Teaching Math: Yes Or No?

[GoryBlizzard]

Recently, I've been thinking more than ever about what I want to do with my life, and I think I have the answer for now: become a math teacher.

Right now, I'm a sophomore in college. I have a world of problems (financial, mental, physical and otherwise), but that's not really what I want to focus on right now. My current major is psychology, but let's be honest: a Bachelor's or even a Master's degree in psychology really isn't going to get me anywhere good in life. I would need a PhD (or a Psy D if I solely wanted to focus on clinical practice) if anything to make the most of any psych-related career. That's time-consuming as hell, and I don't think I have the money, the time or the drive to pursue a doctorate in psychology. It's an interesting subject though, don't get me wrong. What I plan to do in the near future is to change psychology to my minor instead, and my new major will be Mathematics Education at the secondary level.

My main life goal right now is to eventually become a high school math teacher. For a long time, math has been one of my strongest subjects. When I was very young, math bored the shit out of me and I consistently performed badly on tests. However, my interest in math was really sparked in middle school, and even further in high school. For many years, I excelled the shit out of every single math class I took. I'm good at it up to multivariable calculus/linear algebra/ordinary differential equations. Anything beyond that, like PDEs, topology, abstract algebra, and so on, is way over my head, at least for now. I also realize that many people despise the fuck out of math, because apparently it's boring, incomprehensible, hard to digest...yeah, I've pretty much heard it all. I'm pretty sure a good percentage of people who read this thread aren't good at math and think that it sucks ass.

I also realize that being a math teacher involves more than simply being able to comprehend the subject matter. It also involves being able to elucidate the material in a way that even the biggest retards can understand, and that's not easy for everyone. I'm not really the best at explaining stuff, but I try to hone that skill every single day. Aside from that, anyone who's been to school (I would say a good 90+% of you) should understand that teaching also involves disciplining belligerent and moronic students, grading tests and homework assignments, dealing with parents, colleagues, administrators, going to meetings, and all of that boring shit. Oh, and let's not forget about the waking up early every day part. That's what I hate about school in general.

Since I know a good bunch of people here are in high school, let me ask this very simple question: what do you look for in a good teacher? More specifically, what do you look for in a good math teacher? Lastly, for those of you who know me a bit better, do you really think that I have the potential to become an effective teacher?

[HeavyMetalGuy]

Math? Algebra? yuck.

[Lost-Wisdom]

At 10/7/09 08:15 PM, metalguy777 wrote: Math? Algebra? yuck.

It's too bad that usually a lot you things you do in life requires a certain level of math in order to do it.
Not that is a bad thing though.

Calculus kills me though.

[FatJoe214]

I don't know why you wanna be a teacher man they don't get good pay and you have to deal with over 800 assholes for 8 hours. You should do something like accounting or something buisness related where you deal with numbers you'll get a good wage and you won't have to listen to a bunch of teens.

[Blush]

Well it's good that you'll become something you want to be. But if you become a teacher, try to be one that's laid back and can tell jokes.But be sure to help the students, and go the extra mile.

[Fantast3cles]

i say no

[RobbyPaulLul]

I want to be a history teacher.

[absent]

At 10/7/09 08:14 PM, GoryBlizzard wrote: Since I know a good bunch of people here are in high school, let me ask this very simple question: what do you look for in a good teacher? More specifically, what do you look for in a good math teacher? Lastly, for those of you who know me a bit better, do you really think that I have the potential to become an effective teacher?

If you want to be a good math teacher, be like the person in these videos:

http://justmathtutoring.com/

Nothing but clear examples and explanations of topics. That site got me through calc BC. I'm also pretty sure nearly every single comment on his videos is something along the lines of, "wow, I wish my teacher was like you!" So be that teacher; you will be loved.

But on a completely unrelated note, I was wondering if you could offer any advice on moving from single-variable calculus to multi/linear algebra. Did you feel it was much more difficult to learn multivariable calc or linear algebra than single variable calculus?

I'm just wondering because I want to take at least one or two math classes at college, but I'm not so sure if it'd be wise to go right into the next level if I'm going to end up in over my head. I'm not a genius at math, but I did well enough in high school calc (5s on calc AB/BC), if that even means anything when it comes to math in college.

