Algebra 2 can be seen as a hard class for some people to learn and engage in. Ms. Julia Kim is responsible for teaching on level and advanced Algebra 2 at Emerson. She was interviewed for Teacher Appreciation Week. Teacher Appreciation Week is a way of showing gratitude and appreciation for teachers like Kim.

Kim has had some unique prior experiences with teaching before she knew she wanted to make it her profession. This experience helped her realize her dream of teaching.

“I taught kids how to cook and I thought it was really fun getting to see them make a product out of something. I had always loved math,” Kim said.

There are many things she enjoys in the classroom when she’s teaching algebra. The main thing she enjoys is the learning moments her students experience.

“I think it is fun watching students understand a concept. To me it’s almost like solving a puzzle,” Kim said. “I like to see that accomplishment in students’ faces when they solve problems.”

This year Kim had one very memorable experience when teaching. This was one of her favorite moments so far.

“I had a couple of students who brought me a cake at the end of third quarter that said ‘I’m sorry for failing your class,’ that had pictures of corgis and the Jonas Brothers, and I think that was the best moment,” Kim said.

Having a positive classroom environment is important for student engagement and enhancing learning. Kim establishes a positive learning environment through how she talks to her students.

“I feel like I try to talk to students about things not class-related so that I can relate to them about things outside of the classroom,” Kim said.

Along with maintaining a positive classroom environment, Kim also makes sure to help students that are struggling with learning different material in her class.

“I try to find something in order to help them with what we are learning and I try to work with them in order to find something that works for them. If what we are working on isn’t working, I try to work around it and find something that works for them.”

In order to help further the learning experience in the classroom, establishing respect is a given. Kim has one expectation when it comes to respecting one another.

“I am big on mutual respect so as long as I respect them I know that they will respect me,” Kim said.

All teachers have one thing that they favor when teaching a class. Kim has one favorite thing she has about being a teacher.

“All the relationships I get to build and see my students grow throughout the year,” Kim said.

Kim also has advice for people who are looking to become a teacher.

“Enjoy the little things and don’t take things too personal,” Kim said.