Academics
Faculty Focus

Faculty Focus: February 2019

Math Teacher Diane Sabbia, who joined Fenwick in the 2017-18 school year, is passionate about geometry!
What is your educational background?
DS: B.S - Illinois State University

What did you do prior to becoming a teacher at Fenwick?
DS: I taught at a small public school in central Illinois, Maroa Forsyth High School, for two years. 

What interests do you pursue outside of the classroom?
DS: This current school year I have spent a lot of time coaching, but whenever possible, I love to travel with family and friends. 

To what teams and/or clubs did you belong as a student?
DS: As a student I was a competitive cheerleader, played soccer, ran track and was part of the National Art Honors Society. 

Which clubs/sports/activities do you run at Fenwick?
DS: I am a moderator for Friar Mentors, co-sponsor for math team and an assistant varsity cheerleading coach. 

What quality/characteristic marks a Fenwick student?
DS: Students at Fenwick are very ambitious. They want to be the best that they can be and they will do whatever it takes to do just that. 

When did you decide to become a teacher, and why did you choose this field?
DS: When I was little I always thought that I wanted to become a teacher, but it was in high school when I knew for sure. I loved my high school geometry teacher. I admired the way that she was able to relate to students and make class interesting every day. 

What personal strengths do you find especially helpful in your teaching?
DS: I find my enthusiasm about the material to be helpful in the classroom. I feel that it is very important for students to be in a positive atmosphere to be able to learn to the best of their abilities. 

What are your favorite classes to teach?
DS: I love teaching geometry! For most students, it is very different from any math that they have taken previously, so they are not able to come into the class with any preconceptions.​

What is the greatest success you have had in teaching?
DS: My greatest success stories are the students who may be struggling in class but are willing to do the extra work, come in early in the mornings, and stay after school to get the extra help that they might need to be able to succeed in the class. 

What challenges face students today?​
DS: I think a huge challenge students face today is social media. There are so many unrealistic expectations that they think they have to live up to. 
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