Teacher Spotlight – Katrina Hadley

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What do you enjoy about teaching?

I enjoy being able to influence the next generation for God’s kingdom glory. I enjoy directing students’ learning and leading them to think for themselves.

What do you like about homeschooling?

It’s been 5 years since I’ve homeschooled my own children, but I enjoyed the relationships we were able to build as we both learned along the way. I also loved the camaraderie of fellow homeschool families that has established a strong network of friendships even now that I’m not homeschooling.

What is important for students to gain in their education?

It is imperative that students learn how to advocate for themselves and learn to think for themselves. My goal as a teacher is always to help students learn how to learn for themselves.

What subjects do you teach and what led you to teach those subjects?

I teach upper school math, currently teaching Algebra 2 and Precalculus. I was a math major and IT consultant, so naturally gravitated toward teaching math.

What is rewarding for you as a teacher?

The most rewarding part of teaching is becoming part of a young person’s life, learning their personalities, and seeing them grow as a person and as a critical thinker.

What do you hope your students come away with from your classes?

My prayer is that students would take ownership over their education. God has gifted us all with incredible capabilities to think and learn, and I hope that through math class their critical thinking skills, disciplines of detail and logic, willingness to persevere through difficult problems, and desire to do their best are increased.

How do you encourage students?

I try to make myself approachable by giving time for questions. No on-topic question is a silly question if it is a question in a student’s head that needs answering. I try to take the opportunity to send students quick notes via Google Classroom (at least this year) when I notice good work on homework, quizzes, or tests, to tell them I’ve noticed their hard work.

What have you enjoyed teaching at CHESS?

The administration is amazing, always supportive and encouraging. And the families I’ve been in contact with over the years at CHESS have been gracious and appreciative of my efforts. There will always be bumps in the road since we all sinners, but so far, the bumps have been positive learning experiences for both me and either the parent or student.