CANAJOHARIE — “I’m energetic and passionate.”

That’s how new Canajoharie High School Math Teacher Catherine Lowerre describes herself. And judging how the students positively respond to her, it might be hard to disagree.

Lowerre — who grew-up in Northville — comes to Canajoharie after teaching math at HFM BOCES last year. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Education from SUNY Oneonta and her Master’s from SUNY Albany. Because her father studied math in college, she said math is naturally ingrained in her.

“I like math because no matter what method you use, you can always get the right answer,” she said, “so it allows kids to be a little creative.”

Lowerre said she likes high school math (she is teaching 11th grade) and the material because it’s not overly abstract.

She feels she has a very traditional teaching style, but with a twist: she likes to utilize technology.

“I want to give students other opportunities to succeed. I feel like a lot of teachers might get stuck in a rut in their teaching methods, so I like to try a different style,” she said.

“Technology helps differentiate the instruction and helps reach a wide variety of learners. I like to tie in videos, sound clips, and even pictures when I teach because it helps engage the students and make connections. That puts a spin on the traditional method.”

Although she went to school in Northville, Lowerre says she always admired Canajoharie for its sports programs and educational offerings. That’s what attracted her to the position.

“I’ve heard a lot of good things about this district because they strive above and beyond,” she said. “I really like the district’s goals too.”

In her free time, Lowerre plays and coaches rugby and enjoys hiking and watching sports.

Five facts about Catherine Lowerre

Favorite musician: Pink

Favorite cafeteria food: chicken patties

Favorite class in school: gym

Favorite book: Angels and Demons

Place she most likes to travel: California