HARVEST, Ala. — We meet a geometry teacher who is considered verbatim by one student: ‘Our school mom’. It’s what was submitted in the nomination!
Her name is Marteasha Gray from Sparkman Ninth Grade School.
“I just feel like anyone can learn math,” said Gray. “I just love math, and I love teaching.”
For Gray, teaching ninth-grade geometry is more than numbers. “It’s a fun job. It is. I can tell you a story every day. Entertaining, never a dull moment! I love it. I really do,” said Gray.
One of her students loves it too. “Math has always actually been my favorite subject,” said Ryan Lynton.
Lynton says having Gray as a teacher makes learning math even better. “I just love math in general. Always made it a bit easier. But having a good teacher on top of the subject just makes it a wonderful class. Just makes it easy.”
Principal Marcia McCants says Gray applies the math to real-life situations. “She may talk about activities outside of school that they’re interested in, and then a lot of times she’s familiar with their family and their friends all because she just fosters those positive relationships.”
Those positive relationships she creates are about making a connection. “It’s about the approach. Every student is different. If I can find that different approach to teach that student and reach that student, I’ve got it!”
Gray’s been at it for fifteen years and could go for fifteen more, and if you do the math; “I can’t see myself doing anything else,” said Gray.
Gray has this tip for aspiring teachers. “Make sure it’s a passion, make sure you have a love for children, because you’re more than just a teacher. I’ll tell you that. So if that is your calling, do it. You’ll know if it’s for you. You’ll know.”
Do you know a great teacher who deserves some special recognition? Click here to nominate them as a FOX54 Top Teacher!
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