Plano East Senior High 2026

Linda Becker

Plano East Senior High - High School Math Teacher, Math Models & Pre-Calculus, Grades 11–12 
E-mail congrats

Teaching Philosophy

I probably always wanted to be a teacher. I have always loved school and learning new things. My interests in art and math lead me to a career in Architectural Engineering, which I truly enjoyed. I quit my job to stay home while my 4 children were small and spent that time teaching them, involved in various school PTA roles and leading a Girl Scout troop. The time spent during those years brought forth the desire to help and inspire children to learn new things. I started working as a substitute teacher for Plano ISD and fell in love with teaching. I acquired my teaching certification through Region 10 and started my teaching career at Murphy Middle School in Plano.

Since then, I have taught many math subjects, starting with 8th-grade math all the way through precalculus. Teaching itself has been a great learning experience for me. Each class has its own student makeup and curriculum. What works for one class doesn’t always work for another. The individual students all have different approaches to school and learning. Teaching a math class is definitely not a “one size fits all” situation.

I want my students to interact with math and problem-solving through discussion and on paper in order to fully understand the concepts. I try to put the problems in their hands to solve. I am a firm believer in the concept that “the person who does the work is the only one who learns.” (Harry Wong) I am also a firm believer in productive struggle. By letting students struggle with a problem they try to make sense of the math even if they make mistakes along the way. They learn that they can figure things out and it builds confidence in them for the next time they feel that struggle.

The students enter the classroom and know where to pick up materials needed for the day and we start pretty quickly after the bell. After reviewing where we left off the day before, we continue exploring the current unit. The period is filled with direct instruction, group activities, formative assessments and practicing the problems that reinforce the lesson. I feel a routine where students know what to expect each day makes them feel more comfortable and more engaged in class.

The curriculum and the TEKS drive the content that is required for each subject. I create my daily lessons based on these. However, not all students come with the prerequisite learning needed for the current class. So, included with my lesson is a “reteach” of basic knowledge required for the topic. Many students are shy to ask a question or indicate that they are missing a basic skill. By grouping the students in pairs, I get them to talk with each other as often as possible. In helping each other, both students are learning. I listen to their conversations and can pick up on areas where I need to help out.

Over the years, I have found that group activities mixed with direct instruction work well for most students. I have read many books and blogs from current math teachers and math instruction experts, and have implemented a variety of strategies to engage the students. My students use card sorts, group quizzes involving discussion, stand and talks, vertical white board problem solving and technology programs such as Delta Math and Desmos. I participate with the groups only to propose a leading question or two to get them on the right track. As I facilitate the group work, it helps me to take the “temperature” of the room and know what I need to revisit as we return to direct instruction.

I feel the best way to engage students is to let them know that you see them. I try to have casual conversations with individual students, asking them about their families, their last math class, where they work or anything that they seem interested in. Not all students want to share, but many seem to enjoy chatting. Once we get to know each other, they feel more comfortable asking questions in class or stopping by outside of class time.

The goal is to not only learn mathematical concepts, but to create lifelong learners and self-sufficient adults who have the confidence in themselves to handle whatever problems come their way. I love watching the students grow and change over the course of the year. The strategies they learn in solving a math problem are the same strategies that will help navigate life. Hopefully, we are teaching them to explore options, use previous knowledge and experiences, utilize resources, embrace logical conclusions and if needed, just keep trying.

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Principal's Recommendation

To the Teacher of the Year Selection Committee:

I have the distinct honor of writing a recommendation on behalf of Mrs. Linda Becker who has served our district for the past 12 years here at Plano East, and many more at other campuses. We are thrilled to have her represent us as our campus Teacher of the Year.

Mrs. Becker has built a strong sense of community within her classroom and across our campus. Of course she establishes norms and expectations, but her true gift is building positive relationships with each of her students. Mrs. Becker volunteers to work with students of all levels - both AP students and on-level students that may struggle in math courses. It is evident to all who enter her classes that she truly cares for her students and genuinely wants them to succeed. She does this while also balancing high expectations and incorporating rigor into her lessons.

I have been continually impressed by Mrs. Becker's commitment to our campus and her students. She has served in role of Math Department Chair, as a Team Leader, and as a district PLANner for the Skyward rollout last year. In addition, Mrs. Becker served as one of the coaches for our campus Robotics team that won the UIL state championship in 2023! She is always willing to step up and take additional responsibilities because she understands the collective ownership of our school.

Even though Mrs. Becker is a longstanding success teacher - she commits herself to be resourceful, incorporate new ideas, and is proactive in learning new instructional strategies... never being complacent. When a challenge arises, we are confident that she will take a positive approach, consult her peers, and work through it to create a solution. She models this approach for her students on a daily basis.

I have no doubt that Mrs. Becker will continue to shine as an educator and make an impact on both Plano East and Plano ISD. Her commitment to excellence can be seen in her daily interactions. We look forward to her many successes, but for now we will celebrate all of the amazing work she has already done! If you choose to recognize Mrs. Becker with the Excellence in Teaching Award or District TOTY – she will make us proud and represent our district well.

Staff and Student Comments:

• Linda has an equal desire to see her students AND fellow colleagues be successful. In educating students, she is a model of "meet them where they are and take them as far as you can". Her passion for mathematics is obvious and made evident every time she is in front of a student. I am extremely grateful to have experienced her leadership, mentorship, and the opportunity to teach alongside her.
• Linda constantly looks for ways to keep her students engaged. She requests to teach classes with students who sometimes struggle with math. She volunteers for new campus initiatives and quickly offers to lend a hand anytime a team member is in need. She always has a positive attitude. She served vital roles in the math department, and is an amazing teacher that can keep the most unmotivated kids engaged!
• Linda has been a teacher and leader in the Math department during her years as Department Chair, as well as in other roles. During my first year or two at East, I frequently thought of her as the department "mom".
• Mrs. Becker is very involved in her teaching and helps me understand very well. She also encourages us to do all school related events and is so kind!
• Mrs. Becker is actually really helpful, and I would say she's one of the best math teachers I've ever had.

Sincerely,

David Jones
Principal
Plano East Senior High