NAME: Mrs. Andis

SCHOOL: Yukon High School 11/12 Building

CLASS: Algebra II and Pre Algebra II

SCHOOL PHONE: 354-6661

About The Teacher

Hi, My name is Mrs. Andis and I LOVE teaching math.  I earned my Secondary 
Math Degree at Southwestern Oklahoma State University in May, 1975.  Yukon 
High School has been my home for the past seven years.

Philosophy of Teaching

	My philosophy of teaching is constantly growing and developing with 
each and every student I encounter.  Believing that all children can learn 
when given the chance, I am thrilled to be a part of their learning 
opportunity.  We all know every child learns math at different levels and 
speeds, so it is my goal that my students and I will “Math Bond” each day.  
By bonding over the independent process of learning, and realizing the 
excitement of math’s structure and order, students gain confidence and 
interest in mathematics.  Creating this “math bond” that facilitates 
learning mathematics is important for all high school students to become 
successful members of society.  Not only is math a logical thought process 
that is applicable in many aspects of everyday life regardless of the 
student’s intended futures, but the study of math also teaches valuable 
organizational and social skills.  It is important for every child to have 
the desire to learn more mathematics and use those skills in their everyday 
lives.  This is the philosophy that continues to motivate me.
	The first step in helping students grasp mathematics is to create a 
structured learning environment, I introduce each lesson with prior 
knowledge that my students are comfortable with.  I always start with what 
they have learned in an earlier grade, such as “adding” a first grade 
skill.  Then, I gradually unfold the lesson to a point where they can teach 
the new concept to themselves.  I am merely there as their driving force, 
the person who helps them feel comfortable with the knowledge they came in 
with and the ability to problem solve as a group.  They feel they can master 
all concepts.  Soon they gain confidence in advancing their understanding of 
mathematics and can master the new concepts on their own.  They are involved 
in the “Math Bonding” experience.  It is important for us as a class to grow 
together and help each other to be successful problem solvers.  There is 
no “I” in my classroom, only “we” as a math family.  These social skills not 
only help them learn math skills but also will help them be better co-
workers and family members.
	Along with social skills and personal confidence in the learning 
process, math courses also teach students a thought process that is 
important in attaining organizational skills.  These skills will enable them 
to solve life problems more successfully.  While they may never have to use 
the quadratic formula again, the process of following steps from beginning 
to end is a necessary procedure to become a productive, successful citizen.  
Following a recipe, reading directions for assembling a bike, and filling 
out an income tax return are all common occurrences in our adult lives which 
utilize math based thinking and problem solving skills.  Using analytical 
skills developed in math classes will make these tasks easier to accomplish 
as adults.  As they venture into the business world, it is important they 
are able to use their math skills.  Most jobs require some post secondary 
training; many of those require a strong basis of mathematics.  When my 
students leave our classroom, I want them to have the best chance for 
success.
	I am dedicated to make learning exciting and enjoyable for my 
students.  I strive to create a warm, welcoming climate conducive for all 
learners.  Looking at each individual and meeting his or her academic, 
social, and intellectual needs is of utmost importance to me.  My continual 
encouragement and belief in all students helps them gain confidence in 
themselves.  Watching them grow and mature into young adults is very 
rewarding, and teaching them skills that will be useful later in life is 
fulfilling as an educator.  The satisfaction of knowing that I am a positive 
impact on my students’ lives is what teaching is all about.