![Horn poses with her husband, her son Braydon and her daughter Mylah at Quail Ridge Park in Wentzville, MO. “I am married [to] a teacher and coach, and [we] have two kids," Horn said. "So when I say teaching is my passion, I am not lying...I have surrounded myself with education.”](https://pwestpathfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/horn-900x600.jpg)
Horn poses with her husband, her son Braydon and her daughter Mylah at Quail Ridge Park in Wentzville, MO. “I am married [to] a teacher and coach, and [we] have two kids,” Horn said. “So when I say teaching is my passion, I am not lying…I have surrounded myself with education.”
Getting to know math and Personal Finance teacher Andrea Horn
What got you interested in teaching?
“I can’t say there was anything in particular. I played teacher/school as a kid. I think it was just always a passion and dream of mine.”
What class(es) do you teach?
“Geometry A and Personal Finance.”
Is this your first year teaching?
“No, this is my 15th year.”
Did you previously teach at a different school? If so, what school?
“I taught for two years at Dallas County School District (Buffalo, MO), then I taught two years at Missouri State University. The last 10 years, I have taught at Fort Zumwalt School district. The nine of those 10 years were at Fort Zumwalt East.”
How is West different from that school?
“In many ways, it is very similar, but I will have to say the people at West are amazing! I have had so many colleagues more than willing to help me with my transition, and the students are awesome!”
Are there any teaching strategies you are using at West that you learned at your previous school?
“I am still trying to find a groove in my new classes, so I can’t think of any particular strategies right now. However, we are all a sum of our past, so I am sure each lesson is influenced in some way by my previous experiences.”
Why did you decide to teach math?
“I was always a strong math student and enjoyed it, so why not?”
If you could teach another subject, what subject would it be and why?
“Personal finance…my dream is coming true! I am math certified and personal finance is normally in the business department. However, I always thought it would be cool to be able to guide and teach students stuff that could directly impact their immediate future. So when they offered me Personal Finance, I was elated!”
Are there any challenges you face while teaching?
“Deep down, I am a shy person. I know, weird thing for a teacher to say, right?”
How have you overcome them?
“I constantly remind myself each day that I ask my students to get out of their comfort zone and challenge themselves. Therefore, I have to do the same.”
What are you most excited for about your class/this year?
“I am mainly excited about meeting all the people at West and learning about the culture and traditions of West High.”
What is your favorite thing about West so far?
“I am going to be repetitive, but how friendly and helpful everyone has been.”
How would you like students to see you?
“I hope students see me as a supportive, yet challenging teacher. I feel true learning happens when we push ourselves to be greater.”