Rose Sloop goes far above and beyond the standard duties of a high school math teacher. As head of student scheduling, Ms. Sloop works with the principal and staff to manually schedule classes for every single one of Reynolds Learning Academy's 200 students, based on their academic needs for graduation. As a member of the math adoption committee, she conducted research to discover areas where students needed help, then used this research to help colleagues select the appropriate textbook and curricular approach to address those areas. And as the school's teacher-in-charge when the principal is away from the building, Ms. Sloop addresses administrative issues with calm professionalism. Ms. Sloop applies the same high standards when teaching math. Working in an alternative learning academy where most of the students are struggling academically, Ms. Sloop has helped many remain in school and graduate. She uses rhymes and kinetic activities to help students remember mathematical processes, and has had students build models of their dream home using geometric concepts learned in class. A mentor to new teachers and a trusted advisor to colleagues and administrators, Ms. Sloop devised a method for teachers to plan their lessons in teams, relying on each other's ideas and knowledge of students' strengths and weaknesses. By any other name, Rose Sloop would still be one exemplary educator.
