The Characteristics of a Great Math Teacher

Above is a list of the five characteristics that make a great math teacher. These characteristics are ones that I believe I encompass as an educator. I think that all math teachers have qualities that distinguish them from others as do English teachers and History teachers and every other discipline. These teachers produce great results for their students because everything they do is for the students. Every great math teacher has mastered a high level of mathematics and therefore can break down any content in the simplest form to help students understand it. They know how to explain the "why". In college I was a mathematics major which allowed me to go through intensive training in the subject area. I learned the knowledge and skills I needed to teach my learners effectively. Every math teacher knows that it is important to allow students to discover and explore their own approaches to problems. It should never be wrong if they can mathematically explain their solutions. It is my job to facilitate and to allow my students to offer their own suggestions on how a problem may be solved. I also do not allow a student to quit. By giving students choice and showing them they have the power to understand these concepts they stay engaged. I know that all of my students have different interests and those interests need to be considered when dealing with any student. It is helpful in knowing how to motivate them. A student in my class who is interested in the marines may need to understand how to calculate the trajectory of missile to hit a target in which the understanding of a right triangle is necessary. This applies to any profession. If they are unsure you work to help them figure it out. This helps students study mathematics and makes the teacher a good motivator. I know that as a fourth year teacher I am no where near perfect and still have so much to learn, which is one of the reasons I decided to enter a masters program. Education is constantly changing so as an educator you need to be constantly learning. Finally, all teachers need to care. It comes with the profession. You fall in love with your students and want them all to succeed because you care about them and that caring attitude and support is what connects you to be able to teach your students.