E is for Excellence, E is for Embree

by Dai Yang, 8th Grade, Rancho San Joaquin Middle School

IRVINE, Calif.  At the 2008 Excellence in Mathematics Award Ceremony, Mrs. Pauline Embree, a math teacher at Rancho San Joaquin Middle School, received 2008 Orange County Math Club Coach of the Year award.

Middle school is definitely not a stroll in the park. Although a seventh grader might be only a month older than a sixth grader, the former has already crossed the gap that leads to a completely new world. If you want to do well during those two years, you have to know it well. You have to know the rules. You have to know the schedule. But most important of all, you have to know the teachers.

Knowing the teachers is not just helpful; rather, it is absolutely essential. At this point, students are mature enough to understand that teachers are not omniscient deities of knowledge, but humans just like themselves who have their own strengths, weaknesses and character. From there, they can decide which ones are truly the best, not because they bring donuts to the class, but because they can handle the burdensome (yet somehow enjoyable) responsibility of teaching.

Having almost finished middle school at Rancho San Joaquin myself, I can say that this is particularly true in mathematics. Even though Mrs. Embree was the only middle school math teacher I’ve had, I have gathered enough information to declare that she deserves this award of Excellence in Mathematics. She not only teaches Algebra 1, but also takes care of the math club and organizes Mathcounts at our school. Her effort here alone deserves recognition; she collects several boxes of bottles and cans from students each year in order to recycle them, and that money goes to simply feeding the Mathletes with refreshments. Talk about consideration! Additionally, she is full of wisdom and philosophy. While other math teachers may favor only the students who do well, Mrs. Embree gives everybody a chance to become involved. On her web page, it is written:

“Contrary to popular belief, a pupil is not successful in math due to his/her genes, sex, or "just has a knack for it".  Rather the structure of a solid mathematical background is built upon--

a positive, willing-to-try attitude

coming to class mentally prepared to work with all the proper materials

thoughtful completion of homework every night

a willingness to ask questions and seek additional help when needed

I try very hard to create an environment in my classroom in which students feel safe and comfortable enough to try to follow these principles.” Some might say that these kinds of principles are quite common, but they are mistaken because few teachers actually “try very hard” as Mrs. Embree does. Convincing every student to give his or her best shot at a problem is not a simple job, but she strives for it nevertheless.

Unfortunately, this document must come to an end because if I were to list every reason why Mrs. Embree deserves an Award for Excellence in Mathematics, the file would take ages to finish reading. So without further ado, I nominate Pauline Embree as the middle school recipient of the award.