Brenda Vanek Pushes for Excellence in her Judson High Students Every Day

Brenda Vanek may be the Judson High School's Gray Campus secret weapon for excellence. As a math teacher, she encounters students with all sorts of math anxiety, but under her tutelage, she helps them understand the concepts in the way they can learn. Using all types of manipulative items, including building catapults and roller coasters, she uses math to construct the hands-on pieces. Students then use math to explain how the manipulatives perform. In the mean time, they're learning to apply math in a way that they don't forget the principles. She applies a wide variety of teaching strategies to help every student be successful. She makes the learning fun and relevant.

With every task, she peaks the students' curiosity - and she sees light bulbs going off in their heads as they "get" it. She knows that engaged students will question more, which will fuel their future success, not only in their education but also in the workplace. She encourages group work and discussion, which she calls "math talk."

Her push for excellence isn't confined to her classroom. She also uses creative techniques to work with students in studying for the PSAT, which leads to success in SAT testing and National Merit recognitions. She helps with PSAT Camp during the summer. This makes the difference in their winning scholarships and helps them reach their dreams through higher education. She takes time to listen to the students, and they consider her a personal as well as an educational resource. She supports their extracurricular activities and cheers them on to excellence in every area of their lives.