A Letter to New Math Teachers for the Post-Pandemic Era

• In Event: Sunday Roundtable Session 7:45 am
  In Roundtable Session: Preservice Teacher Experiences (Table 8)

Abstract

Using testimonios methodologies, the study asks: What do math teachers value about the teaching profession when providing guidance to new math teachers? Ten high school math teachers crafted a letter for new math teachers in individual interviews. Additionally, they stated their hopes and dreams for math education. The analysis using the theory of instructional obligation revealed that the teachers value attention to individual students and building interpersonal relationships. Teachers’ personal commitment to teaching is realized as they support students. Also, the teachers expect to broaden what constitutes math and change school curriculum. The study has implications for teacher educators and policymakers who can support teachers’ connections to teaching, increase their agency to adapt the curriculum, and foster community-based engagement.

Author

• Gloriana Gonzalez, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign