McHenry High School Math Instructor Gina Adams comes from a family of educators and has been a teacher herself for many years. So perhaps it is not surprising that she’s inspired by the constant learning, especially learning from students.
Watching her students pick up on difficult math concepts helps her find different ways to reach them with her teaching. That effort she makes to go above and beyond is cited by students and fellow staff alike when celebrating Adams’ selection at MCHS Staff Member of the Month for January.
Students and fellow teachers noted that not only does Adams work hard to make sure students understand the math concepts, she also works to give extra tutoring to prepare students for SAT testing and she has organized the school’s prom for the last eight years.
Senior Arianna Vallianatos said Adams works hard to make her AP Calculus AB class enjoyable.
“This class seems like a really daunting and difficult class to take, and I felt that way at first, too, but Mrs. Adams has cultivated this class to prioritize the needs of the student,” Vallianatos said.
“This was, at first. going to be one of my hardest classes, and while the material can still be difficult, Mrs. Adams has made this one of my least stressful classes.”
Adams, who taught mostly at the former East Campus, said she really enjoys all of the newness of being in the Center for Science, Technology and Industry. Math teachers occupy the fourth floor, and the new spaces feature advanced technology that help her do her job, including the ability to project lessons wirelessly from her iPad.
A graduate of Cary-Grove High School, Adams said she enjoys working with high school students and learning about how they best learn math. Having her own children has helped even more to relate to the educational experience as a parent.
“I think the biggest inspiration is learning something new every day,” Adams said. “Most of that new information comes from students.”
Adams earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary math education from Illinois State University where she met her husband, Mike, principal at Parkland Middle School in McHenry. Adams taught for six years at East Campus before taking four years off to raise children. She has been back ever since, often traveling between the former East and West campuses.
Becoming a teacher made sense for Adams. “I’ve been surrounded by teachers. None of them really pushed me in that direction but it felt natural,” she said.
She also has a master’s degree in administrative leadership from Concordia University. In addition to teaching AP Calculus AB and Algebra classes, Adams is a math instructor for McHenry High School’s ZAPs SAT test preparation program. And she helps students organize the annual prom.
To see the video announcing her award, click here.
The Staff Member of the Month program recognizes MCHS staff members who go above and beyond for the benefit of students. Thanks to the support from Meat and Potato Eatery and Brunch Cafe, each monthly winner receives a gift certificate as well as a plaque.
To learn more about the program, click here. To make a nomination, click here.
