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Degrees and Certifications:

Master of Arts Degree in Teaching Middle Grades Math and Social Studies from Columbus State University Bachelors Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Wayland Baptist University Teacher Certification in GA and AL - Middle Grades Math and Social Studies

Mr. Christopher Van Houten (Mr. V)

Greetings! This is my fourth year at Smiths Station Junior High School as one of the 8th Grade Math teachers. This is a second career for me as I start my 9th year of teaching. Before becoming a math teacher, I served 26 years in the United States Army as a musician (trumpet player) and the Senior Enlisted Band Leader. My last position in the Army was as the First Sergeant for the Fort Benning Army Band. I retired in the Smiths Station/Phenix City/Columbus area and pursued a Master of Arts Degree in Teaching Middle Grades Math and Social Studies at Columbus State University and graduated in December 2015. I taught 3 1/2 years in Georgia before switching over to Alabama. I have been married to my beautiful wife, Andrea, for almost 33 years. We have 4 angel babies and an awesome dog named Max! I am a Christian and a member of Chatt Valley Church in Phenix City. I love fishing, camping, and traveling the world (I've been to over 40 different countries).

I believe in giving your best effort and that every student has the ability to excel in everything they do through motivation and determination, along with direction and support from me and their parents/guardians. I expect everyone to participate in the class and try. If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. There is nothing wrong with failure. Thomas Edison failed 10,000 times before he perfected the light bulb! It's what you do after failure that will determine whether you succeed. Math can only be understood through practice. I use technology a lot in the classroom and I believe education is a team effort. We learn quicker and so much more as teams than as individuals. I am looking forward to getting to know all my students.