AUGUSTA, Ga ()

Dr. LaTasha Heath teaches Math in a way that everybody can understand. The students can do the work because they can feel the lessons in their wallet.

“I use a lot of my methods with money,” Heath says. “We convert problems into money. And I ask them every day, if you have this problem, and it’s a negative, that means you owe somebody. or you don’t have the money. Or if it’s a positive, you’re gaining something. So when they can put two and two together, just because they love money for whatever reason, they get it.”

Middle School is such an important time in life. But Dr. Heath says she doesn’t feel any pressure during this period of transition. She embraces it.

“This is year 17. I love it. I wouldn’t teach any other grade level but middle school. This is a passion. This is something I do because I like it, I love it. Not because I have to. They know when I come in everyday I’m here for them.”

She’s there for them in a way that goes far beyond the classroom.

“Because you become Mama. You become Auntie. They know they can come to you with any questions, any concerns, and still learn at the same time.”

And a few years after they leave Tutt Middle School, Dr. Heath gets proof that the hard work she puts in, pays off.

“Getting that invitation for graduation,” she says. “That May. Once they get to 12th grade. And say I did it. I’ve done it. Can you come?”