Those Who Can, Teach

Copyright © Mitch Tobias

We are on a threshold. Our world is changing so fast, our children must be mathematically and scientifically literate.

Career-changers welcome.

If you work in science or in a job that requires math, consider using your skills in a new way. There are many programs that support a career switch to teaching. If you are not ready to become a teacher, consider volunteering in a math or science classroom.

Add Up the Opportunities

Want to learn about being a math teacher? Log on to the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics site at www.nctm.org. Find out about e-workshops, jobs, even how to use the CBS hit show Numb3rs in the classroom. How about being a science teacher? Check out the National Science Teachers Association site at www.nsta.org for resources, a Science Store and "Today in science history."

How do you keep it going?

Push yourself. There are many opportunities for ambitious, passionate, gifted mathematics and science teachers, but you must seek them out. Just as students need time to learn, teachers need time to grow and learn their craft. Do not expect to have mastered teaching in two to three years — you won't. This is the beauty of the profession for me. I create experiences to keep learning and actively look for them in my area. For example, Industry Initiatives for Science and Math Education provides summer fellowship opportunities for teachers to work in Bay Area corporations, universities and government agencies to experience the application of science, math and new technologies. The Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth offers teaching opportunities in the summer. The Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund Teacher Program helps teachers visit Japan and study a chosen topic. These are just some examples of programs I have learned about and keep in the back of my mind as opportunities to try at some point.

Think globally; connect locally.

In Los Angeles, I worked with the UCLA Math Project. I received valuable, relevant professional development and was given new experiences like teaching with the Young Mathematicians Institute in Lynwood. In Northern California, I became affiliated with the Bay Area Math Project. I have had the opportunity to work with and learn from mathematicians and increase my content knowledge. I am now a Teacher Leader and provide professional development for teachers through summer institutes. This sounds simple, but people's daily lives are so crowded and hectic these days that it can be easy to overlook or disregard opportunities to grow all around us. This may be particularly true for teachers.

Published Jan 1, 2007 8:00 AM