Champions of Heart and Rigor: Our Final AP Teacher Spotlight

Our last article in our spotlight series continues to share more about the teachers quietly shaping futures through a mix of academic rigor, mentorship, and unwavering belief in our students’ potential.  

Joseph Witek shapes students in history; “beyond academics, students gain confidence and time management skills. AP US History (APUSH) is a rigorous course that forces students to lock in, manage their time, and complete high-level tasks. The class keeps moving and does not stop, just as life does not stop. Students learn how to manage under stressful and sometimes uncertain circumstances, which is a critical skill and something they can take with them into college and life.” 

In the math department, Brigette Brankin teaches AP Statistics in addition to several other math courses. “AP courses are a vital part of the high school learning experience. They give students a chance to earn college credit while getting more support in a high school environment than they would normally get at the University level. If a student wants to get a jump start on their career path, taking an AP class in high school provides options and flexibility in the college schedules.” Brigette also remarks on how Saint Viator is different because “in addition to being a great school community, Saint Viator courses earn high marks in academic excellence and there is a foundation in Jesus Christ, which sets us apart.”

 

Estela Vera-Holzmann teaches AP Spanish and Culture, where students develop skills that reach far beyond academics. “They gain a deeper understanding of the cultures they study—and they also reflect on how culture is created and shaped in everyday life. They learn that there is no single “normal,” only different perspectives and ways of living, each with its own logic and value. Just as importantly, they build the confidence to navigate ambiguity: to interpret nuance, support an argument with evidence, and make thoughtful judgments when there isn’t one clear, predetermined answer. One key aspect of an AP Modern Language course is helping students build confidence as they navigate a path that’s often uncertain. There isn’t a single vocabulary list or practice book that can supply a “right” answer when the task is to craft an argument, analyze what makes a community unique, or infer meaning from an author’s word choice.”

And, while new to Saint Viator, Sheila Edstrom plans to create problem-solvers in her AP Physics courses.  “Problem-solving is a part of life. Even if a student is not interested in pursuing a STEM-related field, I think success in an AP Physics class can not only build their confidence but also provide a platform in problem-solving in a content area that is less familiar for them.”

“AP courses simply prepare students to be lifelong learners. As a mom, I believe that is necessary. Research shows repeatedly that our children will have jobs that do not currently exist. So, we need to teach our children to think and to find the benefit in learning.” When asked about the growth Sheila expects from her students by year's end, she says, “For students who struggle with the content, I want to see their confidence grow in a content area that can be challenging for them. On the contrary, physics comes more naturally for some of my students. I want to challenge them beyond the scope of the course, and hopefully inspire them to not only push themselves, but to help classmates who are struggling.”

Sheila has had her research and findings published by the College Board, is a Question Leader for AP Physics C: Mathematical Routines, and directs the training and scoring for that section of the AP exam.

We are grateful to all our teachers and recognize that our AP teachers occupy a unique space in education, as they are tasked with delivering college-level content to teenagers who are figuring out who they are and what they can do. We commend that balancing act of expertise, patience, creativity, and understanding of how to motivate students through moments of doubt.

Read part one and part two.