Teacher of the Month recognized for her commitment to making math exciting in her classroom

SOUTHPORT, N.C. (WWAY) — For many middle school students, math can be intimidating.

But for sixth-grade teacher Danielle Litrelle, it is an opportunity to change how students see both the subject and themselves.

“They come into sixth grade hating math,” Litrelle said. “They don’t want to do it … and I want them to love it.”

Litrelle, now in her eighth year of teaching, has been named WWAY’s March Teacher of the Month.

She describes math as a puzzle, where there is more than one way to find the right answer.

“You can get a million different ways to one answer,” she said. “And that’s what makes it cool.”

Litrelle focuses on meeting students where they are, using hands-on learning and encouraging them to embrace mistakes as part of the process.

“We make mistakes … we erase things … and we try again,” she said.

She says teaching goes beyond academics, with students also helping her grow.

“They teach me patience,” Litrelle said.

Despite moments of doubt, Litrelle said recognition like this reminds her of the impact she is making.

“Sometimes I feel like I’m failing these children,” she said. “But then I see something like this … and realize maybe I’m not.”

Litrelle said she is grateful for the support from her school and families and remains committed to her students.

The Teacher of the Month award, sponsored by Masonboro Kids Dentistry, April Jones Insurance, and The Golf Barn, comes with a $600 prize. The program allows community members to nominate educators who go above and beyond for their students.