Alison Nordquist, Payson High School Dual Enrollment Instructor

What inspired you to become a math teacher, and how long have you been teaching at Payson High School?

I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. As a child, I played “class” with friends and a giant whiteboard. Initially, I wanted to teach English, but AP courses changed my mind. In high school, I took “Toro Teachers of Tomorrow,” a course that introduced me to teaching. I was already a preschool teacher assistant and chose to intern in a middle school math class. I struggled with math growing up. Placement issues put me in a higher-level class than I was ready for, and I spent years mimicking my teachers without understanding. In AP Calculus my senior year, things finally clicked. I remember my engineer father spending nights trying to help me grasp algebra. That lightbulb moment is something I love seeing in my students.

I started teaching in 2010 and joined Payson High School in 2011. In 2015, I moved to the college but continue teaching dual enrollment math.

What do you enjoy most about teaching dual-credit math classes?
Dual-credit math is incredibly useful. Students see how everything they’ve learned applies to real-world situations. They also build a strong academic foundation for trade school, college, or life.

How do dual-credit math courses differ from traditional high school math?
Students earn both high school and college credit, but the bigger difference is the workload. It helps them adjust to college expectations in a supportive environment.

What are some challenges students face in these courses?
Many struggle with personal responsibility—college courses put the onus on the student. I guide them by ensuring they know about tutoring resources, offering soft due dates, and clearly posting expectations.

Can you share a success story about a student who benefited from dual-credit math?
So many students have returned to say, “Mrs. Nordquist, I didn’t even have to take math in college because I took it with you!” or “I watched my roommate struggle in Stats, but I didn’t need the class thanks to dual enrollment!”

Students truly appreciate dual credit after they graduate. We tell them the benefits, but they don’t fully understand until they experience it. Some of my favorite moments are hearing from former students who are ahead because of this program.

What skills or confidence do students gain from these courses?
For many, this is their first real academic challenge. It teaches them how to adapt, study effectively, and ask for help. That experience gives them confidence to take on more difficult courses later.

Why is the dual-credit program important for Payson High School and the community?
Dual enrollment and the Aspire funding allow all students to try college courses. They gain confidence in their ability to succeed academically, which opens doors for their future.

What is the most rewarding part of teaching dual-credit math?
I love showing students that they can succeed in college-level coursework.

What advice would you give to students considering dual-credit courses?

Take the class—even if you don’t think you’ll need it. Aspire’s dual credit program is an incredible opportunity. You never know where life will take you, so why limit your options? Dual credit is a safe way to experience college with extra support in a smaller class setting.