A native of the Grand Strand, Shanna Graham has been helping Horry County students with multiple areas of mathematics for 22 years. The list of courses she has taught include Algebra I, Algebra II and Algebra III, Geometry, Pre-Calculus and Calculus. Many of the courses she has led have been at the honors or college prep level.
“Teaching is such a rewarding experience,” Graham said. “I get the opportunity to learn about our world and the infinite possibilities young minds, like my students’, bring to class every day. This year we will be using Mathematics as a tool to understand and interpret our world. My only promise is that my students will have fun learning math in my class.
“Learning mathematics develops problem solving skills which combine logic and reasoning in students as they grow. Math is timing, reasoning, precision, structure, and it’s the way most of the physical world works. I love math, especially algebra and calculus, because it follows a formula, and if you set it up just right, you can create most anything you want in at least two different ways.”
Graham earned her Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics and Secondary Education from Coastal Carolina University in 2000. She returned to college in 2019 to get her Master’s Degree in General Psychology from North Central University.
“In our increasingly technological society, we must strive to understand and apply math to our current and future lives,” Graham said. “Throughout this course, we will discover various ways to achieve success in our pursuit of being lifelong learners. The key to opening this door is to gain deep understanding of important mathematical skills and utilization of sound mathematical habits of mind through perseverance and determination.”
Graham teaches that there are many career paths based around math. Those paths include computer programming, statistics, and engineering. Those careers are all crucial for society to function, and many pay well. Without a solid background in math, those careers would not be possible.
Born and raised in the Myrtle Beach area, Graham is a true local. She has three amazing children, Autumn (16), Zachary (14), and Makayla (10).
“I love living here so much that I have never left,” Graham said. “Being punny is one of my many talents. Have you ever noticed what is odd? Every other number! I find laughter is a fun way to learn a subject that is often seen as challenging.”
She has a deep love and is a collector of everything “Garfield the Cat” – from random school supplies to Christmas ornaments to home decor. She also enjoys going on long bike rides with her best friend.
“The farthest we have traveled has been 35 miles,” Graham said. “I love the challenge of going long distances and we are hoping to plan an adventure biking from Myrtle Beach to Charleston. I am also an avid reader, mostly focusing on novels by Stephen King. I am currently on my fourth one this year.”
In addition to teaching mathematics in Horry County Schools, Graham has taught at the Coastal Leadership Academy since 2019. She also provides private tutoring services to any students who need help understanding Mathematics.
