Math teacher Cathy Gunvalson teaches Pre-Calculus and AP Calculus.  She has been teaching for 39 years.  Gunvalson graduated from high school in 1971, the same time the Vietnam War was going on.

“Part of the reason I went into the math field and like math so much was because that was an area of my life I could always find an answer,”  said Gunvalson.

 Gunvalson said that during that time in her life math was something she could turn to and find an answer.  Gunvalson attended Bemidji State University.  She always knew she wanted to do something where she could help others.  She first wanted to major in child psychology, until it came to the day where she would have to declare a major.  That day in Gunvalson’s sophomore year of college she decided to choose math.  She knew she understood it and she liked it.  Her first job was at Apollo High School in St. Cloud.

She had just graduated from college and was only four years older than her students.

“The teacher-student relationship was very weird in that case,” said Gunvalson.

 Gunvalson has always been a giver and enjoys helping other people.  Her parents had great influence on her.

Gunvalson said, “My mother always encouraged me to help others and always gave me so much courage, as well as my father.  He always had so much confidence in me.”

 Gunvalson currently teaches Sunday school at her church every week.  She is always eager to lend a helping hand when needed.  From helping out at her church events to helping kids when she notices them struggling with math, Gunvalson does it all.

She explained the hardest part of her job is inspiring her students and getting them to strive for excellence.  According to Gunvalson, “You need patience, compassion, willingness and passion.”

Gunvalson is  flexible.  She tries her best to always be there when students need her.  No matter how busy she is that day, she will make time to help.

Junior Anna Corman said, “Mrs. Gunvalson is such a caring teacher.  Just recently she bought all of her classes bagels.  That is just one example of how much she gives to her students.”

Gunvalson loves to help her students.  She is always there, ready and excited for questions.

“Mrs. Gunvalson shows an example of what she expects.  She is patient, caring, respectful and always willing to help,” said senior Grace Getchell.

She is always trying to improve.  Her next goal is to get better with technology.  “I know how to work the Promethean board, but my new smartphone is very tricky,” said Gunvalson.  For what the future holds for Gunvalson, she isn’t sure yet.

Gunvalson said, “Although my husband is thinking about retirement, I am not ready for that.  I love my job too much.”