Hallie Kaiser ’22

Mathematics Education

Biography

I started at Taylor in 2018 and majored in math education all 4 years! I graduated from Taylor in the spring of 2022. Prior to graduation, I was hired at Oakland High School to teach integrated math 3 in Murfreesboro, TN.

What were some of your most valuable experiences at Taylor?

One of the most valuable experiences at Taylor was living in Olson Hall for 4 years on third center. There are numerous things that I loved from my time on the wing as I got to experience doing life with other Christians as we shared in each other joys and burdens. Another valuable experience at Taylor was being able to be an active member of the math department. I also was able to experience community among my fellow students and professors where I learned how to work well with others, how to seek after mentorship, specifically in my academics, and it provided me opportunities for some amazing experiences such as a summer of research where I discovered that teaching really is where I want to be and what i want to be doing. I came out of both these experiences with amazing friends who push me closer to Christ, who carry my burdens and I get to enjoy sharing life with!

How did your classes or interactions with professors at Taylor impact your growth?

My professors challenged me to think deeply in my courses and taught me how to learn difficult content. They never just taught us material and then tested us, but made us think deeply about the implications of that material, whether that was developing problem solving skills, the way mathematics has impacted our culture, or how mathematics relates to our faith. While I was a math major, I still had to write countless papers on subjects such as these and more. My professors always had their door open to me for questions and advice and without this, I am not sure I would have achieved all that I did in my academics.

How can Taylor graduates use their unique Taylor education and its liberal arts foundational core as an asset in your discipline?

Taylor’s liberal arts education has benefited me in giving me knowledge in countless subject areas. As a teacher, I have students ask me questions related to math but also related to a plethora of topics. Because of my time at Taylor, I am able to feed my students knowledge not only in math but in many areas of life. Another thing that Taylor’s liberal education has given me is communication skills that have helped me communicate well with both parents and students while I care for them as individuals and as students in my classroom.

What advice or encouragement could you provide for Taylor students in your vocational discipline?

My advice is to do the uncomfortable and to buy into what Taylor has to offer. Get to know those around you who are doing life with, whether that is in the math department or your dorm. Take the time to meet one on one with people and reach out first! Try new things and get involved.