I had the chance to interview Sarah Reynolds about her teaching role at Ensign Peak Academy.
During my mentor interview with Sarah Reynolds, I learned this is her first year teaching at Ensign Peak Academy. She is the math mentor for the 5th grade study hall and a substitute. She is also the mentor for the elementary newsletter.
How did you first hear about Ensign Peak?
A few of my nieces took some courses at Ensign Peak Academy a year or two ago. I am also a friend of Alyssa Jensen, the Elementary School Program Director for Ensign Peak Academy.
What do you love about your subject? Tell us about how you became interested in that subject.
I love that I get to be one-on-one with the students for the math mentoring. I like to be able to talk the students through problems and see the look on their faces when it finally clicks for them. My dad was a math teacher for the first part of his career. Then he got his first and second master’s and became a counselor. My parents were set up by one of his math students, who thought that he and her day camp counselor would really hit it off. They were married for almost 55 years, so I think she was right about that.
For the elementary newsletter, my son was the one who really wanted to start it. Seeing him get excited for that and everyone else involved, I just really appreciated being able to see them enjoying the work. I love to help them find the answers they need and point them to resources. It is always fun to see them express their interests and pursue them.
How did you become a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? What does that mean to you?
My dad was a member of the church. He was inactive for a while. His first marriage fell apart. Then he met my mom and decided he would never marry outside of the church again. My mom took the missionary discussions and then got baptized a few days later. Shortly after that, they were married.
I feel privileged to be born to members of the church. My mom allowed me to see a different perspective on life and it really helped me to appreciate the church.
I and all of my siblings went on missions.
Tell us about yourself and your family.
I have been married to my husband for 14 years. We live in Houston, Texas. My husband works at NASA and we have 4 amazing kids, ranging from 13 to 5 years old. Everyone loves to play an instrument. My husband likes to 3D print stuff for the family.
Where do you live?
Houston, Texas for the past 12 years.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I like road trips and camping. And I also like to make soap and quilts, and do puzzles. I read a lot, especially church books from the Bookshelf app. Classics, like those authored by Jane Austen, are some of my favorites. My favorite genres are science fiction and historical.
What is something unique about you?
I love to make friends. My husband says that no matter where I go, I make friends or find people I already know.
What hopes do you have for your students?
More than anything, I want them to build an unshakable foundation in Jesus Christ. The curriculum is important for them to have success in life and pursue their interests, but to have that foundation is also important. I also hope they find and have friends that support them in that belief.
This concludes my mentor interview with Sarah Reynolds.
As mentioned previously, she is a math tutor for all courses. If you are interested in the math programs, click on the link below.