Jodi Kerble, Mathematics

Years in teaching: 17

Year appointed at Winsor: 1999

Winsor courses/levels you teach: 7th grade Algebra 1, 8th grade Algebra 1 and 9th grade Algebra 2. I taught 5th grade here for my first ten years, and have also taught 6th grade math and PreAlgebra to 7th grade.

Other Winsor activities: Head of the Math Department, Advisor to LS Mahjong Club, co-scheduler.

What three words would girls use to describe your teaching style? Engaging, fun, relaxed.

How would you describe your relationships with students? I try to engage my students with humor and being lighthearted in the classroom. I like to know what my students’ likes and dislikes are, and most of them seem comfortable and interested in sharing those things with me.

Do you have a favorite lesson or project to teach? Uniform Rate Problems. These are the problems that most people dread about "two trains that leave Chicago." They really aren't that bad if you know how to break them down. I try to teach my students how to break these problems down so they are easier to solve.

What do you love about teaching? I love working with the girls here at Winsor. They are motivated and curious. I also love having girls connect with math to see how powerful and interesting it can be.

What’s the best thing about teaching at Winsor? The students are definitely the best thing about teaching at Winsor.

Is there a lasting lesson you hope girls take from your classes? I know that not everyone has had a great experience learning or mastering math. I feel that it is my job to make sure that our girls don't fear or hate math. If I get those students in my class, then it is my hope that I can turn those feelings around.

Favorite Winsor tradition? Faculty Talent Show and the Class I Play.

Personal passions/hobbies: My daughters and family, mahjong, technology.

Favorite Quote: "What does not kill me, makes me stronger," by Friedrich Nietzsche is one of my favorite quotes. I like this quote because it rings true with any challenge a person is faced with in life.