Alabama School of Math and Science math instructor Sarah Brewer has been recognized by Veritas Prep as one of the 40 Most Influential Teachers Under 40. Veritas Prep is one of the nation’s largest SAT prep providers.

“I try to physically show my excitement about the material I teach every day,” said Brewer. “I like to sneak high-level math topics-like topology and group theory-into lower level courses so that students can get a glimpse of the amazing world that exists beyond Precalculus. While the casual observer may perceive my Visual Mathematics class as a cross between Art History and Technical Drawing, these students are in actuality calculating topological invariants and classifying symmetry groups—topics that many math majors don’t see until graduate school.”

The 40 Most Influential Teachers Under 40 list recognizes some of the most innovative and passionate young teachers who make a positive difference in the lives of American students.

“Mrs. Brewer is the type of teacher that always encourages you to pursue the things you are interested in,” said senior Sydnee Wood. “For me it was my love of origami. I took her Visual Mathematics class and was assigned to research about the math in origami. She helped me learn the math behind a subject that I loved. She made me realize that some of the everyday things in life like folding a piece of paper can have very complex mathematical backings to them. I am not the only person she has encouraged in this way either. There are a lot of kids that had an interest in something math related that probably wouldn’t have studied them further if it wasn’t for Mrs. Brewer teaching extra classes like Advanced Origami, Topology, and the History of Mathematics. She is the type of teacher that likes to know her students on a more personal level so that she can better help them. Mrs. Brewer is one of the most influential teachers that I have come across.”

Veritas Prep solicited nominations directly from students. Hundreds of teachers from across the United States were nominated. Ultimately, 40 nominated teachers stood out for their passion, innovation, and effectiveness in teaching.

“Many of us can remember that one teacher who just completely changed the way we looked at the world,” said Chad Troutwine, co-founder and CEO of Veritas Prep. “As we reviewed the nominations that came in, it was clear that all of these teachers fit that description. We were amazed by the passion that teachers such as Sarah exhibit, and we are proud to make her a part of our very first ’40 Under 40’ list.”

The 40 teachers on the list come from all over the United States. More profiles of these young teachers can be found on Veritas Prep’s 40 Most Influential Teachers Under 40page.