Leisa Frazier
Oneida Elementary
Clay County
Teaching 19 years
Typically sees about 90 students per week

What made you decide to become an educator?
My decision to enter education is a direct result of having wonderful teachers that inspired in me the love of learning and the possibilities of accomplishing dreams. Many teachers played a part in this role, energizing me to be excited about learning while challenging me every day to reach my full potential.

What excites you most about being an MAF Mathematics Intervention Teacher?
Being a MAF Mathematics Intervention Teacher excites me every day because I see the fruits of students’ efforts as they work each day in my classroom. I become electrified when I see students fully maximize their talents, imagination, skills, and creativity. Being a MAF Mathematics Intervention Teacher has unlimited rewards.

What differences have you seen in your students since they began receiving intervention assistance?
Students receiving intervention have become those students who want to share during regular math classes. Students who used to sit with hands folded in their laps and heads bowed in silence are now raising their hands in classroom discussions to answer questions and share their response.

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?
I must say my "a-ha" moment will be one that I will never forget. When asking a child to count backwards from 10, I was assured by the student that "YES" they knew exactly how to do that. As the child turned their back to me the response was 1,2,3,4,....Yes the child did exactly what I asked. I then realized how our words can be interpreted many different ways. What are we really asking our students to do?

What does the MAF and the Kentucky Center for Mathematics mean to you?
All people need to know that MAF funds provide teachers the opportunity to train and provide intervention to struggling students. This funding allows us to focus on individual needs while working in a small group setting. During small groups you can target areas that are a struggle for each student while implementing activities that focus on a specific goal. Goal setting is a major component of individualized instruction; Where am I at and where am I going?

KCM has always worked closely with me and provided answers to questions that arose during my first year as a MIT. Support is one thing that I've relied on very much as they've guided me through my first year. I always knew that if I had a question about anything, KCM was only a call or text away.

What advice would you give to a colleague or other educator if they had never attended a KCM professional learning experience before?
These learning experiences are something that can be used in the classroom setting. Great activities designed to implement in your classroom filled with creativity and fun. Students are engaged and can self-monitor progress.

What activities, organizations, hobbies, etc. do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Outside of work, I spend the majority of my time with my family. I enjoy attending my daughter's softball games. She plays for Clay County High School. She has also played the last TWO years in the WORLD SERIES. Which is a great honor! I attend New Beginning Church where I'm also the piano player.

What is your favorite pizza topping?
My favorite pizza topping is Ham.

What was your favorite childhood television show?
My favorite television show growing up was THE WALTON'S.

Got any good or favorite math jokes?
Why didn't the quarter roll down the hill with the nickle? It had more cents. 2nd graders really found this funny.