Liz

I have always wanted to be a teacher; however, eventually my focus narrowed to high school mathematics. I love mathematics because of the power and control it gives us. Mathematics is not subjective. In other subjects your results can vary depending on your audience, but mathematics does not. Therefore, if you are able to reach the answer you have a great sense of achievement. Although there are often multiple ways to solve a problem, mathematics is accessible to all individuals because of the many set formulas. A student can reach the correct answer just by following an algorithm or through individual creativity, solving in his/her unique way. However, as long as he/she reaches the final answer he/she is correct. Thus, mathematics is truly assessable to all students. I think that one of the main leaning objectives of a mathematics teacher should be to connect, through active student engagement, course material with real world applications as much as possible. One of the biggest challenges in mathematics is to motivate students. Engaging with mathematics tends to cause a great deal of frustration in students often leading them to shut down and give up. As a dedicated mathematics teacher I will help students learn to persevere when they become frustrated. Real world applications encourage students by reinforcing how critical mathematical skills are for everyday life and in their pursuit of future careers. This goes well beyond simply passing various mathematical tests. I want to create a classroom climate whereby students are genuinely excited about the material. Adding real world applications allows them to visualize how they can actually use their mathematic skills in all their future endeavors. As a future mathematics teacher I believe it is essential to create lessons that are hands on, critical in active student engagement. Mathematics allows students to discover formulas and properties through active versus passive learning. Rather than simply lecturing, I strive to create lessons with activities that allow the students to perform calculations and come to their own conclusions. Self-paced activities allow students to discover trends or patterns enhancing individual learning. In this way students become more self-directed and responsible for their own learning given through their unique learning styles. A hands-on approach reinforces learning and should lead to longer, more consistent retention of the material while developing critical thinking skills and building confidence in their abilities. With heightened confidence, students will approach new problems as challenges versus obstacles continuously building upon their previous mathematical knowledge. Lastly, I believe that it is imperative that teachers build a connection with all their students. If my students believe I truly care about them as individuals, and not simply recipients of grades, they will be more inclined to believe in themselves. Students must believe in their ability to learn and apply mathematics, and all too often the majority of students come to class lacking in mathematical interest, curiosity, or confidence creating huge obstacles to developing mathematical proficiency. I will foster relationships with my students that make them excited to come to class and ensure a safe classroom environment where they can freely ask questions and explore how a deeper understanding of mathematics can enhance their lives.