Teacher Feature 
Mrs. Deedee Henderson
Upper School Mathematics
Upper School mathematics teacher, Mrs. Deedee Henderson, has been selected to present at the 2018 National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM ) Conference in Seattle and Kansas City during the month of November. She will be presenting on the topic “Calculus Activities and Ideas That Provide Lasting Understanding.”
What is the selection process from becoming a speaker at NCTM?
To be a speaker for NCTM or College Board, you have to submit a detailed proposal that describes the subject of your presentation, how you will present your topic, and what the participants will gain from attending your session. I love attending Math Conventions because I always return with new ideas and get to examine the newest tech tools and materials for math classrooms. When accepted as a speaker, I get to attend the conferences for no charge.
What do you teach at The Donoho School?
I am currently teaching AP Calculus, Honors Calculus, Dual Enrollment College Precalculus Algebra, Honors Precalculus, and Precalculus. I have all of the seniors and a good many of the juniors at Donoho.
Why do you like teaching at The Donoho School?
I love the environment. The schedule is structured in such a way that classroom time is protected and prioritized as being of the utmost importance. The faculty is supportive of each other and the students have been so appreciative to have me join their school.
What sets Donoho students apart from students in other schools?
The comradery between the students has been refreshing. I have seen students go out of their way to be kind, assist, or encourage their peers. There are many high expectations set for not only the students but for the faculty and administration. It is everyone’s desire to strive to do his or her best.
What do you want your students to gain from having known you?
By the end of the year, I desire for my students to not only learn some new things but begin to see the bigger role math plays in our world. I want them to have an appreciation for the complexities and beauties embedded within the content we cover.
What is a unique experience, talent, or interest that you bring to your classroom to help shape the learning experience of your students?
Graphing calculators play a big role in students’ success on the AP Calculus exam. I began using graphing calculators in my classroom over 20 years ago. I was contacted by Casio many years ago to assist in writing teacher workbooks with lessons involving graphing calculators as learning tools. I have conducted workshops, training sessions, and webinars for many of their products. I feel my interest in graphing calculators has provided me with a unique talent in helping students learn how to appropriately use technology as a tool…not a crutch!
Mrs. Deedee Henderson has been teaching for the past 27 years. She has a BS and MS in Mathematics Education from JSU, an Educational Specialist Degree from JSU, and is a National Board Certified Teacher of Mathematics. Mrs. Henderson has twice been named Alabama Secondary Teacher of the Year for District 4. She has traveled the country training for Casio on the use of graphing Calculators, has been an AP College Board Reader for Calculus for the past 9 years, and has had classrooms activities published by Glencoe as part of their Algebra II with Trigonometry textbook.
