An Interview with Mrs. Megan Heuer

(This interview was conducted by Mr. Michael Cantu and published initially in the March 1, 2012 eFC (PDF).)

What is your teaching assignment and how long have you been at Holy Rosary?

I am the 5th - 8th grade math specialist, and I also teach a junior high leadership elective. This is my 6th year at Holy Rosary, but it is the first year in my new position. I previously taught 8th grade English and junior high math.

I understand you attended Notre Dame but you are not the only member of the faculty that attended ND, who else? What were some of the highlights of that experience?

I did go to Notre Dame! Ms. Darcy McLaughlin and Mr. Patrick Barredo are also Fightin’ Irish alums. My four years at Notre Dame were some of the best of my life. I made friends from all over the United States who I still talk to regularly. Whenever I travel, I almost always have a ND friend to stay with.

When did you decide to be a teacher?

I remember tutoring younger students when I was in grade school at Our Lady of the Lake and really enjoying helping kids understand concepts, especially math. But it really wasn’t until my junior year at Notre Dame that I decided that I wanted to be a teacher. Right after I graduated, I attended University of Washington for my Masters in Teaching. On another note, I was very excited to get the job at Holy Rosary because my grandfather, mom, and uncles all graduated from Holy Rosary. I also have a cousin who is in the 3rd grade this year.

The faculty recently discussed the Math curriculum during a faculty meeting, how do you see the Math program here at HR? Is this an ongoing discussion?

The math program at Holy Rosary is very strong and effective in preparing our students for the next grade level. The programs have been carefully chosen based on both grade level standards and age development appropriateness. When we update a math program or choose a new curriculum, it is a long process. We critically examine our current program and compare it to other potential math programs. We research different programs, order samples, communicate with other schools that use those programs, and finally make a decision with the grade level teachers and with the administration. It is definitely an ongoing discussion, but when we change a program, we do it with the intention of keeping the program for as long as it corresponds to the standards and our goals.

How does the Saxon Math program fit in both above and below where it is offered?

The Saxon Program fits perfectly into our intermediate grades. The Saxon method involves teaching a new mathematical concept every day and constantly reviewing old concepts. It focuses on incremental learning, so that the students are slowly introduced to new concepts, which are developed throughout the year. The strength of the Saxon Program is in the consistency of the daily lessons and test-taking schedule. The students become accustomed to the routine, and the learning time is maximized. Another strength is the focus on the development of basic math facts. This is so important in the intermediate grades, and this is definitely focused on in this program. Finally, the spiraling nature of the program allows the students to learn new concepts in small increments. They then review these new concepts throughout the year, which helps to cement the learning.

The current 7th and 8th Grade students tested at the 9th grade and 11th Grade levels when they took the ITBS tests last spring. These are great indications of how well the kids are doing, what do you think made this possible?

I am so proud to see how well our students do on the national tests! I think this is possible through the dedicated effort of the students, the strong parental support at home, and the hard work of the teachers. I am always so pleased to see the effort that the students put in both at school and at home. I also think that the parents are aware of the importance of math, and having this support at home is so important. Finally, the teachers are constantly working together to improve their teaching strategies, finding new ways to present material, and creating projects that will produce life-long learning.

What did you learn from your visit to Seattle Prep Math meeting earlier this year? What have you heard from the High Schools on how are kids are prepared?

It was really eye-opening to visit with the math specialists at Seattle Prep about the strengths and weaknesses of incoming students. It made me feel very reassured about the preparation of our students at Holy Rosary. One weakness that was mentioned was how some students struggle with basic math facts. This is something that is a big focus in our intermediate grades in the Saxon Program. Another weakness mentioned was how some students freeze up on story problems; they don’t have strategies that can help them get started. This is something that is a huge focus in the upper grades with the Glencoe McGraw-Hill program. We hear back frequently about how our Holy Rosary students are very well prepared in not only math, but across all subject areas. I feel this is a great compliment to all of the teachers at Holy Rosary.

So, how strong is our Math program and how do you think we can continue to improve?

I believe our program is very strong, and it will continue to grow because of the teachers’ commitment to professional development. We work together and continue to develop our teaching strategies.

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