THE LIFE-CHANGING ROLE OF EVERY MATH TEACHER

Not all students like math, but a good math teacher has the power to change that. A good math teacher can help students who have traditionally struggled with numbers begin to build confidence in their skills.

For students who are usually bored with the algebra and geometry, a good math teacher can breathe new life into the subject. A good math teacher makes his or her class a place where students want to be.

So, what does it takes to become a successful math teacher? I believe that the primary key is to have an extensive knowledge of mathematics. With this, we as math teachers, can confidently explain concepts and processes to our students. The confidence we possess boosts our credibility and helps students trust in our ability to teach them what they need to know.

Moreover, another key factor is our teaching strategies. Students learn in different ways, and a good math teacher understands that. We should always keep up with the best practices in math education and regularly incorporate them into our instruction to help our students learn.

In addition, we should also keep in mind that there are multiple ways to solve problems and use those alternate strategies to help struggling students grasp difficult concepts.

In my perspective, a talented math teacher does not take the "because I said so" approach or play the role of a know-it-all. Instead, he or she serves as a facilitator of learning, providing students with the knowledge and tools to solve problems and then encouraging students to solve them on their own.

When students answer a problem incorrectly, he or she does not allow them to quit. Our role is to encourage students to figure out where they went wrong and to keep working at the problem until they get the correct answer, providing support and guidance where needed.

Lastly, a skilled math teacher is seen as a leader in the classroom and in school. We can gain students’ respect not only for our knowledge of mathematics, but for our overall attitude and actions. And as any experienced teacher will say, one of the best characteristics of a good and effective teacher, whether we teach math or science, is our care for our students.

By showing that we are really vested in their education, we are creating a positive atmosphere in the classroom that enhances our relationship with them and make them feel important. A student is far more responsive to a teacher who cares, and is therefore more likely to learn and engage.

To conclude, a math teacher needs solid mathematics skills, but excelling requires an ability to communicate with students and manage a class effectively.

--oOo— The author is Teacher III at Cabetican Elementary School, Bacolor South District