Math teacher Jesse Allex has been teaching at Orono for the past 11 years.

Allex’s decision to become a math teacher did not happen quickly though. He knew he loved math and he thought teaching would be fun. Eventually he decided becoming a math teacher would be the right move for him.

The choice between teaching elementary or high school students was a tough one. He said it was 50/50 and finally ended up with high schoolers.

This school year he teaches Honors Algebra II, Honors Functions and Trigonometry and Calculus.

“My favorite class to teach would have to be Honors Functions and Trig,” Allex said. “I love the hard material of the class and it’s so interesting.”

Allex’s favorite part of teaching is working with kids. He loves going to school sporting events and seeing his students there and getting to connect with them outside of the classroom.

Some students might be intimidated by his classes, but once they get to know Mr. Allex, they realize he is not so bad.

Allex loves playing cards with friends, fishing, golfing, and relaxing.

“I can do the splits, walk on my hands, and do front and back flips,” Allex said. “A lot of students joke around and say that I’m a gymnast, but it’s not true.”