[Jesuslizard]

Yes...
Big yes.

[dvsilverwing]

Teachers don't get payed well enough, I'd steer clear.

[ScukMafioso]

How about you stop trying to chat up kids with your surveys and questionnaires ya freakkkk.

[GoryBlizzard]

At 10/7/09 08:25 PM, EJR wrote: I do think you have the potential to be a good math teacher.

What I look for in a teacher, math specifically, is that they're able to teach the material easily. You've helped me with my math homework, and you've done it quite simply. I understood what you tried explaining quickly and I actually was one of the very few in my class that didn't struggle with that the next day.

That's nice to know, I guess. It's been forever since I was in Algebra I myself (I took it in 8th grade--I'm over 5 years removed from it), but I've retained all the material, which I've had to use in just about all of my subsequent math classes anyway. Every teacher will tell you that math is cumulative and they're absolutely right. Algebra I is especially fundamental, though.

Just try to fix up that monotone thing you have, because that will surely make people lose interest in what you have to say, once they grow tired of it.

A lot of people seem to have a problem with my monotone voice. I hear it all the time from people on Stickam, people on PalTalk, people I deal with in real life--the list goes on. I'll acknowledge that it is in fact a very big problem that has plagued me all of my life; unfortunately it's also going to be the most difficult one to fix. I may need to consult with a speech therapist at some point to see what I can do. I'll try to explore as many treatment options as I can that are available to me.

Always be open to helping people, too. My teachers are always asking people to come in and see them if they're struggling, and I know it helps, so if you do become a teacher, that's something you could always offer to help others, who will appreciate it in the end.

Very important point, and something else I was told a long time ago.

[Lemontexas]

That's awesome but just don't be a lame ass teacher.

[Carmilla]

I think being a teacher would be an extremely gratifying job. It's actually the job I would choose for myself above any other, except maybe a nurse. It's not a good career for money, but I think the rewards you'd gain from such a job would far outweigh the financial losses. I say go for it!

[GoryBlizzard]

At 10/7/09 08:34 PM, absent wrote: If you want to be a good math teacher, be like the person in these videos:

http://justmathtutoring.com/

Nothing but clear examples and explanations of topics. That site got me through calc BC. I'm also pretty sure nearly every single comment on his videos is something along the lines of, "wow, I wish my teacher was like you!" So be that teacher; you will be loved.

I know that guy because like you, I also used his videos to get through Calc BC and some parts of DE (he has DE videos on exact equations, Undetermined Coefficients and the definition of the Laplace transform). He is very concise and easy to understand, and I still refer to some of his videos every now and then.

But on a completely unrelated note, I was wondering if you could offer any advice on moving from single-variable calculus to multi/linear algebra. Did you feel it was much more difficult to learn multivariable calc or linear algebra than single variable calculus?

You're going to have to deal with the 3-D coordinate systems, especially with multivariable calculus. You'll be dealing with vectors a lot, so brush up on vector basics if you have to. Parameterizing equations is also important, especially when you have to deal with evaluating line integrals. I would say that I found multivariable calc and and linear algebra harder to learn than single-variable calc, but not by THAT much. Both are definitely do-able as long as you haven't really fallen behind for the most part. Hopefully you won't have a professor who will actually make you draw 3-D graphs, which personally is near impossible for me.

I'm just wondering because I want to take at least one or two math classes at college, but I'm not so sure if it'd be wise to go right into the next level if I'm going to end up in over my head. I'm not a genius at math, but I did well enough in high school calc (5s on calc AB/BC), if that even means anything when it comes to math in college.

It seems like you already have a good math background. I got a 5 on the Calc BC exam. In your case, since you're fresh out of Calc BC, I'd start with multivariable calc, then linear algebra (in my college, calc III is actually a prerequisite for linear algebra, but I understand that's not the case everywhere), then differential equations last. DE sometimes incorporates concepts from linear algebra and multivariable calc, but you can get through a good chunk of it only knowing single-variable calculus--until you start seeing partial derivatives, eigenvalues and eigenvectors.

[pinkfuzzyman]

To answer your question, My Algebra 2 teacher was amazing. The things that made him a good math teacher where his sense of humor, his drive to push every student, and his accesibility before and after school.

