Math is found almost everywhere, but many students have learned to hate it. They turn away from future careers and degrees because it means learning math along the way. Bad experiences with math changes the course of lives.
Has math anxiety prevented you from pursuing a degree you’re interested in? If so, you are the perfect candidate to teach math.
The Ideal Teacher
Many people assume that teachers must love the subject they teach. This assumption misses an important role a teacher provides. Good teachers help students learn a subject. The best teachers help students love a subject.
If you struggle with math, you can relate to students who struggle with math. If you didn’t like math but tried to learn, you can help students learn to try.
The ideal teacher isn’t someone who loves a subject, but who loves teaching and supporting students. You can teach and support students whether you like math or not. You can be the right teacher for struggling students.
The Learning Curve
Math is more than formulas and equations. You can start with the basics if you don’t like math but want to learn. Here’s where to start:
- Reading and writing: Focus on understanding text and completing writing tasks.
- Logical thinking: Use step-by-step reasoning to draw conclusions.
- Memory and focus: Use memorization strategies for basic steps.
- Pattern recognition: Identify relationships and repetition.
- Curiosity and patience: Ask questions without racing for answers.
With these skills and practices you can climb the learning curve. Once you are prepared, you can start the math journey with the support you need.
BYU-Idaho offers student resources that will help you succeed in your degree at the Math Study Center:
- Online Math Chat
- Drop-in Labs
- One-on-One Tutoring
You can find these resources at the Math Study Center
The Future of Math
Math is a steppingstone for the future. Many degrees require a strong grasp of math to be successful.
Just because you struggle with math doesn’t mean you can’t learn. Learning math doesn’t mean that you have to love it.
Whether you teach math, or find a use for it elsewhere, you can be an example to others by mastering math.
Sources
BYU-Idaho: Advanced Writing for Math Students
BYU-Idaho: Department of Mathematics
US News: "What You Need to Know About Becoming a Mathematics Major”
Indeed.com: "Math Degrees: Types, FAQs and 7 Career Paths You Can Pursue"
BYU-Idaho Academic Catalog: Mathematics (B.S.)
BYU-Idaho: Mathematics Student Resources
BYU-Idaho: Mathematics Societies
BYU-Idaho: Math Secondary Teaching Internship Requirements
BYU-Idaho: Quantitative Reasoning Requirements