Sarah Bestor – Math and AVID

What subjects do you teach and why?

This year I am teaching Advanced Algebra 3/4 Analysis, Advanced Algebra 3/4 Workshop, Geometry and AVID 9. Math can be one of the biggest roadblocks for students on their path to complete high school, My goal as a math teacher is to make math easier to manage. I also hope that my students become better problem solvers and become ready to question numbers that they see in the world.

How long have you been teaching? 

I am starting my second year as a teacher. Last year, I taught at St. Helens High School, in St. Helens, Ore., and I student-taught here at Lincoln High School two years ago, where I was also the assistant coach for the girls basketball team. 

Did you always want to be a teacher?

Since I was quite young I wanted to be a teacher; there were not really other jobs that I wanted to have. Other than a pizza delivery person (I still want to do that one day), that’s the dream.

Where did you study?

Oregon State – Go Beavs!

Why did you choose to come to Lincoln?

I sort of fell into student-teaching at Lincoln, and over the course of that year, I fell in love with the students and the school. I knew I would want to one day come back, I just did not know when that opportunity would present itself. One of my favorite things about Lincoln is the passion and drive that the students have to create change in their community and globally. The students here inspire me to be better each day.

What is your favorite part about teaching?

The best part of teaching is the ability to connect with students and see them succeed. Working with youth has always been a passion of mine and being able to work with students each day is the best thing in the world. I am most looking forward to meeting my AVID 9 cohort and speaking with and getting to see how my students from two years ago have grown.

What do you hope to get out of this year, considering the circumstances? 

I honestly have a lot of hopes for this year. I think it is an opportunity for us all to grow in a technology-centered world. I hope to bond with my students, and to be able to make my mark as a teacher, even if I am unable to be in the building. I also hope that being home can help me successfully not kill my plants. 

What do you like to do outside of teaching?

Some of my favorite ways to spend my time include skateboarding and longboarding, playing music (I used to be in a band), making Spotify playlists for my friends and camping on the beach. There are not many instances where I do not have my headphones in, listening to a podcast or music. I also have gotten incredibly skilled at staring out the window longingly during the quarantine.

What is your favorite thing about Portland?

There are so many good parts of Portland! A few top things for me lately have been watching the city lights at Rocky Butte, all the local businesses there are to support and the good food.