Prescott, Arizona (Jan. 5, 2026) – Prescott native and Yavapai College Mathematics instructor Amanda Atherton, who started teaching at the college in 2021, graduated from NAU with a Master of Science in Mathematics with an emphasis in community college teaching. Previously, she taught for four years at Prescott High School.

Atherton’s history with Yavapai College goes back to her teen years, when she was a student at Tricity College Prep. She took several dual-enrollment classes while in high school and took evening classes at Yavapai College.

“I took almost all of my general education classes here, never thinking I would come back to teaching at the school that made me love higher education,” Atherton said. “Currently, I am still a student at Yavapai College, taking ceramic and exercise classes every year.”

“The English and calculus classes that I took specifically at Yavapai College were some of my favorite and most challenging courses I had,” Atherton said. “My calculus instructor also taught at Embry-Riddle, so he helped me get a job there as an adjunct once I moved back to Prescott from NAU.”

Not averse to juggling multiple commitments, she worked as a resident’s assistant for three years at NAU while serving as a graduate teaching assistant and also teaching four or more undergraduate math classes.

“After I finished my student teaching semester, I started teaching undergraduate math while I was in graduate school,” Atherton said. “While I was completing my master's at NAU, I taught College Math or Precalculus each semester. I was very stressed during my master's, so I was happy to graduate! I didn't sleep a whole lot.”

Atherton said that being a mathematician and a teacher is a creative process because every day is different.

“I get to be in a room with students that are going to be nurses, engineers, business professionals, artists, and many other occupations,” Atherton said. “Thinking critically and deeply is a requirement for almost all professions. For me, being artistic and creative overflows into my professional life to make it more colorful and passionate.”

Atherton said that in her experience, mathematics is everywhere, whether it be referencing patterns, analytical reasoning, or modeling.

“Putting students in situations where they must think quantitively and critically allows them to build skills and tools they can use in real-life problems,” Atherton said. “More than just teaching math skills, I believe I’m teaching students to take ownership of their learning, advocate for themselves, and collaborate effectively within a positive supportive classroom environment.”

"Mandy brings a genuine dedication to her teaching, course development, and service at Yavapai College,” Dean of Science, Math, Computer Technology and Business Perry Baker said. “Her classes consistently receive outstanding feedback and she’s always exploring new ways to enhance student learning. She elevates our entire Math program. Her commitment truly shows in everything she does."

“My experience as an instructor at Yavapai College has been very positive because I have amazing coworkers, awesome students, and I receive so much autonomy in how I teach my classes,” Atherton said. “My motto is if students are engaged in the content, then that leads to deeper learning and understanding. I try to structure my classes to be interactive where students are solving problems and asking deeper questions together in groups.”

Yavapai College operates seven campuses and centers throughout Yavapai County and offers over 100 degrees and certificates, four baccalaureate degrees, student and community services, and cultural events and activities. To learn more about Yavapai College, visit www.yc.edu.