Ask Matt Mentor
Dear Matt, I have some very good 11th and 12th grade math students in my classes. I was encouraging them to consider majoring in mathematics in college and becoming teachers. They ask: “Why would anyone with a math major choose to be a teacher when the pay difference is so large?” I love my job; how do I respond to their question? Response: Dear Excited: Your question is an excellent one. Your first and most important answer to your students’ question is your own enthusiasm for your role as a teacher. Your love for your work inspires them, no matter what profession they choose. We all understand how important it is to encourage the next generation of teachers. Any future we can envision involves many teachers of mathematics at all levels. Teaching is a job that can never be outsourced, though it certainly will not always look like it did in the past. For example, today’s technology is being used in many new ways in classrooms and learning sites, from online classes to interactive response systems and projection tools linked to computers. Nevertheless, it is in the interaction between people that much mathematics is learned – especially the interaction between a teacher and a student. You could consider organizing a panel of teachers to speak to students about teaching. Inviting teachers from outside your school may give the topic a fresh view. It is especially beneficial to include teachers who have had previous jobs, often with higher salaries, but find the rewards in teaching more valuable than money. There are many such teachers in Minnesota, and MCTM could help you find them. And please request that they not dwell on “summer vacation” as a motivation for teaching! You could also encourage interested students to visit other classrooms as observers or teacher’s assistants, particularly elementary and middle level classrooms. You could invite individual students to take turns acting as your assistant, or an in class tutor. Some teachers designate a student for a certain time period, during which the student takes especially careful notes, and helps others in the class with mathematics. Serving as a tutor for mathematics can not only serve to reinforce their own learning, but give them a taste of the rewards that come from helping someone else understand. For students who might select mathematics as a major in college, encourage them to be on the lookout for scholarships to support future teachers of mathematics. Most colleges and universities also have opportunities for paid work as tutors in a study center. These jobs sometimes pay more than other student work since they require special skills. Many mathematics majors have become “hooked” on teaching through such experiences. Whatever the future choices of your students, remind them that “No one ever lost a job because they knew too much mathematics.” And keep your own enthusiasm alive and apparent for all your students to see. Good luck! Matt |
Matt Mentor, a wise and experienced teacher, offers advice about teaching mathematics topics to beginning teachers. Of course, experienced teachers can join in as well. Here’s how it works: Send your answers to MattMentorMCTM@aol.com and Matt will post as many different solutions that adequately address the question as are received. Have a Question for Matt? |
