ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – In Winter Park, Cherese Fussner is making a big impact as a geometry teacher at the Winter Park 9th Grade Center.
Recently honored as the Orange County Public Schools Teacher of the Year, Fussner combines creativity and collaboration, to make math engaging and fun.
Step into Fussner’s classroom, and you’ll quickly realize this isn’t your typical math lesson. “I’m a very kinesthetic learner,” she explains, highlighting her approach to teaching. “Kids learn in all sorts of ways—auditory, visual, and kinesthetic. So, I incorporate hand movements and music into geometry to help them remember the theorems.”
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Her students are not just sitting at their desks; they’re actively engaged in discussions about tangents, arcs, and chords.
“The person who’s doing most of the talking or most of the work is the one doing most of the learning,” Fussner says, emphasizing her belief in getting students involved. “I try to get them as engaged as possible.”
Fussner sets the bar high for her students, and it’s paying off. Many of them, who once thought they weren’t “math people,” are discovering that math can actually be one of their strengths.
“It’s exciting to see them proud of their work and realize they can do it,” she shares. “When they’re working together and excited to find the answer, it fosters a real sense of community in the classroom.”
One standout feature of her classroom is the “Fab Five List,” which proudly displays the names of students who scored a perfect five on the state math test. It’s a great way to celebrate success and motivate others to aim high.
Fussner also believes in creating a safe space for mistakes.
“It’s hard for students to admit when they’re wrong,” she acknowledges. “At the start of the year, I make a ton of mistakes on purpose. If they catch me, they get extra credit!”
This playful approach not only eases the fear of making mistakes but also encourages students to take ownership of their learning.
“We learn a lot from each other’s mistakes, and that makes everyone feel more comfortable,” she adds.
Communication with parents is another priority for Fussner. She sends out weekly updates to keep them in the loop about their children’s progress and classroom activities. This connection helps build a supportive community around her students’ learning experiences.
After being named Teacher of the Year, Fussner was overwhelmed with support from students and their families.
“I get in the car to finally decompress, and my phone is lighting up with messages from kids on Talking Points and parents saying, ‘We were all watching live!’ It was so exciting to share that moment with them,” she recalls.
At a recent sporting event, a grandmother of one of her students approached Fussner to express her gratitude.
“And she’s like my granddaughter absolutely loves math now and I appreciate what you’re doing for girls in math and making them realize they can do math.”
Beyond teaching theorems and formulas, Fussner hopes to leave the students with a lasting lesson: The importance of collaboration and problem-solving.
“You’re going to face many challenges in life, and it’s about working together and having open dialogue,” she explains. “I want my students to see that they can solve problems together.”
