In order to revisit his passion for teaching, the current Math Dept. chair Peter DeCraene will hand over the reins to math teacher Dale Leibforth starting next year.
“The one thing that department chairs don’t have is that day-to-day interaction with students. The ability to talk with them and let them know that I’ll be there to support them,” stated DeCraene.
As department chair, DeCraene’s job officially ends July, while his teaching career begins anew the following school year.
“I think I’ve done good work as a department chair, but I think in the long run, I will have a bigger impact on students as a teacher,” said DeCraene.
Headed up by Peter Bavis, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, along with several math teachers, they made up the committee who chose the new math dept. chair.
“I always wanted to go into teaching. Although, I also knew eventually I’d be in some form of administration. I see areas for growth in the department and I’m excited to work with the teachers that we have,” stated Leibforth.
According to Leibforth, teaching here at ETHS has been traditionally skills based through out honors and regular level classes. To improve upon that, the department hopes to challenge all students with a better curriculum and more rigorous course work starting next year.
“Our goal is to reach all students. Right now, I think we have a pretty big gap between regular and honors,” said Leibforth.
The curriculum for Algebra one and Geometry have already been reevaluated in collaboration with Leibforth, DeCraene and an assortment of math teachers. All changes were aligned under the common core, a set of curriculum standards tailored for Illinois schools.
“Along with Algebra one and Geometry, we need to look at Algebra two and Trig on the pathway to AP. Our Math Dept. is very strong and very collaborative,” said Leibforth. “I think we need to strive to be a deptartment that serves all students well.”
According to Leibforth, a good number of students take and plan to take AP Calculus and AP Stats. Because of that, they want to make sure students are ready for the tougher courses.
“I know I still have a lot to learn as department chair, but I know I can make a difference in this school,” stated Leibforth.