Kristin Peavyhouse teaches AP pre-calculus, accelerated algebra and geometry. Peavyhouse has been part of the Panther family for 25 years. Peavyhouse’s love of math made her become a teacher, but what really drives her is if she is able to make an impact on her students’ lives. (Katie Johnson)

What was the moment you knew that you wanted to be a teacher?

“When I was in elementary school, I would put my dolls up and do 1+2 on the board and teach them math,” math department chair and AP pre-calculus  teacher Kristin Peavyhouse said. “I had envisioned myself teaching since I was very little.”

Why did you choose this subject? 

“I have no Idea. I always loved math,” Peavyhouse said. “It’s always been easy for me. I’ve enjoyed it.” 

What do you enjoy about teaching high school students?

“When I was in college, I tutored students in math and worked with a high school youth group,” Peavyhouse said. “Ever since college, I’ve just really enjoyed working with teenagers. I felt like I was able to make an impact.”

Tell me about your favorite day of teaching.

“I love the unit circle. For some reason it’s fun for me. I love showing where it comes from and deriving it,” Peavyhouse said. “I love seeing the students when they get it, grasp it, and they are like, ‘Okay, that makes sense’.”

Why not a different career?  

“I just feel like it’s rewarding,” Peavyhouse said. “I feel like when you are able to make a difference with the students, then they know that you care about them.”

Julie Spencer teaches gifted Algebra II, Algebra II, accelerated geometry, and advanced Algebra. Spencer has been part of the Panther family for 23 years. Spencer enjoys watching her students grow and becoming better versions of themselves at the end of the school year. (Katie Johnson)

What was the moment you knew that you wanted to be a teacher?

“When I was in high school and I saw the different  possibilities for kids,” Julie Spencer said. “Just the different opportunities that await them from the next ten, thirty years.”

Why did you choose this subject? 

“Because it’s just so nice and neat,” Spencer said. “It always works out. There are set rules. So there is no decision on your own, you just have to follow what happens.” 

What do you enjoy about teaching high school students?

“Their optimism,” Spencer said. “They are so full of what the future holds. They have so many opportunities that await their future, yet they are still kids.”

Tell me about your favorite day of teaching.

“The first day of school,” Spencer said. “Meeting all of those kids for the first time, you’re going to spend the next 180 days with.”

Why not a different career?  

“It would not be as rewarding, challenging, entertaining. There is always something going on.You get to interact with some of the best kids.“