Math in the Middle graduate Amy Veit-Gordon transitioned into the role of principal at Kennedy Elementary in Omaha Public Schools in fall of 2022, after 16 years as a middle-school math teacher and then 11 years as an instructional facilitator, in which part of her day was still spent teaching math.
“I have been in education for 28 years. As an instructional facilitator, I worked closely with administration and realized I enjoyed guiding new teachers as they began their careers, providing professional development, management of activities, building schedules and, most of all, having contact with all students in the school, not just those in my classroom,” Veit-Gordon said. “This led me to seek out administration roles, and I was fortunate to have the opportunity to lead Howard Kennedy Elementary School as its principal this year.”
Her background as a math teacher still influences how Veit-Gordon solves problems as an administrator now.
“I believe that I take a logical approach to solving problems, which stems from teaching math. I look at the information available, reflect on possible solutions and determine the probability of success. This approach influences my day-to-day work as an administrator as big and small situations arise every day,” Veit-Gordon said.
Veit-Gordon fondly reflected upon watching her math students problem-solve when she was a teacher at Monroe Middle School in OPS.
“I remember many of my students becoming excited about solving problems, learning to persevere when they struggled and wanting to talk to me about their work. I remember having a better understanding of their thinking and a new way to guide their work,” she said. “And, while I was in the program, I have wonderful memories of all day homework sessions with other cohort members, the insights that we gained from one another and making new lifelong friends.”
Participating in Math in the Middle, a master’s degree program for middle-level math teachers, also changed the way she taught math.
“As soon as I started taking classes, the program reinvigorated my passion for math. I incorporated elements such as habits of mind problems, which helped me better understand how my students thought about math and problem solving. This insight allowed me to better address misconceptions,” Veit-Gordon said. “Getting my students to talk about math with me and one another led to some of the best classes of my career.”
Veit-Gordon remains in contact with several participants from Math in the Middle. They have consulted about math curriculum for the district adoption and worked together on district math committees.
“As a principal, knowing a teacher participated in the program is an asset to their qualifications,” she added.
Veit-Gordon enjoys working with all of the students at her school in her role as principal, watching them learn and grow.
“I look forward to seeing their smiles and working to keep those smiles on their faces each day,” she said. “Giving them a safe place to be every day with caring adults is my mission.”
- Lindsay Augustyn, CSMCE