Randy Wormald
New Hampshire Teacher of the Year
Belmont High School, Belmont, NH
Grades 9 through 12, Mathematics

My teaching philosophy
Teaching should engage students and encourage them to find intrinsic rewards in learning.

My philosophy in action
Demonstration of a love of learning is one way to get kids to buy into what you are trying to teach. With that in mind I dress as mathematicians, sing songs on Pi day and try to liven up the sometimes dry world of math.

My greatest teaching accomplishment
Allowing my freshmen students to "run" with a unit on the graphing of functions, called "The Graphmaster Boogie". They have since turned this math unit into two videos and a movie spoof.

The most critical issues facing educators today
The retention and recruitment of educators is the most critical issue today. These issues become tougher as we deal with mandates from the local, state and national level. The charge is to stay objective and optimistic in the face of this adversity.

Ways to resolve this issue
We need to keep our eyes on the goal; the goal being to help all students achieve to their potential.

One thought to inspire teachers to succeed
As my mom always said, "Good, better, best never let it rest, 'til the good is better and the better is best."

One lesson every student should learn
Every student should learn how he/she best learns.

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