Where do you teach? Johnson Central High School (Johnson County)
What subject(s) and/or grade(s) do you teach? College Algebra Prep, Integrated Math 3, Honors Algebra 2, AP Precalculus, Dual Credit Contemporary Mathematics & Dual Credit College Algebra
How long have you been teaching? 12 years
Why did you become a teacher? I have always loved math, even as a young child. I started out as an accounting major in college, but soon realized it wasn’t what I wanted. I volunteered at a summer camp after my freshman year in college and fell in love with working with kids. Putting my love for math and love for working with kids together, I decided to become a math teacher.
What has been the best part of teaching that you didn’t expect when entering the profession? When I entered the profession, I had goals to get my pay raises quickly and go about my business teaching. I never anticipated the growth I have desired over the past few years. When you teach, you are always learning, and I am so thankful for all the opportunities that have come my way to help me be the best version of myself for my students. My goal is always their success.
What is one thing you wish non-teachers knew about what you do? Being a teacher is more than just working. Every day you have the ability to change someone’s life, and having that opportunity motivates me to get up every day and show up for my students.
What do you consider your greatest accomplishment as a teacher? My greatest accomplishment is seeing former students go out into the world and be productive members of society! Though they may not remember all of the math I taught them in school, but seeing them be successful helps me realize I may have played a small role in the way they think critically, reason logically, solve problems, and treat others with kindness.
What is your favorite thing to do when you aren’t teaching? Spending time with my family (I have four kids and an amazing husband), Red Aspen (makeup and nails), singing, camping, traveling to see new places.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? Anywhere! I haven’t been outside of Kentucky!
What are your social media handles? Dionna Collins, @dcollins_redaspen, @dionnacollins0