Carrie Even, Waterloo West High School

Position: English Language Learner Math

Years Teaching: 33

Hobbies: DIY projects, reading, camping and time with family

What do you enjoy most about teaching? I enjoy when my students have those "aha moments" and the students gain confidence in their thinking and problem solving abilities.

What do you find most challenging about teaching? Coming up with an appropriate task for the students to have those "aha moments".

Best tip for new teachers: Each day is different and a new start. So, if one day doesn't go as planned it is ok, so be patient with yourself and your students. Be reflective and make adjustments.

Best tip for career teachers: Still be teachable. My teaching is different from year to year as I read and learn new learning strategies to incorporate with my tried and true strategies.

Favorite piece of advice for students: MATH, Mistakes Allow Thinking to Happen. It is only when you are making mistakes that you are truly learning. If you aren't making mistakes any more than you have learned the concepts and it is now time to challenge yourself and learn something else.

What does being a Gold Star Teacher mean to you? Being a Gold Star Teacher means that I have made a positive impact on eith a student or colleague by supporting them in their endeavors and aspirations.