We are excited to spotlight Raymond Herndon, who teaches Math, Music, and Computer Science at the School for Advanced Studies!
A jack of all trades
Mr. Herndon’s educational journey mirrors the diversity of his teaching career. Originally pursuing music education in college, Herndon later transitioned to computer science before finding his passion in mathematics education. He graduated from Western Governors University with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics.
Despite his choice to major in mathematics, Herndon remains passionate about a wide range of subjects. He’s worked with all ages, from preschoolers to high school students, and he has taught a wide array of subjects, including algebra, geometry, general and exploratory science, web design, game design, art, music, and chess. With his interest in music, Herndon even produced and hosted several “Battle of the Bands” events across multiple school districts.
From preschool teacher to software engineer
After college, Herndon found himself just outside of Sacramento, California (where he grew up). He got a job at an educational programs company, where he discovered a passion for teaching through his work with preschools and summer camps. Eventually, Herndon became the site director for a preschool and after-school program.
In this role, Herndon noticed inefficiencies in how the school’s data was managed. To solve the problem, he wrote a “tiny computer program” that generated roll sheets for summer camps. This tiny program soon discovered over $700K in lost revenue for the summer camp, and led him down the path towards becoming a full time software engineer. Soon, Herndon was customizing the program for many local schools that needed help organizing their data.
During this time, Herndon and his family—his wife Kathryn, daughter Amelie, and son Rowan—traveled to Northwest Arkansas to visit family members. Instantly, Herndon fell in love with the lakes, hiking trails, and seasons of this area. Realizing that he could write software from anywhere, the family made the move from California to Northwest Arkansas. Herndon’s second daughter, Lucy, was born here in NWA.
Mr. Herndon’s journey to the School for Advanced Studies
Still creating programming for various schools, Herndon began to miss having daily interaction with students. He began teaching algebra and geometry part time, and enjoying diving back into the world of academia.
Herndon says he always knew he would go into teaching—so when the opportunity at SAS presented itself, he was quick to apply. He stood out as a candidate because of his unique combination of being able to teach both math and music. Herndon plays the trombone, french horn, violin, cello, and clarinet, among others. “Every instrument you pick up is easier than the last,” he says.
SAS was the ideal school for Herndon’s varied talents. As a new school in its founding year, many of our teachers were asked to take on more than one class or role. Herndon found himself right in his comfort zone, teaching Math, Computer Science, and Music.
Developing a new math seminar
Mr. Herndon has been instrumental in shaping what math education looks like here at the School for Advanced Studies.
“I’ve developed a heart for cultivating what SAS math looks like, and how it is different from other schools,” he says. “Math is traditionally very mechanical, but SAS is built upon discussion and inquiry. I’ve been working on ways to get students to discuss mathematical concepts and obtaining materials to guide those discussions.”
Herndon says he is still in the process of developing what SAS’s math seminar will look like. His goal, he says, is to find a way for math to be more communicative than demonstrative. “Not just ‘here’s what I’ve done,’ but ‘here’s what I am thinking.’ I am excited for the opportunity to help create this new program. Over time, our students will be able to discuss math in the same way that we discuss art or music.”
In addition to his goals for a new take on math seminars, Herndon is eager to continue flexing his musical muscles by leading the choir next semester. His goal concert would be a vocal version of “Adagio for Strings” by Samual Barber. “The music just evolves and feels like it’s surrounding you,” he says. “I would love to present that vocally with next year’s choir.”
Outside of teaching, Herndon enjoys woodworking, playing guitar, gardening, hiking, and biking.
We are fortunate to have a teacher as versatile and visionary as Mr. Herndon! We can’t wait to see and hear what he brings to our students this school year.
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