Experience Inspires!

Interview with Victoria, a Pre-Service Mathematics Teacher

Math was always Victoria's favorite subject in school.  She has always enjoyed solving problems.  This led her to a career in engineering.  After seven years as an engineer in the aerospace industry, she spent fifteen years raising a family and becoming increasingly involved in education.  "Teaching mathematics will allow me the best of all worlds.  I can share my love of mathematics and problem solving with the students who will be our nation's future."

1.  Why did you choose a career in teaching?

I chose a career in teaching because I enjoy being with and working with children, and I feel that I can make a positive contribution to the understanding that my students develop about mathematics.  Understanding mathematics is essential to success in today’s technological world.  I hope to help students make connections between the mathematics they are learning in the classroom and the world around them.

2.  What did you do before deciding to become a teacher?

When I first graduated from college as an engineer, I worked as a project engineer for seven years for a large aerospace corporation on projects with NASA and the military.  It was a very exciting time for me because I spent three of those years working on the certification program for the Space Shuttle Space Suit and Life Support assembly.  I later spent several years at home raising a family.  As my children became school age and progressed through their education, I became increasingly interested in pursuing a career as a teacher. 

3.  What do you think of your decision?

I am very happy with the choice I have made for my future.  The world of teaching offers a career that is satisfying on a very personal and fundamental level.  Helping students reach their potential and develop the skills and understanding they need in order to realize their dreams is a rare opportunity to make a genuine impact on the future.

4.  What have you enjoyed the most about the certification program?

I have really enjoyed the coursework associated with the program.  That enjoyment has been increased by the relationships I have developed with my fellow students.  Working on projects and activities together and discussing the issues which arise throughout the program have made it a great experience. 

5.  What has been the most challenging aspect of the certification process?

Satisfying all of the requirements for graduate school, certification, and my internship, while satisfying the needs of my family is the greatest challenge for me.  This program offers such a unique opportunity to work with other people of varied experience and backgrounds, and to spend time in the classroom either as a teacher or intern, that it is worth the challenges, what ever they are.

January 2004