Darlene Humphress
Memorial Elementary in Hardyville, KY
Hart County
Teaching 8 years
Typically sees about 35 students per week

What made you decide to become an educator?
I was really good at breaking down and explaining difficult material while at work. My co-workers would always ask me why I wasn't a teacher. I decided they were right and went back to college to get my teaching certification.

What differences have you seen in your students since they began receiving intervention assistance?
Kids that did not like math now love math. It makes me feel good to hear parents and kids say they played math games we made at school on the weekends and during school breaks. I feel like my math intervention students have greatly improved their abilities when they continue to make progress each time the STAR Math assessment is administered. I love it when they in turn learn to love math!

What is one, favorite story or “a-ha!” moment you’ve had with one (or more) of your intervention students? Why is this your favorite?
One of my first grade intervention students was not only the most improved intervention student in first grade, but was also the winner of the most improved in his general math class. I don't know which one was the proudest - him or me!

What does the MAF and the Kentucky Center for Mathematics mean to you?
I think the MAF is way overdue, as we as educators have long reaped the benefits of reading intervention thanks to RTA. Now struggling math students can get the assistance they need in obtaining fundamental math skills they are weak in. It means the world being able to be a part of MAF's front line defense as a math intervention teacher.

KCM has been wonderful, what with all the researched training and intervention strategies I have gained with their guidance. KCM does not train you, then forget about you. They continually offer opportunities to build on previous trainings you have received as well as offer new learning opportunities. Support is just a phone call, email, and/or text message away.

What advice would you give to a colleague or other educator if they had never attended a KCM professional learning experience before?
What are you waiting for? Several learning experiences are FREE, my personal favorite four-letter word. The knowledge you gain is not only beneficial to your students through the strategies you learn, but the resources you obtain and contacts you make are invaluable!

What activities, organizations, hobbies, etc. do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I farm part time and love working with animals, especially cows and ducks! One of my favorite pastimes is to cook food I have seen on the Food Network.

What is your favorite pizza topping?
I am tied at Pepperoni and Sausage.

What was your favorite childhood television show?
Captain Kangaroo (Now I'm showing my age! Just Google it.)

Got any good or favorite math jokes?
I don't have a favorite as there are so many good ones but I do remember the first math joke I ever heard. Why is 6 afraid of 7? Because 7, 8, 9!