Alumni Spotlight Series: Clara Weiss

Clara Weiss has worn a wide variety of hats throughout her time at RSM, from student, to tutor, Marketing Coordinator, Teacher, and now Principal of RSM-Louisville. She earned a B.A. in Mathematics and Education from the College of Wooster and is currently working on her M.A. in Teacher Leadership at Bellarmine University. As a Principal and Teacher, Clara is now excitedly passing along her love of math to her students in Kentucky. Learn more about Clara’s experience with RSM in this question and answer blog.

Can you tell us about your journey with RSM?

I began at RSM in 1st grade and spent 10 years in the program, completing all of the classes offered at the time. Through that experience, I discovered a love for working at the whiteboard and supporting my classmates, which naturally led me to become a tutor. After graduating, I couldn't get enough and wanted to help share the benefits that RSM-Louisville gave to me so I became a Teacher and a Marketing Coordinator. Now, I’m excited to continue that journey in my current role as the principal.

What do you remember about starting as an RSM student?

I remember being really excited to learn more so I could show my friends at school what I was working on and I loved that the problems were different from typical rote solving. It felt meaningful to think deeply and challenge myself, and I was motivated by wanting to be capable, not reliant on a calculator.

Were there any particular moments or teachers that had a big impact on you?

One of my favorite memories was when my teacher, Mr. Madorsky, told me that if I wanted to use the quadratic formula, I had to prove it before I could use it. I remember going up to the board feeling challenged but determined to get it done and prove that I could do it. 

As I worked through the proof, I ended up getting stuck. Having no clue where to go, I turned to my classmates. Everyone contributed ideas, asked questions, and helped connect different steps, and together, we were able to figure it out. It felt incredibly empowering to put all the pieces together as a group and really understand why the formula worked. That sense of shared problem-solving and community has stayed with me ever since.

Were there any moments when you struggled at RSM? How did you overcome them?

Yes, there were definitely moments when I struggled. Geometry was especially challenging at first because it required a very different way of thinking than what I was used to. 

To work through it, I went back to my fundamentals: slowing down, visualizing the information, leaning on my problem-solving skills, and making connections to what I already knew. Over time, that approach helped everything start to click and gave me more confidence in tackling unfamiliar material. Now, I would consider Geometry classes to be some of my favorite classes that I’ve ever taken at RSM! 

What was it like working as an RSM tutor?

It was an incredibly enjoyable experience for me because it felt like being right back in the classroom at the whiteboard, explaining problems to my classmates. Teaching came very naturally and I loved encouraging students to build confidence and develop a genuine love for math, just like I had. That experience absolutely inspired me to return to RSM after graduating, first as a teacher and now as a principal, so I could continue supporting students and helping create the same positive learning environment that shaped me.

How did your RSM education shape your college experience?

I went into college knowing I wanted to study math, but my experience as a student and a tutor at RSM also sparked my interest in education. I initially planned to minor in education, but as I spent more time working with children, I realized teaching was what I truly wanted to do, so I decided to double major in math and education.

When it came to math, RSM was honestly my saving grace. When my college classes moved beyond calculus and into proofs, the type of thinking required felt familiar because of my experience in RSM's Geometry classes. I was able to adjust much more quickly than I expected. 

Beyond math, RSM gave me essential skills that carried me through college: how to take effective notes, stay organized, persevere through challenging problems, and push through difficult moments. I truly would not be the person I am today without RSM.

What inspired you to come back to RSM as a Teacher?

I felt a strong desire to give back to the community that had done so much for me when I was growing up. RSM played such a meaningful role in shaping who I am, and I wanted to help share that experience with others. Through teaching, I found I could support students directly, helping them discover and experience the same love for math that RSM gave me.

How do you relate to current RSM students, knowing you’ve been in their shoes?

I clearly remember what it felt like to be challenged, to struggle, and then to feel incredibly proud when something finally clicked. Having been through the program myself, I can genuinely empathize with what they’re experiencing and encourage them to keep going, reminding them that those difficult moments are often the most meaningful parts of learning. 

In my classroom, I have a poster of a growing flower that says, “Learning takes time! Give yourself a chance to grow.” It’s a constant reminder to my students, and to me, that growth doesn’t happen overnight; rather, it happens through patience, perseverance, and consistently pushing yourself to be better.

What advice would you give to someone who’s just starting as an RSM student?

My advice would be to look for the positives in every experience, even the challenging ones. Each attempt at solving a new problem helps you think differently and is an opportunity to advance. When you make a mistake, it’s not something to be embarrassed about; it’s an opportunity to learn, reflect, and grow. Those moments are often the ones that lead to the deepest understanding and the most confidence over time.

Thanks very much Clara! We wish you all the best as you bring your passion for math to the team at RSM-Louisville!