Experience Inspires!

Interview with Kate, a Pre-Service Mathematics Teacher

Kate is currently a freshman with sophomore standing at the University of Missouri- Columbia. She is a double major in Secondary Mathematics Education and Mathematics. In high school, both her teachers and the math courses she took inspired her to become a math teacher. This inspiration took her all the way through the math sequence, taking AP Calculus as a senior. In high school she also spent a lot of time working in the school math lab tutoring other high school students. Kate also spent a semester in an elementary school math class, helping those children understand the fundamentals of mathematics. She is passionate about teaching and cannot wait to go further in the education program at Mizzou.

1. What subject area and grade level do you plan to teach?

I plan to teach high school mathematics.

2.  Why did you choose a career in teaching?

I chose to become a teacher because in my high school experience I had three inspiring math teachers. They really made math and learning fun in high school. They took the time out to care about me personally and to make sure I was successful in their respective classes. I decided to become a high school math teacher not only because I enjoy math, but also to follow in their footsteps and to impact students in the ways they impacted me.

3.  What other options were you considering?

I was considering becoming a surgeon or possibly entering a field in business like accounting or banking, but I ultimately decided to become a teacher.

4. What high school or college activities have you participated in that have been helpful in your major?

For a semester in high school I was a math lab tutor alongside one of my own math teachers, Mr. K. I spent the semester helping students who didn't understand their math homework. Mr. K. told me I had "a knack" for teaching math. Working in the math lab was very helpful, not only to help me realize I wanted to be a teacher, but also to gain a small bit of experience in the field.

5. What have you enjoyed most about your major?

The faculty at Mizzou is what I enjoy most about my major. The professors are amazing and they really want to see you do well in their program and to stick with it. Also, the curriculum is interesting and practical to the present and future of the teaching field, not just the past.

6. What has been the most challenging aspect of majoring in education?

So far, not too much. The course work is very challenging. The math courses I have to take are very difficult, but it is worth it.

February 2004