Science Teaching. (Submitted photo)
Andre Douglas, a mathematics teacher at Ivanna Eudora Kean High School, paused Wednesday amid a flood of congratulatory messages to reflect on a journey marked by dedication, innovation, and a deep belief in his students’ potential — a journey that has now earned him one of the nation’s highest honors: the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.
The award, presented by the White House and announced this week by the Virgin Islands Education Department, celebrates Douglas’s 15-year teaching career and his commitment to the territory’s students. A native of St. Thomas and graduate of Charlotte Amalie High School’s Class of 2003, Douglas holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mathematics from the University of the Virgin Islands and began his teaching career part-time at his alma mater.
“When I see students grasp a concept they thought was out of reach, that’s the real reward,” Douglas said. “This award is a great honor, but it’s the small victories in the classroom that truly matter. Every child can learn; it’s just a matter of time and support.”
For more than a decade, Douglas has taught at Ivanna Eudora Kean High School, where he currently chairs the Mathematics Department. Known for his innovative methods, he focuses not only on academic excellence but also fostering confidence and curiosity in his students.
“Math isn’t a spectator sport,” Douglas explained. “You have to get in the game, put in the reps, and, above all, practice. Confidence comes as a result of that effort.”
Douglas’s approach reflects broader national shifts in public school mathematics, which now emphasize technology and real-world applications. He incorporates tools like Desmos, a graphing calculator application, to help students visualize complex concepts. “It’s no longer just about solving equations — it’s about reasoning, understanding, and applying,” he said.
Many students begin high school underprepared, but Douglas said he and his colleagues focus on meeting them where they are. “If a student struggles with a quadratic equation, guiding them through the first steps and then a little more each time builds their confidence and understanding. It’s always celebrating the small victories that are the most critical.”
In a release Wednesday, Education Commissioner Dionne Wells-Hedrington described Douglas as a “shining example of teaching excellence,” while Sally Petty, Ivanna Eudora Kean High School principal, added, “Mr. Douglas makes math come alive. His ability to connect with students and make them believe in their abilities is unmatched.”
The rigorous award process required Douglas to submit a detailed portfolio, including his teaching philosophy and accomplishments. Speaking to the Source Wednesday, Douglas said it’s not just one but a series of principles he adheres to, building a philosophy that centers on advocacy for his students. “Some of my former students are now colleagues and friends,” he said. “They know I’ve always been in their corner.”
Looking ahead, Douglas expressed interest in curriculum development and teacher training at the district level, but for now, his focus remains on his students at Ivanna Eudora Kean. “Math is more than a subject,” he said. “It’s an experience that builds confidence, curiosity, and competence. I want my students to be able to reason, to grasp the context of the problems — that’s so important in terms of what we expect them to do in school and for themselves.”
