Mrs. Bunker is a friendly and approachable teacher who welcomes students into her room at lunchtime, just to hang out or rest.  Although this is her first year at Arcadia, she has several years of experience under her belt.  Prior to teaching at Arcadia, Mrs. Bunker taught for five years at St. Mary’s.  She taught Algebra I and II, Trig, and College Algebra.  Her education includes:

• Undergrad Secondary Education-Mathematics ASU; Summa Cum Laude
• Master in Higher & Post-Secondary Education ASU; Summa Cum Laude    

In addition to her teaching credentials, Mrs. Bunker posseses extensive experience in coaching volleyball.  After coaching St. Mary’s volleyball team for five years, she coached at ASU (indoor as well as beach) for three years.  When she and her husband had a baby, she decided to return to the classroom, teaching math.  What a major coup for Arcadia!... a much needed math teacher AND a Varsity Volleyball Coach!  This year, Arcadia’s team had the best year in the past four years. They went to state and ended up in the top eight! She said she is impressed with this group of girls because they are committed to the team:  accepting roles for the good of the team rather than individual goals.

It’s clear Mrs. Bunker believes there is a lot of cross-over between teaching and coaching.  To excel, students (and athletes) need to have a growth mind-set:  if you work hard enough, you can learn how to do something that’s challenging. She also explains that students can do well in school when they know their teacher genuinely cares about them, regardless of the performance on a particular assignment; when teachers have the same empathy and care whether the student is an A student or a struggling student.

FAVORITE THING ABOUT TEACHING
Meeting all the wonderful students and staff. I love the community aspect of Arcadia.

DOG OR CAT PERSON?
dog

HOBBIES OR FAVORITE THINGS TO DO WHEN NOT WORKING
Coach volleyball and spend time with my family

A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR FAMILY
My husband, Mark, coaches the Men's Basketball team at Scottsdale Community College.  We have a new baby girl named Claire and we also have two Dobermans, Kobe and Hera.

​A RANDOM FACT ABOUT MRS. BUNKER:
I'm allergic to gluten
Submitted by Amanda McCauley Spring 2017

Collaboration and Tutors
Make no mistake:  this “camp” is no picnic!  It is hard-core studying with other serious students, culminating with a 3.5 hr AP Calc test on Sunday.  The camp gives students a chance to do what they’d never do at home:  spend concentrated time reviewing concepts from the entire year, collaborating with and helping peers while having access to a teacher who can help when stuck.

However, there are several scheduled breaks, GREAT food, and lots of time to relax in the evenings.  On the other hand, students who want a little more help can take advantage of the optional evening tutor hours... until 10pm.

Insight from a Test Grader
Students are coached on test-taking skills from someone who actually grades AP exams!  They are shown examples of test problems and how the grader would award full, partial, or zero points.  Invaluable information! This camp potentially helps students earn a higher score on their AP exam which is usually a couple weeks after the camp.

Study Breaks and Fun Activities
​After intense study sessions, students are given 'down' time to hang out, play basketball, volleyball, ping pong, pool, or make S'mores at the campfire.  It ends up being somewhat magical where students integrate, accept one another, and recognize that they all have something in common:  a love or talent for math.  AND-- the camp is in the cool pines of Prescott, so chatting, playing frisbee or playing football outside is cool and comfortable.