Cornelius Andrews

Cornelius Andrews is a 3rd grade math teacher at Union Springs Elementary with an exceptional passion for teaching that extends beyond the classroom. His ability to make math accessible, engaging, and exciting has transformed how students approach learning.  

Andrews wears many hats in the community. Not only is he the choir director, Beta Club sponsor, and chairperson for the Science Fair and Spelling Bee, but he also hosts the Multiplication Bowl—a community-wide student competition.

Learn more about how Andrews fosters critical thinking, creativity, and confidence in his students.

Getting to Know You

What inspired you to become a teacher, and how did your journey in education begin?

The person who inspired me to become a teacher is my mother. As a child, she would bring me to work with her, and I always felt drawn to the school environment. My journey in education began when I started college as a freshman. At first, I was uncertain about what I wanted to major in, but over time, I decided on elementary education—a field I knew my mom could guide me in thanks to her expertise.

What is your favorite part of teaching, and how does it keep you motivated?

My favorite part of teaching is working with students and witnessing their growth. I love seeing that "light bulb" moment when everything clicks for them. They inspire me to become a better teacher, and I learn so much from them.

What’s something unique about your classroom or teaching style that helps your students succeed?

Something unique about my classroom is my positive classroom management plan. My students follow daily routines that help maintain good behavior, and they are consistently rewarded for good behavior.

Outside of the classroom, how do you recharge or find inspiration?

Outside the classroom, I recharge by going to the gym, traveling, and listening to music. I find inspiration by constantly improving myself and writing my goals on a vision board.

If you could share one thing about yourself that your students or colleagues might not know, what would it be?

One thing my students and colleagues do not know about me is that I record music and perform at showcases. Music has been in my life since I was a child, and it was my first love before teaching.

Classroom Impact

Can you share a story about a time you made a lasting impact on a student’s life?

I made a lasting impact on a student’s life when a student from my first year of teaching—now a 9th grader—came to me and shared that she wanted to become a teacher after graduating. She told me she still remembered her time in my classroom and that experience inspired her to pursue teaching, as well as join the Future Teachers of Alabama (FTA).

What’s the most memorable moment you’ve had while teaching?

The most memorable moment I’ve had while teaching was hosting our school’s first-ever annual Multiplication Bowl. As the math leader chair, I was responsible for organizing the event and ensuring it was a success. This experience not only taught me how to work closely with students but also how to collaborate effectively with my colleagues.

How do you create a classroom environment that fosters curiosity and connection for every student?

I create a classroom environment that fosters curiosity and connection by maintaining a safe and nurturing space. As one of the few African American male teachers, I prioritize having fun, positive, and meaningful experiences for my students. I strive to make math relevant by relating it to real-world situations, such as creating word problems based on the community [where] I teach. Additionally, I share my own experiences with students to show them that, with hard work and dedication, they can achieve whatever they set their minds to in life.

Reflection and Advice

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in teaching?

• I would advise someone who just started teaching to remember your ‘why.’ Teaching can be stressful, frustrating, and overwhelming, but if you keep your purpose in mind, you can navigate any challenge.
• I would also encourage them not to be afraid to try new things and find their own teaching style. Every teacher is unique, and there is no ‘right’ way to teach. I developed my style by observing what worked for others and making it my own.
• Lastly, I would remind them to put God first. God answers prayers, and He is why I became the APT Teacher of the Month.

If you could share one piece of wisdom with students graduating in 2024–2025, what would it be?

I would tell them to always chase their dreams. It’s not about where you start but where you finish. If they have goals, I would encourage them to write them down and remember that with hard work and dedication, they can achieve anything. My mantra is ‘Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.’

APT and PBS LearningMedia

How do resources like APT and PBS LearningMedia fit into your teaching approach, and what difference have they made in your classroom?

I’ve used them to support all students in my classroom, particularly visual and English language learners. For instance, I used the "Butterfly Collection" video to introduce a science lesson on the butterfly life cycle. Throughout the video, I asked probing questions to assess students’ prior knowledge of butterflies. APT and PBS LearningMedia are excellent tools that can be incorporated inside and outside the classroom.

TAGGED:Teacher of the Month