Beau Kerns is a new math teacher here at LHS this semester, teaching Algebra 1 to Freshmen.
Kerns graduated from LHS in 2011 and graduated from Lewis-Clark State College. Kerns was accepted into Gonzaga’s engineering program at 20.
“[But] I chose playing baseball in my hometown,” Kerns said.
When Kerns has free time, he enjoys fishing, golfing, working out, running, biking and he also coaches baseball.
In the classroom, Kerns enjoys giving structure to his students. He said he hopes they know he is here to serve and to provide a space where mistakes and learning are encouraged.
“Often, mistakes are what we learn from,” he said. “Keep trying. Grit and resilience ultimately help form the people we are in the present day.”
Something that really inspired Kerns to become a math teacher was his middle school math teacher.
“I thought I could teach math better,” Kerns said. He later added, “I just had so many great teachers who were in this school that shaped the person that I am today.”
Olivia Davis, a sophomore here at LHS, described Kerns as “very chill and laid back.” Davis says if she had to use one word to describe him, she would say “cool.”
“He actually tries to teach you stuff, and he just gets us,” said Davis.
Another student of Kerns, Colt Roy, also describes Kerns as “chill.” Roy said he’s never had a male math teacher before and that Kerns is someone he can talk about sports with.
“I like the way he uses his rolling chair just to walk around,” Roy said.
Overall, Kerns really enjoys teaching at LHS this year, although it’s much different from the high school that he graduated from.
“No third floor here, so no pool anymore, which is a bit sad,” said Kerns.
He said he often sees teachers at Lewiston High School providing support, opportunities, and care for their students.
“I am so thankful for the people in this valley,” Kerns stated. “Life is often a process of colliding particles, and I’m glad it has brought me back to the place where I competed and learned,” Kerns said.
