Norah Blackburn is our new substitute teacher. She decided to take a long-term substitute role to gain hands-on teaching experience to explore whether teaching is something she is willing to pursue as a long term job or career. She is currently working as an Algebra 1 teacher on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Her prior teaching experience was working as an ESL (English second language) teacher in Buena Vista once a week. She was also teaching elementary level English and math while she was living in the Middle East. This is her first time teaching math at the high school level, Norah said, “I am learning a lot alongside my students.” She also said she has really enjoyed being in the high school setting and said, “it feels like a positive and engaging environment.” 

One of her favorite things about math is “the moment when a concept finally “clicks.” Once that happens, the work feels much more manageable, and students gain confidence in solving problems. One piece of advice she would like to share with students is to ask questions, even if you feel like it’s a silly question, they often help you and everyone learn. 

Blackburn graduated from Salida High School, which ”makes it especially meaningful for me to be back in a high school environment.” So if on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the math room you see a new face, now you know who it is!