Describe 2 of your memorable math teachers:

Throughout my education, both early and continuing into post-secondary, I have been fortunate to have many great and influential math teachers. There is however two teachers that have made the most impact specific to my appreciation of math as well as my decision to pursue education as a career.

For as long as I can remember, active learning and practice did not stop when the summer months began. Each weekday, whether my parents were at work or at home, my brother and I were left worksheets and assignments to ensure continued studies for at least an hour each day. They ranged from reading different novels and information books, creative writing assignments, grammar exercises and at least one math based activity or worksheet. From an early age, math understanding and mastery was instilled as a valuable skill and was fostered by mother. At the end of the day or when she came home from work, we would sit together and review my work. In this way, I learned to appreciate and look forward to perfecting and increasing my understanding of mathematics. Since my mom had always been strong in basic algebra, arithmetic and geometry, she even managed to prepare me in advance for lessons in the classroom until the early years of junior high and was therefore able to solidify my confidence in my mathematics abilities. Even though doing homework is the least appealing activity to a child, especially during summer vacation, it was essential and pivotal in my academic success and decisions to continue working on my exploration of mathematics. My mother was the first, and I would also say the greatest, influence as a math teacher.

The second most memorable math teacher that has been a part of my life taught me both Grade 12 Math and Calculus, Mr. Baker. As has been discussed, math has a very common reputation of being a hated and under appreciated subject within schools. However, by ensuring his classroom was welcoming, incorporating anecdotes into lessons, simplifying concepts, and most importantly, getting to know his students, Mr. Baker had every student enjoying his subject. Familiarizing himself with each student’s strengths and talents he was able to adapt lessons to try and allow everyone comparable levels of understanding. He also ensured that no matter the student’s academic or social success, each was treated equally and with exceptional levels of respect driving students to want to meet his expectations. Mr. Baker’s teaching methods not only strengthened my mathematic skills, but inspired me to pursue education and is a role model that I aspire to be in my teaching career path.

My most memorable math teachers are fortunately those that have been the most positive influences to whom I happily credit my current success as a student and as a teacher candidate.