Shaylee Puleo is a math teacher who recently joined the Westford Academy community. After teaching for four years at Wilmington Middle School, Puleo is starting her first year as a high school teacher at WA.
Q: How did you feel on your first day of school?
A: I was very nervous, but I was also really excited, because I have always wanted to teach high school, and I was coming from a middle school.
Q: How did you combat those feelings?
A: Kind of just like the saying “fake it till you make it.” If you’re not used to this high school atmosphere like I was, you really just got to fake it till you make it, and make the kids believe that you’re as comfortable as you look.
Q: How long have you been a geometry teacher?
A: I have taught for four years, and then this is my fifth year. Obviously, it’s my first year in high school. I haven’t really done geometry specifically. I was doing seventh grade math, so it was a little bit of everything.
Q: What are the goals you have set for yourself for this year?
A: Make it through day by day, getting used to the schedule as much as possible, and just making an impact on at least one student […] would be fantastic. Just to make the difference and have it be recognized.
Q: Are there any co-workers that have mentored you so far this school year?
A: So far, I have a specific mentor, Mrs. Aylward, and she’s done an amazing job. She answers all of my questions beautifully, but I would just say the math department in general. Every single time someone sees me, they’re always willing to help, willing to send me things they’ve done in the past, and I’ve never felt lost a day in this building.
Q: Why did you choose to teach at Westford Academy?
A: I have always known about Westford Academy, and I’ve always heard that they really value education. Something that’s been missing from my teaching career so far is I just crave that kids want to be here to learn, and middle school, that’s not the age that they want to be learning at. I know Westford values education. When I saw there was an opening, I knew I needed to get on that, and I definitely made the right decision. I’ve seen the drive in the students here and how different it can be from district to district of the support of the teachers, the parents and the students together, wanting to really get the kids to have a good education.
Q: What’s your favorite part of the school?
A: I’ve only been here for a month, so I don’t really know so far, but it seems like, when I asked some of the seniors in my advisory, they said that they like spirit days. People go all out for spirit week, and that’s my jam. I won the staff spirit week at my old school so I love that.
Q: How does Westford Academy compare to the other schools you have taught at?
A: I’ve only taught at one other school, but I would say it’s a lot more serious. There’s a better balance. I would say seriousness and the education aspect, people wanting to learn, but then also people knowing how to have fun, and let loose when necessary.
Q: What is your favorite part of geometry?
A: My favorite part of geometry, this is going to be a funny answer, but the mixture of algebra into geometry. It’s cool that you can have all this other content within a different subject, so I definitely get really excited to throw in some variables, and maybe some of the kids who don’t think they’re as strong in geometry will get that chance to kind of prove their math strengths in a different way.
Q: What’s the biggest piece of advice you would give to a student struggling with math?
A: Come to extra help. All the math teachers have some sort of extra outside help, but also just don’t give up. There’s different sections, and some sections might be tougher than others for you, based on what type of learner you are. So just do your best through each section, and then maybe the next one will be a little bit easier for you.
