Teaching at Greenhill wasn’t part of Jamesha Chappelle’s original plan – it was a chance she took to see what might happen.

Previously, she taught at Dallas ISD and Lewisville Middle School. She first learned about Greenhill by reading about its mission and values, and others had told her it would be a great place to teach math.

Chappelle says she strives to help students become their best possible selves and reminds them that their identity is more than just test scores.

“In my learning spaces, I promote the idea of mistakes and inquiry,” she explains.

Her mission as an educator is to encourage risk-taking and celebrate growth. She incorporates playful learning methods, such as games, to keep class engaging.

She remarks on how she tries to make math relevant and engaging for students of different learning styles by meeting students where they are and including students’ names in word problems.

Math Department Chair Miriam Lang describes Chappelle as adaptable, passionate and enthusiastic to teach math. Ms. Lang also believes that Ms. Chappelle brings positive impact to the Greenhill Community because of how when she shows up in space, she lets everyone bring themselves.

“She always just so positive, she just comes with a can-do solution oriented positive attitude,” Lang says.

Although it is only Chappelle’s first year teaching at Greenhill, Lang believes she has made a positive impact on both the faculty working with her and the students she teaches.

Chappelle states that in her classroom, she values authenticity and respect, and although some students may differ in opinions about her personality and teaching style, for her it proves to her that she has a firm, balanced classroom structure that is also loving and encouraging to students.

“I really hope that they leave my math class full of curiosity and courage and belief in themselves and their ability, to just love themselves outside of math,” she remarks.