The Green Wave Gazette June 2014 | 页面 2

J UNE 2014 P AGE 2 Teacher Spotlight: Ms. Doherty Math Teacher, Department Head and Math Team Adviser Alyssa Devlin, Staff Writer Where did you grow up, go to high school and college? I grew up in Duxbury and went to Duxbury High School. I did my undergraduate work at Bridgewater State College and my masters at UMASS –Boston. Did you always want to be a teacher? If not, what did you want to be? I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. In my senior year of high school we did a report and presentation for biology. After I did my presentation, the teacher told me I should go into teaching. I was already planning on being an elementary school teacher, but she asked me to consider teaching science at the middle grades. She said they needed women to teach in the sciences to be role models for young girls. That is when I started thinking about teaching at the secondary level. Were you always interested in pursuing a career in math? I never in my wildest dreams would have thought of myself as a math major. For two years I was declared as an elementary education major, yet I never took a course in the field. I just kept taking math classes. At the end of my sophomore year I changed my major to math with a minor in secondary education. How long have you been teaching at Abington? Since February 22, 1993; my very first day was a snow day and I was so happy because I was so nervous. “I love to see that „aha‟ moment when a student understands a concept and has confidence in the subject.” - Ms. Doherty What is your favorite part about your job and teaching in Abington? My favorite part about teaching is the students. I love to see that „aha‟ moment when a student understands a concept and has confidence in the subject. What I love about Abington are the students. They are just really nice kids with a strong sense of community. I love that! What classes do you/ have you taught? Which is your favorite to teach? I think I have taught all of the courses in the Math Department except Dis- Ms. Doherty (Staff) crete and Advanced Algebra and Trigonmetry. I love to teach Calculus because it is where the students can see how math and science are truly related. What other school subjects did you enjoy? I loved biology and I loved orchestra. How long have you been the Math Team Adviser? Has the team had much success in the past? I think this is my third time around with it. Next year Mr. Holzman will be the math team adviser, but I will be there helping out. I am sure it will be a great season! Do you have any hobbies? I wish I had more hobbies. I get a hobby for a bit, and then I get distracted and move onto something else. I really like card making, but I have now moved on to baking.