Every day at Berkley High, Ms. Flood is known for making math more approachable, organizing unforgettable student events, and always being there for students who need guidance. Whether in the classroom or behind the scenes, she’s become a trusted figure both in and outside the classroom, leaving a lasting impact on everyone she encounters.
Ms. Flood graduated from Michigan State University and has taught personal finance, geometry, and Student Leadership at Berkley High for the past nine years and quickly became a go-to person for many students when they need someone to talk to.”I had a good relationship with some of my teachers in high school, which made me want to be that for students.” She explains the reason she wanted to go into teaching. “I knew I wanted to teach, and math was the only core subject I really enjoyed, so I chose it as my major. It was tough, but earning my degree felt incredibly rewarding.” For students thinking about pursuing math in the future, she offered some valuable advice: “Make sure to attend office hours,” Ms. Flood said, “TAs and professors are there to help. MSU also had a Math Learning Center run by upperclassmen, which was a great way to hear first-hand experiences from students who had been through the same classes.” But when asked what drew her to teach math and run student leadership, she says, “I was in Student Leadership in high school and always liked planning events and getting other students and teachers involved. Now that I teach Student Leadership, I can do all of those things every day.”
This seems like it could be very gratifying, but one of the most rewarding parts of her teaching is helping students gain confidence in their abilities. “I really enjoy connecting with my students and helping them grow in confidence,” she shared. “This is especially true in math, where many students doubt their abilities, but the truth is, everyone is capable of doing math! It’s also fulfilling to see students in Student Leadership take charge of organizing big events for the entire school and watch their efforts come to life.”
Another class that brings her a lot of satisfaction is personal finance because of how relevant it is to students. She shared, “I have learned a lot myself from teaching this class, so I hope my students learn something valuable as well.” Through teaching, she’s also gained a better understanding of her own teaching style. “I try to have a more laid-back approach, which I hope helps students feel comfortable making mistakes and sharing their thoughts in class,” Ms. Flood said. “No one is expected to be perfect, but we are all expected to try our hardest in order to learn.”
Beyond the classroom, she has some memorable experiences that she cherishes. One of her highlights each year is participating in the school’s fashion show. It’s a unique opportunity for her to bond with colleagues she doesn’t always get the chance to spend time with. The event gives them a chance to let loose, create silly dances, and have fun, all while entertaining the students. It’s moments like these that allow her to build stronger connections with both her peers and students, adding a personal touch to her role as an educator.
Ms. Flood’s passion for teaching and helping students succeed is clear in everything she does. Whether it’s boosting confidence in math or leading student events, she makes a lasting impact on the Berkley High community. Her dedication and positive attitude inspire students both in and out of the classroom, and it’s easy to see why she’s so well-loved by everyone.
