Gage Edgar
Math Teacher
I grew up in a small town in Iowa and was homeschooled until I was a junior in high school. I graduated from Principia college with a double major in mathematics and physics.
In college, I spent six weeks in Finland studying sustainability and education. Throughout Finland, it was apparent that the love of nature exemplified in the Finnish people is fostered by a strong outdoor component in the Finnish public-school system. These experiences sold me on the importance of outdoor education as a way to instill in young people a sense of appreciation for nature, not only for its beauty, but for its benefits to human society as well. While my position does not directly relate to outdoor education, I am eager to be teaching at a school that values stewardship and student connection to the natural environment.
Mathematics has always been a great interest of mine. The problem-solving aspect of math has always been fun, but in college I gained a deeper appreciation for math as a tool for teaching logic. I also love the purity of mathematics, which means that mastery in the subject can be measured completely objectively. I know that math can be challenging, which is why I am eager to help students learn not only the math concepts, but also how to learn and grow in mathematics.
Teaching at Link has been an absolute blessing. Even though I’m an instructor, I have had opportunities to learn by going on expeditions and trying many activities that have been relatively new to me. I love teaching small classes, as I get to reach each student and do my best to meet their individual needs. I believe that helping students receive different amounts of practice and presenting the content to them in different ways according to their needs is necessary to allow every student to reach their full potential.
