Cynthia Arnold, a Calculus and Algebra II teacher here at Jacksonville High School, is a perfect example of someone living her dream. When in the 7th grade while tutoring a classmate, Arnold realized immediately that she wanted to be a teacher. After high school, Arnold attended Illinois College here in Jacksonville. While at IC, her favorite classes included American Women Authors, Calculus, German, and Drawing. Arnold gives credit to all of her teachers for having a large influence on her becoming a teacher because they helped her see what type of teacher she wanted to be. Here at JHS, Ms. Arnold loves teaching Algebra II. Arnold says, “My favorite class to teach has been Algebra II because I enjoy finding new ways to describe the material and hearing students describe it in new ways, too.” Arnold also has some advice to give to anyone who thinks they might want to be a teacher. She says it is vital to love teaching. You have to have great motivation and passion to be a good teacher. She often quotes a professor of hers, “I don’t teach math; I teach kids.” Arnold says, “Helping people improve has to be your passion to be an effective teacher.”
I have had Ms. Arnold in class and know a few tricks to avoid the wrath of room 809. The first rule to remember is to never, ever sit on a desk in her classroom unless you have your PhD. Also, avoid using the word “easy.” Instead, use cognitively less demanding. Never draw on her chalkboard, and most importantly, do not use the word “imbecile” in her room. If you can refrain from these things, you’ll have a great learning experience with a great teacher.