Currently in his fourth year at TPS, Mr. Bill Manns teaches Algebra 1 and Geometry—which is unsurprising, considering that math was his favorite subject in school. He lives in Marysville, Michigan, with his wife of 25 years, Jo Lynn. He enjoys spending quality family time with her and his two daughters, Aubrey (20) and Erin (18).
Grace: What brought you to teach at TPS?
Mr. Manns: Years ago, I felt the Lord was leading me to something different. As I prayed, and through a “chance” conversation with a friend, I learn about TPS. I decided to apply, and here I am. I am truly blessed to be here!
Grace: What is your favorite and least favorite part about living in Michigan? What makes it unique?
Mr. Manns: My favorite parts of living in Michigan are its enjoyable summers and beautiful fall colors. My least favorite part of Michigan is the cold snowy winters. Michigan is definitely unique in that it is surrounded by the Greats Lakes.
Grace: What is your favorite and least favorite part about teaching math?
Mr. Manns: I love interacting with students and teaching them skills that I love. However, grading tests, to be honest, is a lot of work.
Grace: What would you say to someone who doesn’t find math interesting?
Mr. Manns: There are subjects I am not interested in too…and that’s okay. However, I do believe that all students can learn and develop a love for learning even in areas where they are less interested.
Grace: How is teaching math different from teaching other subjects?
Mr. Manns: It’s a world of numbers and logical reasoning.
Grace: What is your favorite aspect of math?
Mr. Manns: The answer is right or it’s wrong…in most cases it is not subject to my opinion.
Grace: What is your favorite Bible verse?
Mr. Manns: Philippians 3:10-14: “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (NIV).
Grace: Why is this your favorite passage?
Mr. Manns: I admire Paul. He was relentless in his pursuit to know Christ. Why? Because of what Christ had done for him. “I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me” (Philippians 3:12, NIV). Christ has done much for me, therefore I should pursue knowing Him as well.
Grace: Would you rather have a dog or cat?
Mr. Manns: A dog!
Grace: Do you prefer sweet, salty, or sour food?
Mr. Manns: I like them all, but I have a definite weakness to sweets!
Grace: What is something that you often tell your students?
Mr. Manns: Managing your time well helps reduce academic stress.
Grace: Do you have anything that you’d like to say to the readers of this article?
Mr. Manns: “Our past is forgiven; our future is forever; today is for Him!” ~Unknown