Experience Inspires!

Interview with Laura, a Pre-Service Mathematics Teacher

Laura has been making the most of her time as a secondary mathematics education major at the University of Missouri. After considering a career in business "due to the fact that everyone in my family has a finance degree," Laura was ultimately inspired by several of her own secondary math teachers to pursue mathematics education. In addition to her coursework, she has dedicated much time to activities in the College of Education. For the past two years, she's been Co-Vice President of the College of Education Student Council. This time-consuming job involves Co-chairing Education Week festivities. In addition, she participates in service activities in her role as an Education Ambassador. All of these activities have left Laura time to pursue what she likes best about being an education major: the field experience with high school students. "Due to the early field experience, I have been able to witness students' frustrations and successes. It is extremely rewarding to see a student smile when they know they have achieved a goal."

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

I plan to teach mathematics at the secondary (grades 9-12) level.

2.  Why did you choose a career in teaching?

Growing up, I always wanted to pursue a profession that impacts people's lives. After having several inspiring teachers and finding mathematics interesting and rewarding, I knew I wanted become a mathematics educator.

3.  What other options were you considering?

I thought about a career in business, due to the fact that everyone in my family has a finance degree. However, my family was always very supportive of my decision to pursue a degree in education.

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

In high school, I was in several leadership organizations including Student Council, National Honor Society, and Ambassadors. I also took a cadet teaching course my senior year in high school. In college, I have enjoyed being part of the College of Education Student Council, Education Ambassadors, and the Honors College Community Involvement Program.

5. What have you enjoyed most about your major?

My favorite part of being an Education major is the experience we obtain in the field. As an Education major, I was able to start observing and working with students in the Columbia Public School classrooms my sophomore year, compared to students in other colleges who may not participate in field experience until their senior year.

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

The most challenging aspect of majoring in education has been completing the portfolio my sophomore year. On the other hand, I am now grateful because I know it will help me be a well-qualified candidate when I start looking for a job.

7. What has been the most rewarding aspect of majoring in education?

The most rewarding aspect of majoring in education is seeing the impact your future profession will have on students. Due to the early field experience, I have been able to witness students' frustrations and successes. It is extremely rewarding to see students smile when they know they have achieved a goal.

February 2004