Faculty Feature: Ms. Pam Weatherly, Upper School math teacher
"All around me at Rabun Gap I see great friendships developing and I see students constantly trying to help one another. I also love the fact that there is a strong feeling of trust on campus and that students can leave their backpacks in any location and they feel confident that it will be exactly as they left it when they return."
Ms. Pam Weatherly joined the Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School Upper School mathematics faculty this year. Originally from Orange, Connecticut, Weatherly now lives in Tallulah Falls, GA with her husband Craig, daughters Riley ‘22, Ellie ‘24 , Sophie ‘26, their dog Clover and two cats Bob and Cheetoh. She has called Georgia home for the last 18 years. Weatherly started out her career in teaching but left the profession to pursue physical therapy, which she has done for the past 20 years. This year, she felt the call to come back to teaching and was hired on at Rabun Gap where her daughters attend school.
What made you choose to work at Rabun Gap?
I had been working as a physical therapist for around 20 years and was ready for a change. I had been a teacher before becoming a physical therapist and over the years I have always done math tutoring but decided I was ready to do more. Here, I’m getting to do all the things that I enjoy. I get to teach math, this year I coached the Middle School cross country team, and I’m getting to do some physical therapy after school this Winter and Spring.
What degree(s) do you have and where did you get it (them)? Are you currently pursuing another?
I have a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Vermont with a major in mathematics and a minor in political science. I graduated cum laude from UVM. I have a Master of Arts in math education from Columbia University's Teachers College, and I have a Masters of Physical Therapy from Emory University. I currently take continuing education to maintain my physical therapy license but I am not currently pursuing further degrees.
I have a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Vermont with a major in mathematics and a minor in political science. I graduated cum laude from UVM. I have a Master of Arts in math education from Columbia University's Teachers College, and I have a Masters of Physical Therapy from Emory University. I currently take continuing education to maintain my physical therapy license but I am not currently pursuing further degrees.
Why did you decide to become a teacher?
Initially, I chose to teach because I was a math major and wasn’t sure how to use my education. This time, coming back to teaching, I decided I wanted to teach for the sole reason that I enjoy it.
What is your teaching philosophy?
I don't really have a philosophy but I know that all students are able to learn the material but some may need more individual attention for the lessons to sink in. Also, math is not a spectator sport and it's not until you get involved and can figure out a problem independently or have to explain it to someone else that it shows that you really understand the lesson.
What were you like in high school?
I was a good student and an athlete. I played soccer, basketball, and softball. I was friends with lots of different groups. I was shy and did not like public speaking. I did not like running at all and one of my favorite teachers continually tried to get me to run track/cross country but I thought all runners were crazy.
How many years of experience do you have as a teacher?
I taught high school math in New York City for three years and worked one year as a math tutor at the Borough of Manhattan Community College.
What inspires you?
I am inspired by positive attitudes and positive thinking.
What interests do you pursue outside of the classroom?
I enjoy running, reading and spending time with my family. I like to run occasional races but mostly I just enjoy running to be outside.
What makes Rabun Gap special?
I think the friendships that you make during school can be some of the strongest and most lasting friendships that will stay with you for life. I'm still closest with my high school friends that I competed with in sports. All around me at Rabun Gap I see great friendships developing and I see students constantly trying to help one another. I also love the fact that there is a strong feeling of trust on campus and that students can leave their backpacks in any location and they feel confident that it will be exactly as they left it when they return.
What’s the most interesting thing about you that we wouldn’t learn from your resume alone?
I have run three marathons in New York City, I have completed one Half-Ironman, I have gone skydiving and gone scuba diving on many dives including one where we went through a cave at 130 feet under the water.
Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School
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Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School is a private, coeducational day and boarding school for grades Pre-K through 12. Centrally located between Atlanta, GA, Greenville, SC, and Asheville, NC, we prepare young people for college, career, and a lifetime of leadership and service.
