Ron Christopherson
New Mexico Teacher of the Year
Carlsbad High School, Carlsbad
Grade 9-12, Mathematics

My teaching philosophy
I am often asked, “Oh, you’re a teacher. What do you teach?” My response is immediate and not intended to be sarcastic (but some think it is humorous) “Students! I teach students!” I use math as the tool to bring us together, but it is the individual students that I teach. For those of us in society who are entrusted with the responsibility of teaching, the primary focus needs to be on each individual student. At some point a bond or relationship needs to develop as we spend an hour or so together each day. Often, in this sharing of time, ideas and opinions, I find myself in the role of the student, learning so much from teens about life, pain, love, pop-culture, etc.

My philosophy in action
A series of three words that are repeated across the top of my 16-foot long chalkboard. “Trust, Respect, Relationship” has become my teaching mantra. I talk about these words within the first five minutes of the first day of school and numerous times throughout the year. I indicate to students that we cannot begin to build a relationship without a sense of trust and respect being established first. More importantly, I don’t think that anyone wants to learn from or even listen to someone else if there is no established relationship. But, I do believe when these three words are felt, we can work through the curriculum together, making learning easier and fun. I demonstrate my respect for students and show them my commitment immediately. I do this by working hard to match kids’ names with their faces within the first two days of class. By the end of the second day I shake hands with (or offer a “high five” to) each student and call them by their first and last name as they leave class. I continue that practice, thanking them or wishing them a “good day” at the conclusion of each day for the rest of the year.

My greatest teaching accomplishment
Watching a student of mine graduate from high school within 4 years. This teen gave birth to a beautiful baby girl in February of her sophomore year. My wife and I helped take her home a day or so later. When we arrived at her mother's house, the fact that furniture was missing, and the gas, electricity and water were turned off, made it apparent that the mother had moved.

My family opened our home to the two girls. The combination of a long list of learning disabilities and all of the time and energy needed to care for a newborn nearly wore the teen mom out. Yet, through her grit and determination, she completed assignments and earned the grades necessary to earn a full-fledged high school diploma and graduate with her friends.
Wow! Even now, five years later, she continues to be an inspiration for my entire family!

Critical issues facing educators today
Math education is a great concern of mine. Too often I hear stories of teachers who are not highly qualified in mathematics being asked to teach math at the upper elementary and lower middle school grades. In some cases these teachers feel so uncomfortable that they indicate that worrying about math creates a sense of anxiety.

Kids not only see and feel that apprehensiveness, but are then not offered an exciting and challenging math experience. Unfortunately, it is precisely during these years that kids become turned off of math. It becomes an uphill battle from that point on to get kids back on the right track.

Ways to resolve this issue
Math workshops, seminars, and other hands-on experiences offered during the summer combined with ongoing support throughout the school year. Many such programs exist (such as MC Squared run through New Mexico State University) are making a difference in teacher's experience, skills and approach to math.

One thought to inspire teachers to be successful
I monitor my teaching and my interactions with students by asking the simple question: "Is this how I would like teachers to teach or treat my own sons?"

One lesson every student should learn
I am giving my favorite childhood book to a fellow teacher this Christmas. The Little Engine that Could is loaded with life lessons, but the message that is repeated over and over is: "I think I can. I think I can." What an encouraging message for all of us!

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