President:
Patty Sandoz
1. Where did you go to college and why did
you choose this school?
I
chose Oregon State University both for its teaching program and its competitive
gymnastics program (pre-Title IX) and the fact that it was not in my home area of
Eugene/Springfield. OSU is also
where I earned my Master's degree.
2. Where have you taught? What grade level(s)?
I
went to La Grande because of the offer to start their junior high and high
school gymnastics programs, running both simultaneously after school. After a few years of teaching Physical
Education, I switched to mathematics teaching, finding a new passion with
greater professional opportunities and fulfillment.
Even
though I had intended to not stay in eastern Oregon, La Grande proved to have the desired green
pastures for my interests in coaching, teaching, higher education, the arts,
good public schools, and the mountains.
3. What is your current professional focus
(job)?
I
recently retired from La Grande School District though I'm not retired from the
profession because teaching to make math understandable is a driving
force. I teach math classes for
Blue Mountain Community College, supervise student teachers for Eastern Oregon
University, tutor students, and provide professional development opportunities
for teachers in the area.
4. How and why did you get involved with
OCTM?
Since
I came to mathematics teaching through the back door, not through a formal
pre-service training program, I used The Oregon Mathematics Teacher journal to get teaching ideas and to learn about
professional opportunities. Each
and every issue was well read and still in my professional library.
5.
What kind of math leadership roles have you taken in the Oregon Math
Community?
Oregon
Math Leaders inspired me to get more involved in the math community, to step
out as a leader in my district and in eastern Oregon. I've also been active with the OCTM Board in several
different roles.
6. What are you passionate about (personal
or professional)?
I
am passionate about the Three R's:
¥ Remember and learn from all the teachers who came before.
¥ Respect all the teachers who give so much of themselves to
help Oregon students develop as mathematicians.
¥ Recognize teachers doing great things by acknowledging their
efforts and talents whenever possible and helping them gain access to
opportunities for continued growth.
7.
What one word do you think best describes you?
Jillofalltradesmistressofnone!