Hello and Welcome!

Meet Mrs. Ponder

I am a dedicated educator, wife, and proud mother of two daughters. Our youngest is beginning her junior year at Tarleton State University, while our oldest lives in new York with her husband and their adorable dogs.

My husband is a military veteran and my best friend. We have a lot of fun traveling around Texas.

I am originally from Nevada and spent 16 years living in New Mexico before making Texas my home. This is my sixth year in Texas, and I have truly fallen in love with everything the Lone Star State has to offer!

My Teaching Journey

I currently teach eighth-grade mathematics at Lincoln Middle School. This is my 14th year in education and my sixth year as a proud Lincoln Maiden.

Before coming to Lincoln, I taught in Cloudcroft and Alamogordo, New Mexico. I earned my bachelor’s degree from New Mexico State University and my master’s degree in Educational Administration from Eastern New Mexico University. I am also currently pursuing National Board Certification in Early Adolescence Mathematics.

My path to the classroom was a little different from that of many educators. Before beginning my teaching career in my 30s, I was fortunate to stay home with my children during their early years. That experience helped shape the patience, compassion, and encouragement I bring to my classroom each day.

Helping students understand mathematics is one of my greatest passions. I am excited to continue learning, growing, and supporting students at Lincoln Middle School.

My “Why”

My father, who was an English teacher, first inspired me to pursue a career in education. Later, while working as an instructional aide, I noticed that many students believed they were simply “bad at math.” Some were so afraid of making a mistake that they were hesitant to even try.

That experience motivated me to become certified in 4-8 mathematics. I wanted to help students recognize that being successful in math is not about getting every problem correct on the first try. It is about asking questions, trying different strategies, learning from mistakes, and refusing to give up.

In my classroom, I work to create a positive and supportive environment where students feel safe taking academic risks. I remind students that mistakes are not failures, they are evidence that learning and thinking are taking place.

There is nothing more rewarding than watching a student finally understand a concept that once felt impossible. My goal is not only to help students strengthen their math skills, but also to help them develop confidence, perseverance, and a more positive attitude toward mathematics.

In our classroom, we work hard, learn from our mistakes, support one another, and remember that everyone can grow as a mathematician!

My name is Kristen Provenzano. I teach 8th grade Math and Algebra 1 at Lincoln Middle School. I started teaching in San Angelo ISD in 2018. I graduated from the University of Texas of the Permian Basin in 2012 with my bachelor’s degree in Business Management. I graduated with my Master's in Business Administration at Angelo State University in May 2022. 

My "Why"

In the past, I have worked in retail management.  I did this all over the state of Texas and worked with a very diverse set of individuals.  Although I enjoyed my time in retail, I noticed how many people felt as though they were “stuck” in their jobs.  I loved being the person who could help them achieve their goals and move on to better and bigger things.  I wanted to do this on a different level.  I wanted to be that person to help the younger generation set and achieve goals before getting to a point where they felt “stuck.”  

My "Why"

I see similar struggles from my students now that I experienced when I was their age.  I love being able to relate to our kids on those more personal levels.  When I hear kids say that they are bad at math, or can’t do it because it is hard, I explain to them that I was never “good at math” and that I didn’t think I could do it either.  Their responses are always an amazing teaching moment for us.  I didn’t go to school to be a math teacher, or any teacher for that matter.  Both my Bachelor's and Master's degrees are in business, but while working in business, I saw a need at a different level.  Math was never my strongest subject.  I struggled with it all the way through college!  I tell my students that the only way to get better at something is to practice.  Most of them can relate in some way to this idea and from there, grow in their confidence to practice math.  Expectations are set very early so my students know that my classroom is a safe place to make mistakes, ask questions and grow.  We encourage each other and continue to grow together.  I love working through problems with students until that light bulb shines bright above them.  The “ah ha” moment is such an amazing time for both the students and myself.  Watching their knowledge in math grow is great, but seeing their confidence in themselves grow is simply the best!  

Lincoln has the best staff and the best students in town!  We are a family.  We all work together to achieve our goals and make it the best experience possible.  You just can’t beat that!