We are thrilled to announce that Ms. Debbie Shisler, daughter of Mr. Bob Shisler, is joining our faculty next year!
Ms. Shisler graduated from Cal State San Bernardino with a B.A. in Liberal Studies and earned a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Grand Canyon University.
She has taught math and elementary grades throughout her career, and she has tutored in math since she was in high school. She has taught at Accelerated Learning Center, Career Success High School, and at the North Phoenix Sylvan Learning Center. Ms. Shisler will teach Geometry at North Phoenix Prep in the coming school year.
Our students prepared a few questions for Ms. Shisler:
When did you decide to become a teacher and why?
Ever since I was a child, I wanted to be a teacher for multiple reasons. Firstly, I saw what kind of an impact my dad made on the lives of his students as a teacher, and I wanted to make that kind of impact on others as well. I also noticed how important organizational skills were for teachers, and being a person that enjoys organizing things, that fit right in my wheelhouse. As I grew up and began tutoring classmates in math in high school, I could see that I had inherited my dad’s passion for teaching math concepts.
What interests do you have that might support an extracurricular club?
I am an athlete and have played multiple sports throughout my life. Fastpitch softball was my primary sport (and my life) for over 20 years, and I have done some coaching in that sport. I have also played volleyball, run cross country and track, and currently do figure skating. I would love to kick-start a club having to do with those sports.
How do you best connect with students?
I best connect with students by simply conversing and listening to them. I try to see things from their point of view, and try to remember what life was like as a teenager. Taking that perspective, I do my best to treat them with respect, and my desire is to set a good example for them knowing that they will be going out into the real world someday equipped with whatever knowledge and experience they receive from their teachers.
What do you look for as signs of positive engagement?
When students want to participate, give input, and do problems on the board, it tells me that they are taking in the material well, that they are not scared or unsure about the concepts, and that they are not bored. I also see it as a positive when students are asking questions about the concepts or the problems they are working on, as well as how it can help them for real-life application.
Welcome to North Phoenix Prep, Ms. Shisler!
