Marianne Cole — Math Teacher
The difference between a good teacher and a great teacher is the caring, servant attitude that lies within the heart. Marianne Cole, junior high school math teacher for Alpha Omega Academy (AOA) exemplifies all the qualities of a great teacher and more. An example of Marianne's exemplary concern for her distance learning students was demonstrated one day when she noticed a student doing poorly on his daily math lessons. Since the student had received passing grades prior to that time, Marianne immediately contacted him and his parents. Marianne's prompt response ensured her student's success and prevented long-term problems from occurring on a particular math concept. With the correct information and understanding now in place, the student repeated his math lessons and went on to successfully complete his quizzes and tests for that chapter.
Marianne gives her best in teaching and also expects the best from her distance learning students. She knows that if a child feels good about his progress in his studies, he will probably want to come back to them. She believes encouragement is the best means for motivation and that a student should finish what they start to build self-esteem and positive character qualities. Marianne finds great fulfillment in encouraging her students with welcoming emails and personal phone calls. She strives to increase her student's understanding of seventh grade math and pre-algebra with uncomplicated, step-by-step explanations. Marianne also realizes the importance of parental involvement in distance learning and urges parents to hold their children accountable.
Marianne loves working with both young people and the elderly. Prior to her position with AOA, she taught mathematics, raised her family, and worked as a social worker in a nursing home. Marianne could easily go back to working with the elderly, but recognizes the greater benefit of teaching children. She says, "If you can inspire a child to learn, you have helped him for the rest of his life." Marianne is sure to do just that. Her personal motto summarizes her motivation and supportive love for her AOA students, "Do the best you can, look for the best in others, and don't worry about the things you cannot change."