Well-known in the Tyrone High School math department, teacher Chelsey Markel is never afraid to go out of her way for students and colleagues.
Markel instructs various math divisions, such as Academic Algebra 1, Algebra Applications, Academic Algebra 2, and Honors Pre-calculus.
In conjunction with this daily course load, Markel also serves as an advisor to the Prom Committee, ensuring that the annual dance achieves optimal excellence through her exceptional attention to detail.
Markel also advises the Student Council, helping create a positive culture within the school through various events involving the student body.
“Ms. Markel is an important member of our Tyrone math department. She always goes above and beyond for her students, such as enhancing the Algebra 1 curriculum and working to ensure everything is just right for prom” said fellow Tyrone mathematics teacher Brittany Baker.
“It’s a pleasure to be prom co-advisor with her and work with our students in a “fun” way—not just in an academic way.”
What inspired you to go into teaching and/or choose the subject you teach?
Math was always my favorite subject in school. To me sometimes it can feel like a challenge or a puzzle to figure out some of the problems or math concepts. I really enjoyed all my math classes in high school and looked up to my teachers (including Mrs. Marasco). I went to Penn State for Forensic Science but realized quickly that working in a lab wouldn’t be for me. I decided to move forward with teaching and got my mathematics degree.
What is your favorite thing about teaching?
I enjoy getting to know my students and building relationships with them. I enjoy seeing them grow throughout the year as math students and as individuals. I also enjoy the fact that I can sometimes have students for multiple years depending on which courses they take.
What are some of your hobbies and interests?
I spend a lot of my free time with my family, especially my niece and nephew. Some of my favorite things to do are reading, working out, going to sporting events and concerts, escape rooms. I also really like summertime and love going to the beach with family.
What is some good advice you’ve been given as a teacher?
Teaching can be demanding, so establish clear boundaries between work and personal life to avoid burnout. Also to remember why you chose to become a teacher and remember the positive impact you have on students’ lives.
What is the hardest part of teaching and why?
The hardest part of teaching is finding ways to keep students motivated and willing to give an effort in class. Not feeling appreciated is a challenge for me as well. There are a lot of aspects of being a teacher besides teaching students and those daily requirements can get overwhelming at times.
What are some of the jobs you held before getting into teaching?
Before teaching, I worked at Target as a cashier and a waitress at Marzonis. I was a tutor and a substitute teacher for a couple years before getting my position here at the high school. I also was a volleyball coach for 10 years.
What is your best advice to students?
My best advice for students is to challenge yourself and work towards continuing to grow and learn. Work hard, complete assignments, ask questions, and be kind to others.
