Geometry and pre-calc teacher Catherine Ruback is not just any math teacher.
With a passion for teaching students about numbers, she has dedicated 33 years to transforming how students perceive and engage with mathematics. “I feel like being a teacher is who I am, it’s like who I am. It’s not just a job. For me, that’s what I want to do with my life. Yes it’s hard and a lot of work and there’s a lot of bad things that come up, but I still do it because it’s me and it’s what I do,” Ruback said.
As a teacher, Ruback said she believes that math is not just a set of number concepts but an important skill that shapes problem-solving abilities, critical thinking and real-world applications. “I really like numbers, that’s why I like math. To me, it’s so much more concrete than teaching English because how do you teach someone how to write well? And I think math has a bunch of patterns, so being able to make connections. It’s not just about the process, but it’s connected to a bunch of other things that make up one big picture,” Ruback said.
Ruback’s approach to teaching is built around advancing a deep understanding of mathematical principles rather than focusing solely on memorization.”My goal is to always try to present it in a way that makes sense to them, and I know everyone doesn’t get it the same, so I always try to explain it to them in a way they will understand. I like just being able to explain it in a way that makes sense, and if it doesn’t, I want to keep trying,” Ruback said.
Her classes are known for their interactive nature, where students aren’t just passive learners but active participants in their own education. Ruback offers a variety of methods, including lessons, worksheets and technology, to make the subject more intriguing to her students. “I like helping people a lot, and so that’s why I put problems on the board for everyone to solve because I think it’s more helpful for them to ask questions and do it themselves,” Catherine Ruback said.
Ruback’s students praise her ability to connect on a personal level, reflecting on the effectiveness of Ruback’s teaching. Sophomore Anna Sofronas, a pre-calc student in Ruback’s class, appreciates her engaging approach to teaching. “I really like her teaching because I feel that she is always keeping us engaged by giving us problems to do with her and asking us questions to help solve it,” Sofronas said.
Her passion for teaching is fueled not just by her love for mathematics but also by her belief in the potential of every student. Ruback’s own love for learning never stops. She continues to deepen her expertise in mathematics and, for her, teaching math is not just about passing it on.
“I think what’s more important to me is that you can learn all the math in the world, but it’s more important to me to watch people grow and mature and learn about yourself and what you’re capable of and what you will stand for and what you will not and for me it’s more important you learn about those things, the life skills you learn through the people you’re with all day is more important lifelong,” Ruback said.
Ruback’s dedication to her teaching and her students’ success stands as a symbol of a powerful individual who is more than just a math teacher. “I always see numbers in what I do. It’s all about patterns. There are numbers in everything you do, even if you don’t see it. Nature always has patterns and numbers,” Ruback said.
