New Teacher Brings Experience to BHS Math Department

Linken Newman
Staff Writer
  Mara Shiffler is the new Geometry and Algebra II teacher for Bonneville High School (BHS). The new school year of 2025-2026 is Shiffler's first ever year being an official teacher, but she has been practicing teaching since she was 18.
​  Shiffler graduated from Hillcrest High School before continuing her education at Brigham Young University-Idaho, where she earned her Bachelor’s of Arts. During her time in college, she worked as a substitute teacher, to gain more experience for when she became a teacher herself. Shiffler chose BHS out of all schools because she “grew up in Ammon and went to Hillcrest, but the admin stuck out here …  they have actual love for their jobs.” Now she has been at BHS for the past few weeks, and has thoroughly enjoyed her experience thus far. Shiffler finds it effortless to make relationships with coworkers and her students; however, she finds it extremely challenging to manage time and make lessons in time for class. Shiffler’s style of teaching involves frequent human and candied rewards; this keeps the students engaged throughout the lecture by making it interesting for the younger generation. On average, Shiffler spends thirty minutes to six hours grading, depending on whether the assignment was a test or simple homework. According to Shiffler, one could fail her class by, “Choosing to not do their work can really be the deciding factor, [she] will do whatever [she] can to make sure they pass but [she] can only take them so far.” She will help a student pass if possible, but if the student will not do the work, then it is the students fault for failing. If a student wants to receive an A in her class, they need to pay attention to lectures, take notes, and turn in assignments on time. Although Shiffler is the teacher, she still has flaws similar to everyone else. She acknowledges that she sometimes speaks too rapidly during lectures, which can make note-taking difficult for students. As Shiffler continues her career at BHS, she remains committed to refining her teaching methods and ensuring students' success in mathematics.