Mathematics Interview

What inspired you to become a teacher?
My Chemistry teacher in high school had such a passion for learning, that it inspired me to look into teaching as a career.

Why do you think S.T.E.M. is so important for this next generation?
Most of the jobs that are in high demand require STEM skills. In order for the U.S. to stay competitive in the global economy, we need to produce students who have those skills.

Why do you think mathematics is so important for this next generation?
Mathematics is a gateway to many majors and careers. Often I have heard past students who have switched their majors because they struggle in calculus in college. This is sad to me because one class shouldn’t come in the way of your goals.

How do you implement S.T.E.M. in your classroom?
I try to graphing apps such as Desmos to bring math concepts more meaning. Also I like to emphasize the connections math has to science, as it comes up in class. For instance, logarithms have many connections to science like the Richter scale, PH scale, ect.

What advice would you give to students wanting to go into the S.T.E.M. field?
Do it and don’t give up! Stick with it even when it gets tough because the rewards of working in this field are worth it!