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Mary Walz has dedicated her life to teaching. She has been a mathematics teacher at Sauk Prairie High School in Prairie du Sac for 20 years. |
Walz is a leader in mathematics education
What do you believe about teaching? I believe how I teach is always work in progress. Although challenging, it is important to modify previous lessons and implement additional techniques. I once taught students a math concept and expected everyone to understand the way I taught. I now have a better understanding that not every student learns in the same way. I believe it is important to offer alternative methods for learning math concepts so as to increase the understanding of problem solving. If you could be something other than a teacher, what would you be? The only other career I've ever pondered is to be an actuary. What is your best childhood memory? My best childhood memory is my first and second grade teacher making family home visits during parent teacher conferences. Right now, what are you reading? I'm usually reading the papers that I correct, but do enjoy reading journals and research. Favorite quote: “Start counting to infinity and let me know when you are done.” - Mary Walz |
Mary Walz, a math and computer science teacher, has held that position for 20 years at Sauk Prairie High School in Prairie du Sac. Walz and her seven siblings were raised in the tiny farming community of Glen Haven along the Mississippi River, where as a small child she first set her sights on teaching.
“Then, when I reached high school and found out you could teach just math, I knew what I really wanted to do,” Walz said.
As she progressed through Bloomington High School, Walz closely watched her teachers, tucking away their best techniques and approaches. She said she made a conscientious effort to remember what it was like to be a teenager in high school.
“With respect to teaching, I know I am a product of my most inspiring high school teachers,” Walz said. “They are Janice Priebe, Colleen Engelke and Barb Cnare. They all had high expectations of their students; something I try to model with my students.”
Her single-minded commitment is evident in her career and in her daily interactions with students. She achieved National Board Certification for Adolescence and Young Adulthood Mathematics in 2004, and is a member of the Wisconsin Mathematics Council Board. Among her hobbies, she lists attending student activities and serving as a volunteer counselor for the Badger Girls State program.
“I have always felt that I teach problem solving, not math,” Walz said. “Given that the value of x changes throughout the day, it is important to learn how to solve problems in efficient meaningful ways. Everyone has problems to solve, so learning how to use logic to process a situation in search of a solution and analyzing if the solution makes sense can be a challenge. Just like math problems, some real life problems are bigger than others, while others are easier to solve.”
Drawing inspiration from her students every day, Walz treasures the simple “thanks” the teens and their parents share with her. “The best unspoken comments come from the students who I work with endlessly and, one day, I see the light bulb go on and watch their faces light up with smiles; they are telling me they understand,” she said.
Walz believes that professional development is of key importance to educators, and values strong communication. “Technology has made it easier to dialogue with colleagues across the country and around the world,” she said. “We have a lot to learn from each other and we need to make time for that communication to happen.”
WEAC’s Great Schools Member Spotlight features WEAC members who are making a difference in the lives of others every day in their schools and communities. Member Spotlight profiles appear on OnWEAC, and one profile is selected each month for the OnWEAC In Print newspaper. To submit a suggestion for a Member Spotlight candidate, send an e-mail to the WEAC Public Relations Department.
Posted January 25, 2008
