Theresa Ryan

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I am a full-time mathematics teacher at Lawrence Academy in Groton, MA and am currently in my 12th year there. I have taught courses from Algebra I to Calculus, having the opportunity to teach students at all grade levels (9-12) and at varying levels of mathematics. Most recently, I have become the Mathematics Department Chair. I am in my 3rd year and have really been enjoying the new challenges and creativity that this role has provided me with. Aside from my classes, I am also the Girl’s Varsity Softball Coach, work in a dorm, and run an experiential learning program each March through our Winterim program. The experiential learning programs have taken me to Belize to learn how to scuba dive, Ecuador and Peru for service opportunities, and the Galapagos for an academic study of the unique natural world created on those islands–all with a group of about 16 students and one other faculty member. These roles outside the classroom have only helped to build my relationships with students inside my classroom and lead to a more positive and stronger learning experience overall.

Since St. Michael’s, my journey in the education world has taken me from my start as a one year Math Intern at Emma Willard School to a full time mathematics teacher at Lawrence Academy for five years. I then went back to school for my master’s degree, attending Union Graduate College in Schenectady, NY, and earned an MAT with a focus in secondary mathematics education in the spring of 2014, along with my New York State teaching license. After graduate school, I rejoined the Lawrence Academy community. I have learned a great deal at every step of the way and continue to learn more every day.

I attribute much of what I bring in the classroom to my experience at St. Mike’s. The math department not only gave me a strong foundation for curriculum planning and a deeper meaning to the why behind many of the concepts I now teach, but also showed me patience, guidance, and care. They modeled the type of educator that I strive to be–pushing me outside my comfort zone while supporting me along the way. I also learned the importance of collaboration and built a strong bond with many of the mathematics majors I took courses with. Being able to work well with others and share ideas has played an integral role in my development as an educator and a member of my department.

My experience at St. Mike’s not only confirmed and deepened my love of math, but more importantly, showed me the importance of a strong, compassionate community. It taught me the strength of relationships in learning and I carry that with me in my own classroom, working to create a welcoming, compassionate culture where students can build both skill and confidence. A huge thank you to all those who modeled this for me during my time as a Purple Knight!