The Path Toward Belonging
Related: In Good Company: Vera Kahiwa Jhung ’86
Ballew was born and raised on the windward side in Maunawili and attended Punahou from Kindergarten to 12th grade. Her favorite place to be is at the beach in the evenings, spending time with her family and walking her dog, Goldie. Ballew also loves supporting her kids, Lana ’34 and Tristan ’31, at their various extracurricular activities, including aerial yoga, hula, baseball, basketball and fishing. Ballew hopes to become a better lei maker and loves watching the manu-o-kū from any tree on campus. “These moments bring me joy,” she says. “They also help me grow both personally and creatively.” Ballew has been teaching high school math for 22 years including the past five as Academy Faculty.
When did you realize you wanted to teach math?
It may have started when I was younger and was given the opportunity to help classmates and friends with their math work. While in school, I realized I enjoyed the process and reward of working to solve a complex math problem. I appreciated finding patterns and making connections in mathematical content. I particularly valued the opportunities to collaborate with my peers to tackle challenges presented in class.
In both high school and college I experienced my own disappointments and struggles in math classes. My teachers helped me to believe in myself, keep working hard, and encouraged me to ask questions to deepen my understanding. These teachers helped me to feel that I belonged on this path.
I realized how much I valued these experiences and felt that I could do the same for math students someday.
Was there a career you originally wanted to pursue?
After graduating from The College of William and Mary with a BS in Applied Mathematics and a minor in Biology, I interned at the Kewalo Basin Marine Mammal Lab studying dolphins. I hoped to move to Australia and continue working with marine mammals in some capacity. I knew I was interested in teaching math someday, but I didn’t feel quite ready yet.
In order to earn some money before heading to Australia, I started substitute teaching in a high school math classroom. This opportunity helped me realize how much I enjoyed helping students understand, appreciate and solve math problems. I also loved how each day in a classroom with high school students is an adventure unto itself – they kept me on my toes through humor and challenged me to explain or view a problem from a different perspective.
Shortly after, I was offered a full-time high school math position, decided to take the job, and the rest is history. After a few years of teaching high school math, I decided to go back to school to get a masters’ degree in Secondary Math Education from the University of Texas.
What is your favorite aspect of teaching?
I enjoy seeing the students get excited and feel pride about a connection they recognize or a problem they first struggled to understand. I love when they visibly have an ‘aha’ moment. I also really appreciate when a student helps me to view a problem or solution through another lens, and challenges me to explain how and why a mathematical formula or method is used in a specific problem and how to solve it.
I genuinely believe that everyone can improve and deepen their mathematical knowledge. My students and friends always hear me say that math is everywhere. Recognizing mathematical relationships and developing mathematical reasoning will help our students to better understand the world. These valuable skills will equip them to face challenges in any career path they choose.
Do you find it easy to form connections with the students and faculty at Punahou?
Yes – I feel very fortunate to get to work with our students everyday. In the classroom they are curious, respectful, driven and fun. And for their part, my Academy Math colleagues have been extremely helpful and supportive. I really appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with and learn from so many of them.
– Trevor Hu ’27
