By Emily Lockwood
Life Editor
Mira Costa welcomes yet another new teacher to campus this school year. Although she is new to the campus, she is not new to the South Bay community.
Courtney Bannerman is the latest addition to the Math Department as a geometry and algebra CD teacher.
While in the process of working toward her masters degree in business at Loyola Marymount University, she realized that teaching was her calling.
Bannerman applied for a position at Hermosa Valley School and was hired as a special education assistant and a substitute teacher for various classes.
“During my time at Hermosa Valley, I realized that I preferred being a teacher rather than pursuing a career in business,” Bannerman said.
Bannerman worked at HVS for four years. She then started to work on her teacher’s credential as she finished up her masters degree in business at Loyola Marrymount University.
“I decided to get my credential because I realized it was my passion,” Bannerman said. “It was not too stressful because I was doing what I loved to do.”
Growing up, Bannerman also attended HVS as a student. According to Bannerman, the math teachers she had at HVS, including Cindi Avol and Sylvia Gluck, were very inspiring.
“Gluck and Avol were awesome math teachers,” Bannerman said. “I wanted to be that type of teacher for a subject that students tend to struggle with.”
After spending four years at HVS, Bannerman applied for a job at Mira Costa. She was interviewed by Principal Dr. Ben Dale and math teacher Jason Robertson.
“I was more nervous for this particular interview [compared to other interviews] because this was a job that I really wanted,” Bannerman said.
Bannerman has made it a goal to bring her innovative teaching techniques to the classroom. In both her geometry and algebra CD classes, Bannerman organized projects that allowed for creativity.
“Ms. Bannerman is a really funny person and teacher,” sophomore Haley Cameron said. “[Her humor] makes the class more enjoyable and fun.”
Bannerman hopes to encourage and inspire students who do not currently have a passion for math.
“I try to inspire by breaking down the class material into relatable terms,” Bannerman said. “I hope to help and inspire kids who struggle with math.”
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