Meet a Vector Prep Teacher: Wendy Henderson, 5th/6th Grade Math/Science

At Vector Prep, we believe great teachers are the foundation of a strong education. The success of our students begins with giving our teachers the professional development, empowerment and resources they need to be highly effective.

As we prepare for the new school year, we want to introduce you to some of the teachers joining the Vector Prep family this year. Today: meet Wendy Henderson, our 5th/6th grade math/science teacher.

Read on to learn why Wendy chose to teach at Vector Prep, what she enjoys most about being a teacher, and the #1 concept she strives to teach, both in and out of the classroom.

Tell us a little about yourself and your background.

I was raised in the heart of Texas and moved to Arizona 17 years ago. I have three children and four grandchildren who all live here in the Valley. I went back to college at 36 and earned my Bachelor of Science in Child Psychology at Tarleton State in Texas with the intent of completing a Masters to do private adolescent counseling. After the experiences with my son in Kindergarten, I changed my mind and did graduate coursework in education. I started teaching in 2003 and took to it like a fish to water. I went on to become a facilitator of both the Parenting and Teaching with Love and Logic programs. Even on the days I wake up tired, I love coming to school and being with the children! When I’m asked ‘what is my dream job’; I get to answer that I’m living it 🙂

As a teacher, what attracted you to Vector Prep?

Several factors enticed me to join the Vector Prep family including the administration and beautiful facility. I am of the philosophy that elementary school in particular needs to focus on developing the ‘whole’ child; therefore, the biggest reason I chose Vector Prep was due to the variety of opportunities we provide students within the Arts, Physical Education, Student Ambassador program and after school clubs. With so many schools cutting PE and the Arts, Vector’s decision to make those opportunities a priority was a BIG deal.  

With so many schools cutting PE and the Arts, Vector’s decision to make those opportunities a priority was a BIG deal.  

What do you find most rewarding about being a teacher?

There are so many rewards that come with being a teacher and my personal favorite is when students who have struggled with Math in the past, make the shift to loving the subject and feeling like Math ‘rock stars’!!!

Who (or what) inspired you to become a teacher?

My mother knew that I should be a teacher at age 4 but like a lot of kids, I didn’t listen until I was in my late 30’s. I had the house where all the kids gathered and often found myself ‘teaching’ them stuff. Then my son had a rough first couple years in school and would get in the car sad at the end of his school day. I vowed right then and there to do my best to send children home joyful and excited about learning each and every day!

What do you like to do in your free time?

In my free time, I like to spend time with my family. We enjoy being outdoors, BBQs and playing games. I really enjoy riding my ATV in Payson and Colorado.

How do you inspire your students to love math and science?

Students tend to enjoy the subject of science and I love that Vector has such a rich science curriculum with hands on activities and labs.

What is your favorite topic or concept to teach?  

Although I love the self-confidence that comes from teaching students Math, my favorite concept to teach, both in and out of the classroom is kindness. 

Thank you, Wendy! We’re excited to have you on the Vector Prep team and we’re looking forward to a great school year! Interested in joining our school community this year? Click here to learn how to enroll!