[GoryBlizzard]

At 10/7/09 09:17 PM, pinkfuzzyman wrote: To answer your question, My Algebra 2 teacher was amazing. The things that made him a good math teacher where his sense of humor, his drive to push every student, and his accesibility before and after school.

I already addressed accessibility, and again, I plan on making myself as available as I can. I suppose I should work on my sense of humor though, because I'm not a very funny person. I'm admitting that straight up because it's true, although occasionally, I might tell jokes to lighten up the mood.

[Chymeraxe]

The only answer is,

Do what you like to do.

[knightsofthecircle]

Well first off, what type of mathematics are you best at? Algebra? Trigonometry? Statistics? Most math classes usually focus on a specific branch of mathematics, so my advice to you is to try and get into the one that you find easiest.

Also, don't be that kind of teacher that's very vague with their notes and does jack shit for their students, I can't stand those.

[physicsman09]

If it's really what you want to do then go for it man.

[GoryBlizzard]

At 10/7/09 09:41 PM, knightsofthecircle wrote: Well first off, what type of mathematics are you best at? Algebra? Trigonometry? Statistics? Most math classes usually focus on a specific branch of mathematics, so my advice to you is to try and get into the one that you find easiest.

I'm good at all of them, and then some. But as for the branches of math I'm best at? Hmm, probably algebra and calculus. But any good teacher should be able to teach any middle or high school level math course (which I know I could do, even now). Hell, there are some (but very few) high schools that offer calc III, ODE and linear algebra--all of which are popular undergraduate-level math courses in college). I could even teach those if I'm ever called on to do it.

Also, don't be that kind of teacher that's very vague with their notes and does jack shit for their students, I can't stand those.

I'll try not to be.

At 10/7/09 09:47 PM, physicsman09 wrote: If it's really what you want to do then go for it man.

The main thing that is in my way right now is money (and probably motivation and a host of other factors). On that note, I think you could hack it out as a math teacher as well, but I kind of doubt you will be one since you've chosen the Air Force as your career path.

[kikomannnn]

sounds awful....i mean i hated my math teacher but i think he hated himself even more...

[GoryBlizzard]

At 10/7/09 10:31 PM, kikomannnn wrote: sounds awful....i mean i hated my math teacher but i think he hated himself even more...

I too have major self-esteem issues, but that's an entirely different thing altogether.

[Skwurll]

Well Charles, I think you'd make a good teacher as long as you tried to do something fun with you lessons, I'll admit your monotone voice isn't exactly exciting, but you'd make a pretty good teacher in my opinion.

[GoryBlizzard]

At 10/7/09 11:09 PM, Skwurll wrote: Well Charles, I think you'd make a good teacher as long as you tried to do something fun with you lessons, I'll admit your monotone voice isn't exactly exciting, but you'd make a pretty good teacher in my opinion.

Well, I've helped you with your math work too, but only once and very recently.

I'm always available if you need me.

[Piss]

yes, you should become a math teacher. that would be a good and fitting career for my friend goryblizzerd.

[Orange-Jews]

I fucking hate math, and have done horribly in math since gr 6.

What I would look for in a teacher though.. I'm not sure. They all failed me equally.

I guess the obvious, having patience, is key.

[SuspiciousPenguin]

I was never any good at maths, but i don't hate the subject becuase of it, if anything i love it and admire people like yourself who are really good at the subject. I think you should go for it, and in no time you'll be a fully qualified teacher and rolling in money. In my veiw a good teacher is quite relaxed yet scrict when they need to be. and i was also thinking of a career in psychology but realised that there isn't a very high demand for them, so i think i'm just going to go into marketing or something creatively lovely like that.
Good luck

[DumbassDude]

Gory, do whatever makes you happy. Although, I have a big concern, your monotone voice.

More enthusiasm or the students would either hate you, or fall asleep. I have no doubt in your screaming abilities.

[Dopefish]

The best math teacher I had explained the subject matter in a way that made it easy for us to understand. He also had high expectations of what we could achieve, so we didn't feel like he was babying us either. He made us take notes, practice problems in class, and do homework most every night so we would get even more practice outside of the classroom. I think all three of those things really helped us to learn and internalize the material.