Frequently Asked Questions

What is your teaching philosophy?

I believe both the teacher and student have responsibilities to be successful.

All students have a right to learn. It is my job as the teacher to establish and enforce a classroom environment that is safe, supportive, and conducive to learning. Actions of the student that interfere with learning is not tolerated.

I will always be on time and prepared. I'm going to do my best to deliver engaging lessons to help you achieve your own academic goals. I will support you in class and outside of class. I will update grades weekly, the website daily, and communicate freely with home. Students will always attend class on time and prepared. Assignments are completed in pencil unless otherwise instructed. Students will do their best in their pursuit to becoming the best possible person they can.

I will treat all students fairly. I will always dress professionally, be courteous, use good language, and be a positive role model. Students should treat everyone with respect and courtesy. When in doubt, think Mother Theresa not Draco Malfoy.

What can I do to become more successful in your class?

  1. Attend class every day. For most students, math is not the favorite subject. Missing one day will put you at a major disadvantage. Students who miss class due to family trips or extra-curricular activities should see their teachers prior to leaving.

There are benefits for completing homework other than a grade. Students often say they don't need to complete homework because they watched the examples during class. However, students still need to practice independently in order to understand the material. As a kid, the more you practiced walking the better you got!

  1. Check the website daily. I update the calendar after school every day. You'll be able to see all past assignments and notes.
  2. Get extra help. Every math teacher offers free tutoring at the school. The most common excuse students give for not attending tutorials is transportation issues. If you need help with this, please let me know.

How do I contact you?

Please find information on my contact page.

Do you offer extra credit?

Yes. Please find information on my extra credit page.

May a student retake a failed test or quiz?

Yes! A failure is just another reason to improve. If you fail a quiz or test then there will be one scheduled make up day (usually the Monday after) in the morning and afternoon. After that, you will not be able to retake the assessment. The higher of the two scores will be kept as your final assessment grade.


Another option to improve on assessments is through test corrections. Test corrections are due the Monday after your receive the graded assessment. Test corrections can help you receive up to half the points back. You must complete corrections on a separate sheet of paper, number the problem, provide two complete sentences* of the error/misunderstanding, and get the correct answer. Please turn in your original test with the test corrections.


*Example of corrections, "I remembered the formula incorrectly. I thought I was supposed to multiply, but I was actually supposed to divide. It was a simple calculation error that is easy to fix."

What should be done if I miss class?

Students should check the calendar for all missed assignments, notes, and videos. You are still responsible for the work upon return.

What is the late work policy?

Some assignments will be quick for you to complete and are expected promptly. If these assignments are late you will have until the end of the week to turn in the assignment. This is to give me enough time to enter the assignment into the gradebook when it is fresh in my mind and yours. After one week you must communicate with me directly about options available to you.

Projects that require more time and commitment will be accepted late without penalty until the end of the quarter. These can also be redone and will be graded on the same rubric.

Late work has been turned in. Why has my grade not changed?

Please understand it takes time to grade all assignments. My grading process takes several hours to get through all assignments and update the website every week. However, I do not have infinite time to always keep up with late assignments. If you're angry or confused, please remember this: if it was not your priority to turn in the assignment then it is not a priority for me to grade.

What is the policy concerning collaborating on assignments?

I encourage all students to work cooperatively with their peers. However, this does not mean that all work should be identical. There is a difference between copying and completing an assignment together.

Are students given enough time to take a quiz or test?

All quizzes or tests are structured so that there is ample time during class. The only reason a student will receive extra time is if the student has an IEP (Individual Education Plan) on file with the special education department requiring additional time. I will always offer additional time, but it it the student's responsibility to utilize this accommodation.

What supplies are required for class?

All students need to have a pencil and graph paper (loose leaf or journal). These are not provided by the school. Also, the student should have a TI-84 (82 minimum) to complete homework at home. These can be purchased at Walmart or pawn shops. There are other options available for getting free calculators. Please ask if you need this option.

Do you offer help to students off campus?

I'm at school early and late nearly every day. I can make arrangements at a neutral site off campus if needed. If you would like private tutoring for someone who is not a student please contact me for rates.

How many credits are needed to graduate?

This question has been asked by many students. The short answer is 26. The long answer is it depends and can always change. About 95% of students who graduate will graduate with a distinguished level of achievement. In this case 26 credits are needed with specific criteria. You can always check the graduation plan to find specific information tailored to you. The final answer should come from your counselor.

What happens if I don't earn credit in your class?

If a student does not earn the grade necessary to gain credit for a class then the student will have to retake the class the following year. Credits are earned each semester so a student may earn credit for the first semester, but not the second, or vice versa. If, however, a student earns a passing grade for the entire year then the student will earn a full credit for the course even if one semester was failed. This is called cross averaging. Should a student not earn credit due to attendance issues then you must contact the counselors.