Hypothetically: 10 Years On...

A letter from a student for whom I was a favourite teacher:

Dear Miss Mackie,

Having just got a new job as an actuary it has made me think back over my mathematical career and contemplate why it has been so successful. Ok, so I put in a lot of hard work, but had it not been for teachers like you who dispelled my initial fear of mathematics I would never have flourished in the subject and gone on to university. I just wanted to acknowledge this and say thank you.

Sincerely,
       Alpha Student

A letter from a student for who did not like me as a teacher:

Dear Miss Mackie,

Now that I am older and wiser I realise how difficult I was as a child. Although I had my reasons for being this way they are no excuse for my behaviour, nor for my treatment of yourself. Having gone back to college and obtained some math qualifications I am aware that you only pushed me because you saw the potential I have. Looking back I now see your teaching methods in a whole new light and as I am aware that my failure in your class pained you I would like to say I am sorry that I did not appreciate this at the time. I hope you are still teaching and that you can be proud of my recent accomplishments.

Best Wishes,
     Beta Student

Considerations:

Our attitude in the classroom will have a great impact on how students feel about the subject not just about us as teachers.

We may have 30 students in a class but a student only has 1 teacher in a class so we will be memorable to them and have more of an influence on their lives than we realise.

Students do not separate their lives from their studies the way adults do and sometimes outside issues may interfere with their learning. We not only need to understand this but have to find a way of dealing with it. We will have to deal with more than just teaching them math and sometimes we may even come across serious issues that our outside our comfort area but these still cannot be ignored.

It is important to make math fun and accessible for all.

As teachers we have the opportunity to inspire the next generation, which is a great priviledge that shouldn't be taken foregranted.