Meet Ms. Renouf: Math Teacher, Coach, and Union Colony Alumna
There is something special about a teacher who truly knows what it feels like to sit in their students' seats, and Ms. Hannah Renouf knows that feeling well. A proud alumna of Union Colony Schools, she graduated from the very building she now teaches in and returned to share that experience with the next generation of learners.
As a 6th and 7th-grade math teacher at Union Colony Schools, a tuition-free K–12 public charter school serving the greater Greeley, Colorado area, Ms. Renouf brings both personal history and genuine passion to her classroom every day. When she is not unlocking "Aha!" moments in math, you might find her coaching volleyball or basketball, running Student Council meetings, or planning her next international adventure.
Please tell us about your background and how you came to be at Union Colony.
I graduated from Union Colony in 2018. When I was finishing up at the University of Northern Colorado, I thought about where I wanted to teach. Union Colony crossed my mind, and I thought I would love to go back.
What do you LOVE about Union Colony — what sets it apart from other schools?
I love that we are a smaller school. Teachers are very connected to the students in this building, which is very unique. I also love that our high schoolers have the opportunity to take Aims classes to give them a jump start on their college career. It certainly helped me as a student, and I am excited that other students get to experience that as well!
What are your favorite parts about your role?
I love my students. I love when they finally get that "Aha!" moment in class. It is also a joy to get to know a lot of them outside of the classroom through the various clubs and activities that occur outside of the classroom.
Are you involved in other activities at Union Colony?
I sponsor the Middle School Student Council and Board Game Club. I also coach many of the sports that we have. This year I have coached middle school and high school volleyball and middle school girls basketball. In the past, I have also coached middle school girls soccer. I also love to travel with students. Over the summers, we plan different places to travel to both inside and outside the United States.
Please give us a few examples of hands-on project-based learning in your classroom.
In my 7th grade math class, we talk a lot about probabilities during first semester. To wrap up those lessons, we hold a class carnival where the students have to create their own carnival game and come up with their own probabilities. In 6th grade, we work with algebra tiles to start introducing algebra concepts.
In your opinion, what makes a great leader? How do you teach leadership?
A great leader makes sure that everyone is seen and heard. I teach leadership mostly by leading by example. I try to make sure that all students are participating in my class. I am also trying to break the habit of students talking over each other and only having one student speak at a time. This promotes everyone listening to each other as well.
Please share 3 interesting facts about yourself.
1) I have been to a private school, a public school, and a charter school growing up. I was exposed to lots of different learning and teaching styles. It was interesting to learn the differences between the three and then learn about them at UNC.
2) I am the only blonde in my immediate family. My mom, dad, brother, and sister all have dark hair. I get my blonde from my grandma!
3) I love to travel! I have been to 4 different countries (Mexico, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, and Panama) and 8 different states (Minnesota, South Carolina, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, and Virginia) in the last 2 years! Most of them, I traveled with students. I have another trip planned that will include 4 European countries!
If you want to know the best lesson Ms. Renouf has learned as a teacher, she does not hesitate: building relationships with students is almost as important as the content you teach. That philosophy is easy to believe from someone who voluntarily coaches multiple sports, leads clubs, and organizes international student trips on top of making math genuinely engaging.
Her favorite teacher was Mrs. Leffler, who taught her Geometry and Precalculus, handed her a high school diploma at graduation, and is now her principal. That is the kind of full-circle story that only happens at a school like Union Colony.
If you want to be part of a community where teachers like Ms. Renouf return to give back to the next generation of students, we would love to welcome your family. Visit our website to learn more and start your enrollment journey today.
About Union Colony Schools
Union Colony Schools’ innovative approach provides a tuition-free education rich in arts, music, technology and athletics to students in the greater Greeley, Colorado area. With two convenient campuses serving K-5 and 6-12, our dedicated teachers educate for a life of leadership and academic success. Join our close-knit, thriving K-12 schools, where the community is the heart of our mission, and everyone knows your name. We're enrolling.
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