Math is a subject that many students may find themselves struggling with late at night, as they try to understand difficult concepts.
Having a math teacher who is kind, caring, and passionate about their work can have a significant impact on students’ attitudes toward the subject.
When math teacher Catie Neuber first heard she was nominated as a finalist for the Springfield Public Schools Teacher of the Year Award, she was both humbled and mortified.
“I don’t do anything different than other teachers. We’re here because we love kids and our subject,” Neuber said.
Neuber’s care and attention to her students and work were noticed. It was a bittersweet moment for Neuber when she found out that two of her students from the past semester nominated her for the award.
“It’s an incredible honor. I have only been at Kickapoo for one year, but it feels like home already,” Neuber said.
Neuber’s main job extends beyond parabolas and equations; she wants to impact students’ lives, be a comforting presence, and help them see their true potential
“I don’t think that they should go to school and feel worse about themselves. If I can try and help them realize that math isn’t scary and they can do it, that’s my ultimate goal,” Neuber said.
Neuber mentioned how she does not expect her students to leave her class each day loving math. She understands that math is a difficult subject, and it can be frustrating.
She shows her students that they have support from her to try hard, hard things. Her goal is to give students the confidence to overcome challenges or, at least, attempt difficult math problems.
“I care about them, and they love to share stories about their dates, what they’re doing, where they’re going, or the records that they’re trying to break for track,” Neuber said.
Neuber aims to be a solid adult in her students’ lives whom they know they can trust and turn to.
“My cup is filled by how I can make others feel better, and I get that interaction every day with the kids,” Neuber said.
