mathematics
“When I was in middle school, I had an awesome math teacher who made math class fun and engaging. Much to my parents’ surprise, I begged to attend a summer math camp after having her as a teacher. As I learned more about math, I discovered how incredibly beautiful and exciting it can be.”
Professional Experience
During her undergraduate experience, Beth spent time in Finland, visiting a variety of schools and teaching several math classes. She taught Geometry and Intermediate Algebra for one year at Rantoul Township High School in Rantoul, Illinois, and taught within the Migrant Education Program in Beardstown, Illinois. Beth was named a Golden Apple Scholar in 2018, as well as a Noyce Scholar, which provided her with the tools needed to create and offer a free summer STEM camp in her own rural community. The camp provided access to rich and authentic STEM experiences for middle school students.
Beth will begin her second year of teaching at Bloomington High School in Bloomington, Illinois, during the 2023–2024 school year.
Hobbies
Beth enjoys reading, doing puzzles, hiking and traveling. She appreciates the arts and theater, and has been involved in community theater since a young age. Beth loves to connect with and learn from others as she volunteers with various organizations. She recently traveled to Kenya for three weeks to volunteer with an organization called Living Positive Kenya which supports HIV-positive women and their children.
Academic Background
- Illinois State University (Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Teacher Education)