Christina Rudd teaches mathematics at Cary High School and was named the school's teacher of the year for 2010. Rudd has taught at Cary High for 12 years and has served as the school's junior varsity volleyball coach for the last five years.

Q: You were named Teacher of the Year this year. Is there something that set 2009-2010 apart from others?

This is the first year I had all calculus classes. I did a lot more activities with my classes this year.

The day [the administration] came to observe me for Teacher of the Year, I drew some lakes outside on the sidewalk and [the students] had to find the area of the lake without getting in the lakes. That was different, and we had a lot of fun.

Q: To be elected teacher of the year, you have to be nominated by your peers? Why do you think they nominated you?

I know who nominated me because we co-taught a year before that for a year-one [English as a Second Language] class. So, she was with me, watching me. ... She really helped me understand how to reword things for those students to more easily understand math equations and things like that.

I don't think I do anything different from other teachers; I think I am a product of the other teachers at the school I've learned from.

Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?

Well, I have two children. I like to spend a lot of time with them. I also take a lot of photos and like to scrapbook.

Q: What's different about teaching in Wake County?

I've only taught at Cary High, so I don't know what it's like in other counties. But I've coached volleyball, and I've been able to observe that kids in Wake County don't want to leave school after the bell.

I do feel like it's special here, and that has a lot to do with the parents and the school board.

Q: What piece of advice do you like to give your students?

Always question the world. Kids are now able to Google and use different forms of media and technology.

But anybody can get something on their phones from the Internet, and I hope they question whether the news or information or answers to their questions make sense.

Q: How does having what some believe to be a controversial school board affect teachers?

Teachers know that no matter what anyone's opinions are, that the schools are trying to do what is best for the kids. I really have not seen a change in the kids. It does not matter where [teachers] come from, they still come to the school and get involved and go after the kid with the same gusto. I don't think it gets to them.