"Not only is mathematics itself interesting, the history of human interaction with it is also fascinating. By showing the students how things work, explaining to them the way things were discovered, and the way that human history revolves around the discovery of mathematical ideas, I can show them that the things we study in my classes are not only useful, but a living testament to the creativity and resourcefulness of the human race. When I am excited about things, they become excited, too. I teach math from a holistic point of view, connecting it to art, science and life in general."
I call my room a "Nerd Haven" and let the students know that all children, regardless of beliefs, culture, race, sexual preference and geekiness are welcome in my classroom. I model tolerance of all beliefs (except for those that hurt others) and expect every person in my classroom to treat each other with respect. It is my hope that students will want to be in my room, and it seems to work: during lunch I typically have between 10 and 15 students in my classroom, working on math, discussing the Academic Decathlon curriculum, and relaxing. Students seldom choose to be absent from my class. A colleague once referred to me as the "Pied Piper of the Math Department," because of my ability to draw students to mathematics and to learning, and because I am able to inspire them to seek new knowledge. If I have truly done this, then all my efforts have been worthwhile."
Of Mr. Yetman, one of his students writes: "As coach of our Academic Decathlon team, he has led us to a three year running victory at Regionals, and he also helped us place second at State last year. He made it possible for students who normally would get no recognition at all, the geeks with low G.P.A.'s, to actually compete and make something of themselves. He makes me believe that I can be on the team this year and that - despite my lack of math skills and logic in general - do well on the team. Leadership like that, in all seriousness, is a rarity even among the prized and rare collection of teachers that so masochistically teach us students every single day."
Mr. Yetman graduated from Carleton College in Northfield, MN, with a Bachelors degree in both Mathematics and English Literature. He earned his Post Baccalaureate Teaching degree from the University of Arizona where he has also completed graduate work in Mathematics and Computer Science. The Arizona Academic Decathlon named Mr. Yetman Region III Coach of the Year in 2002. He has been teaching for 16 years.
