Meet the CCSD Teacher: Heather Pappas of Mill Creek MS!

Our amazing teachers are Elevating The Excellence in our schools … and every week, you’ll get to know one of them better through a Q&A posted here. #CCSDElevateTheExcellence

Heather Pappas
Mill Creek Middle School 
Sixth-grade math teacher 

What’s the most innovative idea that you’ve tried in your classroom? 
I love to use painter’s tape on the floor tiles in the building and have the students find the areas of classrooms and different shapes.  It also allows for differentiation within the activity by having either one foot or 12 inches as the side lengths. 
Who is the best teacher you ever had and what made him or her special?
Mrs. Dixon was my second-grade teacher.  I still remember the smile she had every morning when I walked into her classroom.  It felt like she genuinely wanted me to be there.  I felt respected, and loved, which made me more receptive to her teaching.  She made every child feel that way, just so special. 
What can parents do to prepare their children for learning?
It is so important for parents and teachers to work as partners in their child’s education.  Learning does not end at the bell.  I would love for parents to take a daily interest in what their child is learning and ask them questions to spark their interests and boost their confidence. 
What are the obstacles to getting all kids to achieve?
One of the biggest obstacles I have seen in students is a lack of confidence within themselves, especially in math.  Math is nothing to fear, but simply something to dissect and then master.  When I see a student’s confidence grow, I see their power to achieve mastery grow as well.