Mirror: What classes do you teach? 

Powers: Geometry, Algebra II, and Precalculus.

M: How long have you been teaching? 

P: This is my 17th year as a teacher, and I was also an assistant principal for eight years, so, overall, this is my 25th year working in high schools.

M: Where have you taught before?

P: I taught at a boarding school in Lynchburg, VA. Then I moved to Massachusetts and taught at West Roxbury High School and Norwood High School. I was also assistant principal at NHS for a year and at Walpole High School for seven years.

M: Where are you from? 

P: Falls Church, VA.

M: Where did you go to college?  

P: William and Mary.

M: What inspired you to become a teacher?

P:  I worked as a camp counselor during college and also coached summer baseball. I enjoyed it so much that it led me to teaching.

M: What are your pet peeves in the classroom?

P: When students do things that get in the way of others being able to learn. Also, lining up at the door before the bell rings.

M: What jobs did you have before teaching?

P: I started teaching right after I graduated from college, but I've also waited tables, been a camp counselor, worked at a bagel shop, and done outdoor labor jobs.

M: Why did you decide to come to Dedham?

P: I decided to return to teaching after being an administrator, and I've always known Dedham to have really good schools.

M: What do you like most about teaching?

P: I enjoy working with high school students, and I especially like teaching math because it's a subject that students often don't think they're good at. Helping students realize they're better at it than they think they are is one of my favorite things about it.

M: What is your greatest personal accomplishment? 

P: Being a parent.

M: What are your hobbies?

P:  Hiking, biking, watching movies.

M: What is your favorite movie?

P:  It depends on the day, but Tombstone and Guardians of the Galaxy are two of my favorites.

M: What is your favorite sport to play/watch?

P: Baseball (when I was younger), and football.

M: What is your favorite food and drink?

P: Pizza and raspberry iced tea.

M: What are you most looking forward to this school year?

P:  Getting to know all of the new students and staff here in Dedham.