Emily Buhnerkempe is currently working as a high school math teacher at University of Illinois Laboratory High School, also known as Uni, in Urbana, IL. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and a Bachelor of Arts in Dance from Grand Valley State University (MI) as well as a Master of Science in Mathematics from Miami University (OH). Prior to teaching at Uni, Emily was a professor at the community college level. Emily enjoys teaching with an interdisciplinary approach as well as incorporating outreach activities for her students.
Why did you decide to go into Statistics/Statistics Education?
Honestly, I didn't decide to go into Statistics Education, it was more decided for me. My degree is in pure math, so I never anticipated teaching statistics. On my first day at a new community college, my department chair met with me to discuss my schedule and give me an introduction to the college. He stated "You will be teaching Stats 100." My response was "No I won't!" and his response was "Yes you are, you'll be fine!" Since then I've taught an introduction to statistics course more than 10 times.
What advice would you give to someone who is new to teaching statistics?
Find a mentor who is willing to share materials. It can be a lot to develop all your own materials right away from the beginning, especially if this is not the field you were "trained" to teach. Build a network of teachers that will help you with resources and when you don't understand a topic yourself. I find that every year I learn something new and am able to build off of the prior year's materials to make a more robust experience for my students. Also, don't be afraid if a student asks a question and you don't know the answer. It is ok to say, "Wow that is a great question! I've never thought about before. I will think about it and get back to you." Then use your network of teachers to help you understand and explain to your students.
What statistics class(es) are you currently teaching? What statistics classes do you enjoy teaching the most?
I am currently teaching an introduction to statistics course in a high school setting where students are academically talented. The course is not an AP course, so I have freedom to spend more time on certain topics or dive into projects that may not fit into "typical" curriculum. I've only ever taught this course so I don't have a favorite class to teach, but my favorite project I teach is our carnival project. Students are assessed on probability and expected value through creating their own carnival games. We then put on a carnival for our school and also take the games to a local elementary school, where students teach 4th graders about probability.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
I enjoy spending time with my family and cheering on my children at all their events. I also enjoy dancing and am currently taking ballet and pointe as well as rehearsing for our local Nutcracker. We are also avid Packers fans and enjoy traveling to cheer them on in the frozen tundra at least once a season.
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