Mrs. Hilton Interview

by James Deorio

 This year West Chester East hired Mrs. Hilton, a veteran teacher who has taught for 10 years. Mrs. Hilton teaches a wide range of math here at East from Algebra 2 CCP, to Pre-Calc. Honors, all the way to AP Calculus BC. I set out to learn more about East’s new addition. 

Question 1: Where did you get your degree from, and what is your major?

“So I got my degree from West Chester University, both undergrad and grad. My bachelors was math education and my masters was secondary education.”

Question 2: Where have you taught prior to West Chester East?

“So last year I was actually at Stetson middle school, so I was still in this district, teaching 8th grade math. But before that, I was at Avon Grove Charter High School for eight years.”

Question 3: Why did you choose to become a math teacher?

“Well, I’m actually a 3rd generation math teacher. So my mom was my eighth grade, Algebra 1 teacher. She taught in the Coatesville School District for twenty years but now she’s currently at the college level teaching math still. And then her father, my grandfather, was also a high school math teacher. I think it runs in the family, and I also just love math. I love how it works. I love how it’s so logical, and I love sharing my passion for math with my students.”

Question 4: What were your first opinions of West Chester East in your first couple of weeks here?

“I loved how everyone was so welcoming, especially all the other teachers. And the students were all very kind. So yeah, my first couple of weeks were very positive.”

Question 5: Have your opinions of West Chester East changed since then? 

“I mean, I don’t think so. I think we’re all feeling kind of burnt out right now, so it’s kind of hard. Like leading to spring break, students are feeling burnt out, teachers are feeling burnt out. So I think at this point in the school year it always feels different than in the beginning of the school year. But overall, no, it’s still a welcoming feeling.”

Question 6: What has been the highlight of your first year at West Chester East?

“I think getting to teach pre-calc again has been fun. Last year, when I was at Stetson, I didn’t teach pre-calc because, you know, 8th graders, but I taught pre-calc before I was at Stetson. So I was really excited to be back teaching pre-calculus. I think that’s been the biggest highlight is getting to teach my favorite class.”

Question 7: What do you feel is the most important thing for your students to know about you, as their teacher?

“That I am on their side. I work with them, not against them. I am always here for help, and my door is always open. I want them to know that my classroom is always a welcoming space.”

Question 8: As one of your students, I am curious to know, why do you implement creative assignments like the unit circle project in your classes?

“I mean, wouldn’t it be boring to come to math class and just take notes every day? I like to incorporate fun activities after a day or a couple of days of learning something new. It helps make math more fun, and I think if students can have a little bit of fun doing math, then they’ll feel better about heading to math class.”

Question 9: As a teacher who is new to the Viking block system, how have you noticed the impact it has for students with helping them better understand the math curriculum taught in class?  

“I think it’s a good break for students to get help when they need it. And it can really solidify their understanding of stuff. Especially because 1 on 1 help really does a lot, especially when it comes to math.”

Question 10: If you were not a teacher, what career would you choose to pursue?

“See, asking this now as I’m a mom of two toddlers, I would say be a stay at home mom, because it’s really hard having my two kids in daycare while I’m here, because I could be home with them. But if you were to ask me this before I was a mom, I would probably say something with forensics. I find that really interesting and exciting. So yeah probably something with forensics but currently I would say stay at home mom.