Experience Inspires!

Interview with Lorie, a Pre-Service Mathematics Teacher

For Lorie, one of the most important criterion when choosing a profession was her wish to serve others. Becoming a middle and secondary mathematics teacher was the perfect avenue to fulfill that criterion. She is concerned about the negative stigma associated with mathematics. "I want to be a good math teacher so that kids realize they don't have to be scared of the subject," she says. Part of becoming a good mathematics teacher for Lorie is double majoring in Education and Mathematics. Taking 18 hours this semester has been no easy task ("I feel like my whole life is Physics!"), but still she finds time to serve the College of Education as an Education Ambassador, participate in UM©÷TO (Mizzou's Undergraduate Mathematics Education Organization), and tutor 6th and 7th graders in her 'free time.' Though it is not easy juggling these activities with coursework, the faculty and staff in the College of Education has helped Lorie take advantage of the many opportunities available to her. Their "friendliness and helpfulness" assured Lorie that she is in the right program.

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

I plan on teaching high school or middle school math. I also plan on getting certification to teach Spanish to Kindergarten through 9th graders.

2.  Why did you choose a career in teaching?

I chose a career in teaching for many reasons. First of all, teaching math combines to of my favorite past times: being around kids and math. Second of all, teaching is a profession that serves people. Teaching is the avenue through which I feel I can make a difference. Finally, I chose to be a math teacher because good, entertaining math teachers are few and far between. Math is a subject that either you love or you hate, and often your opinion of the subject can depend upon your teacher. I want to be a good math teacher so that kids realize they don't have to be scared of the subject.

3.  What other options were you considering?

I thought about architecture and graphic design, and I started out in Elementary Education before switching to Secondary.

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

Throughout high school I participated in various tutoring programs and service projects that involved kids. My senior year of high school I was a cadet teacher for a freshman world geography class. As a college student, I have become a member of Education Ambassadors and UM2TO (University of Missouri Math Teachers Organization). I also tutor 6th and 7th graders at a local middle school.

5. What have you enjoyed most about your major?

I haven't really been too involved in education classes just yet, but I have definitely enjoyed the opportunities available to me and the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff.

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

For me the most difficult part of majoring in education has been figuring out how to double major in math and math education, get middle school certification, get Spanish certification K-9, and still graduate in 4 years. However, on a more intellectual level, I think it will be a challenge to find exciting ways to present topics so that the kids understand and are interested in learning.

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

The most rewarding aspect of majoring in education has been in my interaction with the faculty and the amount of options that are available to me.

February 2004