Do you like Math? I have never asked a student this question. I am too afraid of the answer. During Open House, families look so uncomfortable when they realize they are sitting in a Math classroom. I don’t take it personally though. It was not my favorite subject in high school, but then I went to college and met a professor that changed everything. She was so much more than a Math teacher. She was a cheerleader, a motivator and a mentor who helped me develop my appreciation of Math.

I discovered that I was actually quite good at Math and made it my minor in college. Education was my major because I wanted other students to appreciate it as much as I did, and decided that the best way for me to do that was to become a Math teacher. At Tampa Prep, I am given the latitude to reach students on their level by developing relationships rooted in respect, service and hard work. I truly want to develop the whole student.

What kind of gift would math be if it was entrusted to someone that did not have a higher purpose than self? My students are respected and therefore show respect, they are motivated and therefore work hard each and every day, and most importantly they are grounded with a sense of community that drives them to be the best they can be. It is truly my honor to teach children and I am humbled to be entrusted as a part of their lives at such an important developmental stage.

• Mrs. Harwell is the Middle School Softball Head Coach
• Mrs. Harwell is the Middle School Vollyball Head Coach- Gold Team
• Mrs. Harwell is the Middle School Girls Basketball Head Coach- Gold Team
• Mrs. Harwell is the Assistant JV Volleyball Coach