Notre Dame Academy’s new math teacher, Hailey Frederick, is looking forward to learning new traditions and becoming involved in the school.

Frederick attended Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, where she majored in Mathematics with an endorsement in Secondary Education.

She was one class away from a minor in Economics but couldn’t physically fit it into her schedule without taking it as an independent study. 

“I have always wanted to be a teacher ever since I was in preschool,” said Frederick. She has always loved being a teacher’s helper and was a natural leader.

Around middle school was the time that Frederick thought she wanted to be a math teacher. She loved helping out in the classroom and helping others around her. 

“I thought I wanted to be a math teacher because I loved math so much and was always a strong student,” said Frederick. 

Frederick taught at her all-girl high school, Regina Dominican High School, for two years before coming to NDA. She also worked in Iowa for some student teaching. 

Here at NDA she is teaching Algebra 1, Algebra A and Pre Calc, primarily teaching freshmen and seniors.

“I like how open my students are to my teaching styles and my crazy explanations,” said Frederick. 

Frederick’s main focus is to help students become more successful in math by having a growth mindset. She believes that “if students think positively and believe they can do it, then they will achieve many things.”

In the classroom, she uses a lot of technology. She gives guided notes and displays them over the projector as she writes on the iPad. This allows students to follow along with the lesson while also writing the notes that she writes. 

 She urges incoming students to be open-minded. 

“High school is a time to be yourself and discover who that is. Try something new and don’t be afraid,” she said. 

“I think this will be a great fit for me. I like the energy here and the very welcoming community. I feel right at home,” said Frederick.