Elise Hoeppner brings warmth, curiosity, and a deep belief in her students to her role as a Senior School Math Teacher. After teaching in the Middle School from 2009 to 2013, she returned this year to join the Senior School faculty.
An accomplished dancer and choreographer, Elise brings that same creativity and discipline to her classroom, approaching mathematics as a human and creative subject that invites confidence, curiosity, and enjoyment.
What first drew you to education, and what has kept you in it?
I clearly remember walking down the hallway to my Math 11 class in high school and feeling a calling that I was meant to be a high school math teacher. I think this came from having such an amazing math teacher myself. I have only had that kind of calling feeling twice in my life, and this was the first, at age 16.
The interesting part is that I initially went into business at UVic because I thought it was expected of me. After my first year, I knew in my heart that I was on the wrong path. I switched majors, completed a BSc in mathematics, and then did my fifth year to become a teacher.
I absolutely love mathematics, and I absolutely love teenagers. That combination has kept me in education. I also knew, even before finishing my degree, that I wanted to home educate my children, long before I actually had kids. That became another meaningful educational pathway for me.
What is a moment, experience, or influence that helped shape the educator you are today?
I have had some excellent educators in my life, both in high school and in university. They were educators who made me feel known, were always available for extra help, and were passionate about their fields.
The most impactful experience in shaping who I am as an educator, however, was becoming a mother. Becoming a mother helped me become more compassionate and more understanding toward my students.
What do you enjoy most about working with students?
Relationship, first and foremost. These beautiful humans who have only been on the planet for 14, 15, 16, or 17 years are incredible.
I also love helping students believe in their potential. Many students do not believe they are good at mathematics, and that belief often goes hand in hand with not enjoying the subject. I love being part of the journey that helps shift their mindset, building confidence in their abilities and, hopefully, a love for math. This is what my Master’s thesis focused on.
What is a particular topic, theme, or project that you really enjoy doing each year.
I enjoy project work in mathematics whenever we can connect concepts to real life, as students tend to retain their learning more deeply that way. I also enjoy bringing historical context into mathematics.
One of my favourite things is bringing in real objects for students to measure surface area and volume, such as cereal boxes, large gumballs, or Toblerone bars. Once the math is done, they get to “eat their math.”
What do you hope students gain from your classes beyond the subject matter itself?
A belief in their own mathematical abilities that often begins because I believe in them. I truly do. I also hope they develop a love for mathematics.
How do you like to spend your time outside of school?
Fitness, reading, puzzling, and leading a worship team at our church.
Is there anything else you would like our community to know about you or your work?
I am just so grateful to be here.
