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.