Follow a Day in the Life of Math Teacher Liu

Ms. Yan Liu, an upper school Geometry and Advanced Calculus I teacher, joined the school community last year.

Liu decided to pursue a teaching career because she wanted to share her love for math. She believes that math has a special ability to solve unique problems, and she hopes to pass along her interest in math to students.

Liu starts her day with a 10-minute wake-up stretch. She then chooses her outfit and gets ready for the day. On her way to school, she enjoys listening to podcasts, music or a book.

Before school each day, she reviews lesson plans and is an avid user of the planner. She prepares this way to feel ready for the day.

An average workday for Liu includes interacting with students, teaching, grading and chatting with her colleagues.

Before class starts, she likes to take a moment to check in with her students by asking them about events in their lives outside of the classroom, such as games and performances.

Another key step of her pre-class routine includes smiling in the mirror and saying, “Let the fun start!”

Liu described her favorite part of Holton as “interacting with students during class time. It's special and precious to work with students.”

Outside of class, Liu is always eager to help. She offers sessions during her free periods and grades assignments and tests then as well.

After school, Liu likes to check if there is a game at Holton she can watch for a bit and then heads home. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time outdoors while hiking or seeing a new movie.

Journey Stenerson ’27 noted that when she was in Liu’s class, “Ms. Liu’s energy and willingness to help her students succeed didn’t go unnoticed.” Students should take advantage of her willingness to help out.