Britt Slade

Instructor

Britt Slade with her son and daughter

Getting to know Britt Slade

What is your title at Bay College?

Mathematics Instructor

Where are you from?

Ironwood, MI

What school(s) did you attend?

Michigan Technological University (Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with a concentration in Statistics; Secondary Education Certificate with a major in Mathematics and a minor in Science; Master of Science in Mathematics with a focus in Applied Mathematics)

What did you do prior to teaching at Bay?

Britt and Spencer Slade outdoors smiling

After graduating with my MS from Michigan Tech, I taught for one year at Moraine Valley CC near Chicago.  I loved teaching there but moved back to the U.P. after getting engaged to my now-husband who also teaches at Bay.

How long have you taught at Bay?

I've taught at Bay College since 2005.

Why did you decide to become a teacher?

I did student teaching at the high school level for my education certificate, and I enjoyed it.  Teaching was going to be a back-up plan.  However, it wasn't until I was given the position of a graduate teaching instructor while in grad school that I discovered I loved teaching at the college level.  I went into college thinking I was going to be a chemical engineer, then an actuary, then a financial analyst, and then finally...a college instructor!

Why are you passionate about teaching or why do you think math is important for students?

Many students think that they'll never use math beyond the basics.  I love being able to show students that they are surrounded by math, every day, in ways they have never thought about.  Math is amazing!

Can you tell me a story about a time you impacted or made a difference in a student’s future?

My first year of teaching (near Chicago), I had a female student who grew up in an environment in which she was told that she would never be good at math because of her gender.  However, she wanted to pursue math as a career.  This student turned to me for support and advice, and it was the first time that I realized my job put me in a position in which I could truly help make a difference in someone's life.  She inspired me with her courage in the face of adversity, and there have been many other students who have done the same since.

What’s your favorite 90’s TV show? Why?

Dawson's Creek.  Believe it or not, it was actually some guys from the Michigan Tech hockey team that got me hooked on it!  I was the hockey team tutor and had to sit with them during a weekly mandatory study session.  They didn't have to study but they did have to stay there.  I would help them with their Calculus, English, and various other classes; then, they would turn on Dawson's Creek and all watch it.   It was almost comical!  I got sucked into the show also, and I have the entire series on DVD.

If you had to eat one thing for every meal going forward what you would eat?

Cheese. Oh, and iced or blended lattes.  Very nutritious...

What’s one of your favorite Thanksgiving memories or traditions?

Making homemade stuffing with my mom and aunt.  I can't stand homemade stuffing but I would have to hold the grinder while they ground the sausage...it was so gross, but they loved it.  The whole process usually ended up with us all cracking up, laughing.  However, after my mom passed away 11 years ago, the rest of the family admitted to my aunt that they actually preferred Stove Top stuffing.  LOL. I never had to hold the grinder again!  However, looking back on it, it's a tradition that I really miss doing with my mom.

What’s your New Year’s Resolution or what are you looking forward to most in 2019?

Britt Slade outdoors with family

I don't really make any New Year's Resolutions other than an ongoing effort to always "do better, be better"!  We have a number of special family and friend events (weddings, graduations, etc.) coming up in 2019, and I'm looking forward to surrounding myself with the people I love even more than usual.

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