An Interview with Mrs. Kroon

Recently Mrs. Kroon was cited in an article about bivariate data, and this is just one among many of our very own math teacher’s accomplishments. I decided that I needed to interview her to see just how she reacted, and why she does what she does. Before I share the interview questions and answers with you, I want to share how proud I am to have a math teacher in our small school that is, so successful in what she does and loves.

How does it feel to teach at a small school, but be known worldwide? “I love teaching at small schools because we’re like a family, and it makes me feel good to have people want to include me in their articles, or the way they teach.”

How would you describe your excitement for being cited in the "Bivariate Data" article, being on a Chinese website, and your other accomplishments? "I was really excited and every time I submit something I am taking a chance, and sometimes it works and others it doesn't."
What made you fall in love with math? "I was pretty good at it, so I want to share what I know. You also have to like kids, and I do so that’s why I teach.”
Why did you decide to teach high school math? "If I wanted to teach college I’d have to go back to school for that, so that’s one reason. The other reason is that I love teenagers, and being able to teach them what I love.”

Which form of math do you prefer (geo, trig, and etc.)? “That’s like asking me which kid is my favorite. All math teachers love numbers, so I can’t really answer that question.”

How did you celebrate your accomplishments? “Tell everyone I know, and they’re always happy for me. None of them really ever get jealous or anything, they’re just genuinely happy for me.”

Did you know any of the authors of the article “Bivariate Data”? “No they saw my article from last year that was submitted, and it applied to their data and so they used it.”

Who was your mathematical role model? “Mr. Smith my high school math teacher, he would teach you just enough for you to figure out the rest on your own.”

Who inspires the way you teach your lessons? “I have a lot of heroes some I know, and others that are nationally known people like Dan Meyer.”

For my final question, I decided to get the answer to a question that I have always had for Mrs. Kroon. How did you come up with your idea with the class rock? "Years ago for Award Night, I thought we needed a reason to decorate, and dress up, and just have fun with it."