Teacher Spotlight: Ms. Gerhart

Second Year Teacher of Mathematics

Brianna Medeiros, Staff Writer

Abington High has many teachers with years of experience, but there are a few who are just getting started. Ms. Gerhart is a second year math teacher. She is also a volunteer assistant coach for the fall and winter cheerleading teams. We thought you might like to get to know her a bit better, so we asked her a few questions about herself.

What college did you attend and what did you major in?

I went to the University of New Hampshire where I majored in mathematics for secondary school students. I enjoyed going to school there, especially getting involved in activities through my sorority (Alpha Xi Delta.) We organized a lot of fundraising activities for Autism Speaks, a charitable organization dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and cure for autism.

Did you always want to be a math teacher, and why is math your favorite subject? 

I’ve wanted to be a teacher since I was a little kid, but in high school I decided I wanted to teach math. Math is like a giant puzzle. Getting through it may be a struggle, but when you finally finish the puzzle, it is so rewarding.

What’s your favorite part about teaching?

I teach five classes, so I interact with student at all levels. I like being able to work with a variety of students from different grade levels.

Have you lived in Massachusetts all your life?

Yes, I grew up in Pembroke and graduated from Pembroke High.

Is Abington you first teaching job?  

I was a long term sub at Whitman-Hanson High School before working here.

How did you end up coaching cheerleading?

The head coach (Alyssa McSharry) was my coach in high school, and when she got the job she asked if I would assist her.

What do you like to do in your spare time?  

(As a new teacher) I don’t have much spare time. But when I do, I like to go out to eat with friends. I also enjoy country music, and last summer I saw the Zac Brown Band at Fenway Park with my younger brother (who she describes as looking a lot like her – except for being a guy) and we had great seats in the third row.

What is your favorite:

Food – Buffalo Chicken

Movie – Elf

Band – Luke Bryan

Vacation Spot – the Bahamas

What’s a characteristic about yourself that most wouldn’t know unless they talked to you?

I can be pretty sarcastic, but not usually at school.