New math teacher opens to conversation

New math teacher J.D. Anderson said he is enjoying his first year as a teacher and he loves the diversity of the ARHS and Amherst community, where he resides. “This is a big step, my first real job,” he said.

Anderson teaches Integrated Math (Pre Algebra) and Algebra I. He may teach Geometry in the Spring, One approach he hopes to integrate into his teaching is the rigor he learned in his educational upbringing. ”I grew up on Long Island, New York, in a really good public school,” said Anderson, “I try to bring that [energy] to this school.”

After high school Anderson attended UMass, which brought him to the area. ”I still didn’t know for sure [that I wanted to be a teacher].” Anderson said. “That’s why I majored in math.”

But the desire to help to others with math eventually drew him to the profession. Anderson is not completely new to ARHS; he was a student teacher for math teacher Lisa Sulikowski last year, whom he said “gave me room to explore my own teaching style.” 

While Anderson loves teaching at ARHS, there have been some challenges. ”[Being a teacher] is a lot more work than I think a lot of people anticipate it being.” Anderson said. “Most of the job goes into planning [and thinking ahead].”

That said, he believes that “it’s been a good first month. Everyone has been super supportive. The staff here have been extremely helpful.”

Not only that, but he said “My family is very supportive, and my friends are supportive too. My family makes time to listen to me.”

In his free time, Anderson loves to hit the ice. “I play hockey.”

One thing that Anderson has mixed feelings about is food. “I like eating,” he said. “I dislike cooking.”

He has some goals for the year ahead. One is to “help kids succeed.”  He noted that math teaching is not just about numbers, “it’s about shaping kids’ futures.”

Anderson said he is an open book and willing to help students who need it. “I’m pretty relaxed and open to conversation,” he said.