Experience Inspires!

Interview with Stephanie, a Pre-Service Mathematics Teacher

Stephanie grew up in Anchorage, Alaska. She came to MU looking for a way to combine her love of helping others with her love of mathematics. Inspired by one of her high school mathematics teachers, she decided that mathematics education was the field for her. "One of my high school math teachers was my biggest inspiration to get into teaching because I saw how much fun she had in her job every day. It wasn't a job to her." Stephanie says that she most enjoys the people she's met in her education classes: she is in a very comfortable learning environment. Aside from double majoring in Mathematics Education and Mathematics, Stephanie is the goalkeeper for Mizzou's soccer team. How does she find time for everything? "All of my professors have been patient with my soccer situation, and always willing to work with me."

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

Middle School Mathematics

2.  Why did you choose a career in teaching?

I really didn't know what I wanted to do, but I knew I liked math, and I love working with and helping people. One of my high school math teachers was my biggest inspiration to get into teaching, because I saw how much fun she had in her job every day. It wasn't a job to her.

3.  What other options were you considering?

I started in engineering only because I did not know what I wanted to do. Math and science were my strengths, but engineering really was not for me.

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

I have coached for about 5 years now, and I think that working with kids through sports can only help when I become a teacher. Also, playing soccer for MU has helped, because in any team sport you have to learn to work with and encourage other people.

5. What have you enjoyed most about your major?

I have had some really great field experiences in local schools where I have learned a lot about what I will and will not do when I teach. But I think what I love most about my major is the people. I became great friends with the people I have been with in education classes, which makes coming to class really worth it. I have always felt comfortable in my education classes, and that comes from my peers and my teachers. The teachers are another great aspect of education. All of my professors have been patient with my soccer situation, and always willing to work with me.

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

The only challenging thing (besides the portfolio) is trying to work field placements into my schedule.

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

My peers, my professors, and being able to work with positive people everyday.

March 2004