Tanya (Adams) Lock earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education from Central Methodist University. During her time at CMU, she performed with the CMU Marching and concert bands. She is a member of the Phi Beta, a professional arts fraternity. In 2006, Mrs. Lock earned a Master of Science Degree in Special Education from the University of Missouri – St. Louis. Mrs. Lock holds certifications in Early Childhood, Elementary Education, and Cross Categorical Special Education.

Her career began in the Kansas City School district where she taught kindergarten for two years. She began working in the West Platte School District in 1999. She taught special education classes for 8 years. Following a year of co-teaching in the preschool classroom, Mrs. Lock decided to  take a new position within the district teaching early childhood. Mrs. Lock has directed the Before and After School Program for 16 years, providing enrichment activities and homework support. She has been a team manager for Destination Imagination, a competitive creative problem solving team, for the past 14 years. DI teams are encouraged to use collaboration and problem solving skills to complete a challenge. The team’s solution is presented to a panel of appraisers at the regional, state, and global levels. Her teams have advanced to the state level most years and she has had teams advance to the global level of competition 5 times. Watching her students compete with teams from around the globe has been one of her most valued experiences. 

Mrs. Lock currently resides in Kansas City, Missouri with her husband and children. She has three boys, ages 22, 17, and 15. In addition she has a lazy cat, two active dogs, and three ball pythons. Whenever she has a few free moments, you will find her with a book in her hand. She enjoys any activity that brings her family together. 

Mrs. Lock discovered the amazing world of Mr. Math through years of stories shared with her by her closest friend, Sharon McBride. They began their teaching career together and have co-taught in kindergarten and early childhood classrooms.  She is excited to be a part of the Mr. Math program. Mrs. Lock is passionate about learning. She believes that everyone has the ability to excel beyond their own expectations.  She celebrates mistakes because they give the opportunity for growth.