Kristi Harper
Chandlers Elementary
Logan County
Teaching 11 years
Typically sees about 45 students per week

What made you decide to become an educator?
I wanted to make an impact in the lives of as many children and possible.

What excites you most about being an MAF Mathematics Intervention Teacher?
I love math and I love teaching students the skills they need to be successful for the rest of their lives.

What differences have you seen in your students since they began receiving intervention assistance?
Math intervention students are typically very shy and lack confidence when they first start coming to Math Club. In a very short amount of time they begin to build confidence and believe in themselves.

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 favorite moments was when a kindergarten student came to me to take the end of the year assessment and he was so excited when he came through the door. He excitedly asked me to "guess what" and then proceeded to tell me that he "added 8 + 6 and he didn’t even have to sound it out". He was so proud and I was too. I knew exactly what he meant and was thrilled that he was successful in his classroom at a time when other, more advanced, students were not; he was able to help teach them.

What does the MAF and the Kentucky Center for Mathematics mean to you?
I wish every K-5 teacher could go through the intense training that this job offers because it reveals all the missing mathematical piece that children need. It makes ALL children successful.

I feel most supported by the Kentucky Center for Mathematics through the amount of (human) resources that I have used; I have never had an unanswered question without an offer for more help as needed. I am also grateful for the wonderful and numerous amount of professional developments that are offered, often free of charge, to help us continue to better ourselves.

What advice would you give to a colleague or other educator if they had never attended a KCM professional learning experience before?
Hold on tight! It’s a wild ride with lots of information, but it all comes together in an unbelievable way that impacts the lives of children through the in-depth knowledge that you gain.

What activities, organizations, hobbies, etc. do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I love to spend time with my family. We spend as much time as we can outdoors. I have two sons so we are not strangers to playing in the rain (we especially love mud puddles), camping, and farming. I also enjoy playing sports, especially softball, when I get a free weekend.

What is your favorite pizza topping?
Sausage and pepperoni

What was your favorite childhood television show?
I don't recall having a favorite television show, we stayed outside.

Got any good or favorite math jokes?
Why did 5 eat 6? Because 7, 8, 9!