Tyler Bollaert, the new math lab supervisor, is a friendly and compassionate educator with over 30 years of teaching experience. Known for his patient teaching style, Tyler is dedicated to helping students of all levels grasp mathematical concepts. He creates a unique and welcoming classroom environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and seeking assistance, making him a valuable resource for students seeking to improve their mathematical skills.
Who is your favorite musical artist?
Luke Combs can’t do anything wrong. But for my favorites, it’s probably Tim McGraw. And before that, it would have probably been Phil Collins or Genesis before I started listening to country music, but it’s been at least 20 years.
What is your average coffee intake?
My coffee is usually Diet Pepsi or Diet Coke in the morning. And after that, it’s pretty much water.
How long have you been teaching?
30 years, I retired in 2020 from Muskegon, and then last year, I was subbing quite a bit between here and the Middle School.
Where did you go to High School and college?
A small town called Almont. I think I graduated with about 103 people in my class. And then for college, Central Michigan.
What’s your pet peeve in the classroom?
The biggest pet peeve is the unpreparedness, it’s the same handful of kids who come up to get a pencil or forget it.
What are you doing when you are out of school?
I enjoy getting together with friends and family, but as far as actual hobbies, I like to golf, not that I’m really good.
What makes your classroom unique?
I’m probably more patient than almost anybody. I’m not gonna yell and scream at you, that doesn’t help.
Have you found something more difficult than you expected transitioning to GHAPS?
No. Grand Haven has been a nice transition. I know that there’s good administrative support, and the kids typically, you know, you treat them with respect, they treat you with respect.
Did you always wanna be a teacher?
It was my sophomore year in college and I met a friend I played baseball against from a neighboring town. His dad was a math teacher and put in pools in the summertime and he talked about the fact that he got that three months in the summer.
If you could change one thing about your curriculum, what would it be and why?
I do think it’s a bit of a stretch to expect all students to make it through Algebra II. I think Algebra is reasonable enough. I think there are a lot of benefits to Geometry. I would think that personal finance would be beneficial for all students.
What does your planning hour typically look like?
I’m trying to get the different things set up on the computer. I’ve got a schedule there to check the kids coming and going. I have yet to get the academy hour there to where the kids can request and everything else. And I need help getting my E-Hallpass set up.
Any final comments?
I would just encourage everybody to take advantage of the Math Lab. Even if it’s just jumping in for a minute between classes. Take advantage of Math Lab, everyone’s welcome.
