By: Kate Gruetter

Editor-in-Chief

Calculus master and AP Physics C expert Sharilyn Anheier is an educator who genuinely loves what she teaches and inspires her students to do the same. Named Teacher of the Year for the 2022-2023 school year, Anheier is also El Gato’s Teacher of the Month for the month of December. Anheier first taught Physics 1 at the school for four years, but this year switched to teaching solely AP Physics C. However, you could never tell Anheier is new to teaching this difficult subject, for she easily explains each concept and is always open to helping her students.

As the first in her family to attend college, Anheier had less guidance when it came to college, though this challenge didn’t stop her from pursuing a degree. After transferring between several colleges, Anheier graduated from San Jose State University with an Applied Math degree. “I loved math and just kept wanting to take more classes,” she explained. She added, “In college I got a job working as a math tutor for a program called ‘Upward Bound’ that supports underprivileged students on their path toward college. That led to becoming a teacher’s aide in their summer program, and eventually teaching my own math classes.” Eventually, she just “naturally fell into teaching. . . After [Upward Bound], I realized that I enjoyed connecting with teens and valued the relationships I developed with them.” In terms of her foray into teaching Physics, Anheier explained, “I was inspired to teach Physics because my favorite high school teacher was my physics teacher and I will always remember how much fun his class was.” 

Anheier’s latest achievement has been taking on teaching AP Physics C, one of the toughest classes Los Gatos High School offers. Regarding the transition, Anheier details how “having taught Regular Physics for so many years, it has been a while since I’ve challenged my thinking in this way, but I do love the challenge.” Anheier’s appreciation of this challenge is apparent in how she teaches, with both passion and care. Ultimately, Anheier reflects, “Despite the challenge, I am glad I took over this course.  My students are incredible and blow me away with their brilliance every day.”

While it is obvious that Anheier cares about her students, current and former students also care about her. One of Anheier’s former Physics 1 students, Caitlyn Simons, explains that she appreciates Anheier because “she’s really kind and she was always willing to help when I needed it,” with another former student, Keya Mehta, adding that, “She just brings great energy to the classroom. I love her music and all her playlists.” Anheier’s current AP Physics C student, Canyon Crutchfield, describes that “she’s really nice and wants all her students to overcome academic challenges. She’s fun and isn’t afraid to be goofy.”

Outside of teaching, Anheier loves to cook and read. She also likes “anything to do with music, dancing, playing the ukulele, singing, going to concerts.” So, if you’re looking for a song recommendation or help calculating the Simple Harmonic Motion of a pendulum, just ask Anheier!