“Everyone deserves a good teacher,” says Juanita Greene (M.A.’02), admiring her high school math classroom adorned with welcome back decorations for the new academic year. “Regardless of what a student wants to do, they deserve someone that’s going to push them and support them along the way.”
The TC alum, a Newark Vocational High School teacher, was recognized as Newark’s 2023 Teacher of the Year upon her 26th year of teaching.
And while she notes that 26 years and counting is only the beginning of her story, Greene shared reflections on her moving journey so far as a mathematics educator and, more importantly, an advocate for her students.
“It’s such an honor to receive this award, not only because I’ve dedicated so much of my life to teaching, but because it’s proof that no matter where you are in your career, even if it’s 26 years later, your work is still making a difference.”
"Teaching Stole My Heart"
Greene’s “aha!” moment began in Charlottesville, Virginia, during her first summer teaching eighth grade math, an internship opportunity she secured through her undergraduate work at the University of Virginia.
“I started teaching mathematics that summer, and I never really turned back,” shares Greene, noting that while she pursued other consulting and graduate-level work opportunities over the years, teaching stole her heart.
She would later go on to pursue her master's degree in the Mathematics Education program at Teachers College.
“Teachers College gave me the confidence to feel like I could have a deeper understanding of high school math. It had a better sense of what goes into the curriculum, and I learned from so many other educators along the way. I went to pursue high school mathematics for years afterward.”
A Lasting Impact
And for Greene, teaching is far more than what lies in the textbooks. She practices thoughtful and intentional teaching from the heart, cultivating a more profound understanding with her students.
“I try to connect with my students on some level so that they feel they belong. They belong to a community, and somebody is always looking out for them,” she shares, noting that her students are pleasantly surprised when Greene notices the little things like an absence from class. “A simple ‘I missed you in class yesterday!’ or ‘Do you need support?’ makes all the difference.”
The high school math teacher notes that she draws inspiration from her own experience as a student. “While I enjoyed high school, I felt very unprepared when I entered college. I didn’t know how to study or advocate for myself,” she explains. “I am intentional about how I teach now to better prepare my students for college — to be the advocate I once needed.”
Greene (center) alongside her colleagues at Newark Vocational High School as she accepts her award. (Photo courtesy of Greene)
But it’s Greene’s lasting impact on her students that makes teaching all worthwhile.
“I had a student who graduated in 2005 connect with me recently. She sent me a picture of some pre-calculus notes and tips that I had given her and said that it helped her years down the road in her graduate studies. It was really special.”
“I teach math because I love math, but there is so much more that goes into teaching, and Teachers College helped me bring that home. There is abundant social and emotional learning that happens everyday with my students. I’m learning about them, but they’re also helping me learn about myself.”
“A good education can change anyone. A good teacher can change everything.” - Unknown