It's all about Connections

   I always knew I wanted to do something that involved math, but I had originally thought engineering would be the career for me. After babysitting five incredible kids throughout college I finally saw the light and switched my major, and I couldn't be happier with my decision!
   I have two main goals as a teacher: (1) to get kids to fall in love with math (or at least in like), and (2) to make a difference in a child's life. While it's possible to manage the second without the first, it's virtually impossible to manage the first without the second unless the child doesn't already like math.
   (1) Most people fall into one of two categories--they either love math or they hate it. By the time kids get to high school they have a general idea of whether they like math. Those that like it are good at it, and those that do not like it usually aren't very good at math. I have the privilege of teaching 7th graders. I consider it my job to catch those who think they're not "good at math" and build their self-confidence, thereby changing their opinion of whether they like math or not by the time they get to high school. It's hard to like something you're not good at. I know--I hate playing most sports because I know I have no athletic ability, and therefore, I don't even really try. Most people that know they're weak in math usually stop trying to "get it" somewhere along the line. However, if you have self-confidence, well, that changes everything. I want kids to believe in themselves when it comes to their mathematical ability. I want kids to at least like math. It's going to be in their daily lives forever.
   (2) An effective teacher makes connections with kids. Sure, you can teach your content area until you're blue in the face, but bottom line: most kids aren't going to listen and pay attention to you unless they like and respect you. I know there are some people that I don't particularly care for, and I generally do not care to hear what they have to say. (I know that's not nice, but I'm just being honest.) I want to connect with these kids. Being a teacher sometimes feels like you're the warden of a madhouse. Things get crazy! The kids can drive you crazy! You can drive yourself crazy! If you do not genuinely care for them, the madness isn't worth it. Period. You don't become a teacher for the money, and you don't become a teacher because you get summers "off". You become a teacher because you love children and want to help them grow into adults who are positive contributors to society. You cannot make a difference without connecting. Children, as well people of all ages, know the difference between someone who genuinely cares about them and someone who's there for a paycheck.
   (1 & 2) Teachers can make or break a class. We've all experienced this at some point in our education. Why else do sites like http://www.ratemyprofessor.com/ exist? I know I certainly tried my best to plan my college courses around the teachers of the classes. Some teachers are just easier to learn from. It may be the way they explain it, it may be their grading style, or it may be a personality issue. We learn best from teachers we like.
   Now I'm not saying I'm trying to win a popularity contest. Of course I want my students to like me, but that's not always going to happen. Anytime someone is in authority over you, you're going to butt heads. You're going to have a difference of opinion. You're going to disagree with how they handled something. I'm not saying I will do anything for them to like me. I'm saying that I'll do (almost) anything to connect with them. Going to one of their extra-curricular activities. Asking about something that's going on in their personal life. Pretending that I think Justin Bieber is the coolest. Anything that makes them feel like I'm interested in them. Because I am, and when they know this is true, the material just comes easier to them. Trust me.
   With that being said, I invited the students from my homeroom to the movies this past Friday afternoon. I don't get to spend as much time with my homeroom students as I do those who are in my actual math class, and I felt like I needed to get to know them a little bit better. We are a part of the Lions team so we decided to go see the Lion King 3D. Students were responsible for their own transportation and tickets, but everyone and their families were invited to come. There were five of us, and we had a blast!!
   I'm so grateful to be making connections with such great kids! I'm so honored to be their teacher!