Rolando Herrera is a middle school Mathematics teacher, born and raised in Weslaco, Texas. He earned his B.S. in Mathematics with a Computer Science Minor from the University of Texas Pan American in Edinburg, Texas. He received his Master of Mathematics from Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Rolando taught numerous Mathematics and Computer Science classes at Ann Arbor Public Schools for 23 years. He also served on the Ann Arbor Education Association Minority Affairs Committee as a treasurer. During the summer, Rolando lectures at the University of Michigan Bridge Scholars Program.

Rolando is currently an International Baccalaureate Teacher at Scarlett Middle School. During his tenure in Ann Arbor Public Schools, Rolando has served as an instructional leader, building webmaster, basketball coach, and teacher mentor. Rolando has also mentored adolescents in Detroit through Life Directions and is currently a 3rd Degree Knight of Columbus at his local Catholic Church. He has fostered numerous children in the State of Michigan and has adopted a child who was a victim of human trafficking. 

Rolando enjoys being an educator because he likes to know, teach, and learn with his students. He likes to instill confidence and mastery in his students through the use of technology and social issues using mathematical concepts. His advice for future teachers is “Work hard for you students. Take time to prepare well thought out lessons with a variety of instructional approaches to help reach multiple learners. Do not be afraid to make mistakes. Treat your students the way you want to be treated, with kindness and respect.” Ronaldo believes this includes grading and returning assignments in a timely manner and replying to emails promptly. 

Rolando believes teaching mathematics has changed over the years, and teachers should not be afraid to incorporate technology to enhance their lessons. Rolando adds the advice, “You need to provide a variety of teaching strategies in your instruction. Providing students with real world examples helps them get excited about their learning and be able to retain what they are taught.” Further, Rolando encourages all teachers to “Empower your students to be able to explain and justify their thinking.”

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“Hispanic Heritage Month helps bring to light the struggles my grandparents overcame to become citizens of the United States. Due to their limited education in Mexico, my grandparents were not able to read or write in English, but this did not prevent them from giving up or creating excuses for why they couldn’t overcome everyday challenges. This month also brings to light the struggles of the farm workers, the plight of immigrants, the rich traditions and celebrations of Hispanics and their rich cuisine.
In this country, education is the great equalizer.”