As the school year winds down, we continue celebrating our local teachers and spend some time with Deanna Sansing from Bragg Middle School.
Tell us a little about you and how you decided to become a teacher?
My husband, Chris, and I have been married for almost 19 years, and we have 3 wonderful boys: Samuel, Aaron, and Micah. We enjoy spending our time together doing things outdoors such as hiking, kayaking, and raising food in our garden. I am finishing my 7th year teaching math at Bragg Middle School where I currently teach 8th grade math. Before this, I taught 14 years at McAdory High School and 3 years at Minor Junior High.
I believe being a teacher is a calling. I became a teacher because I am called to love students and to see them learn to be successful to the best of their ability. All students can be good at math or any other subject. They just have to believe in themselves and not give up!
What is your favorite part of being a teacher?
Seeing students begin to believe in themselves as a great math student. Many students come into my class the first time in the fall and say, “I hate math.” Most of the time, the same students leave my class in the spring believing they can be successful. All they have to do is apply themselves and look for the patterns in math.
Are there special moments where you say to yourself “this is why I teach?”
Seeing the students’ faces when they see the patterns in math for themselves.
Seeing students gain the confidence to try even if they are not right the first time. When they do not give up until they understand and get it right.
Being able to help a student who is struggling or just having a bad day.
What’s the one thing you would like people to know about teachers?
We are people just like you who sometimes make mistakes and learn from them. If you think we are being tough, it is only because we care, want the best for you, and want to see you grow to your full potential.
If you had one wish for something special for your classroom, what would it be?
A color copier – The curriculum that we have has to been copied and it would be great to have it in color for my students.
