Mathematics Education Month

Story & Photos Contributed by Erika Johnson

There is no denying the presence of concepts, or breaking-out of virtual mathematics in every career. You can't escape rooms, and inspiring each other eliminate it from life however much a to explore solutions. They become person or student may wish to do so. problem solvers and thrive in an Yet, the challenging subject of math environment where they are engaged is resented by many and avoided by and invested in their own learning others. This is the battle I fight every experience. Through competitions day in my classroom and activities that get at Pioneer Technology them up and moving Center (PTC). Thankfully, around the classroom, I am blessed to work in CareerTech where I want them they discover that mathematics is not onethe struggle to make dimensional on a simple valuable connections between real-life context to value sheet of paper, but rather multidimensional and the math classroom is championed. Because mathematics as surrounding them in their environment. This of this, the daunting excitement for learning is task of making math meaningful, attainable a treasure. what I love to see in my students. and engaging keeps me motivated. My students are enrolled in a variety of programs at PTC; more specifically Welding, Construction, Industrial Technology, Biomedical Science, Automotive and Business Information Technology Education this semester. They are thrilled to come to campus for their programs, but not always thrilled to be attending my math class for 50 minutes every weekday. A few may come through my door on the first day excited to learn math, but the majority enter with their shoulders slumped and I want them to value mathematics as a treasure. Undoubtedly, certain aspects of number algorithms do not apply to all career choices, but every career invokes the practice of mathematics. Every program area at PTC demonstrates the integration of mathematics in their respective fields. My students get to experience this firsthand. The subtle turn of my curriculum toward their program connects students to the mathematical concepts represented in their area of interest. a gray cloud hanging over their heads. This is where I enter as the champion or superhero for mathematics. Swooping in from around my desk, I welcome them into my universe of Algebra, Geometry, Math of Finance, Math Analysis and more. A world that isn’t bleak and intimidating, but one that is intriguing and, dare I say it, fun! Striving to create an environment where students face difficult problems with determination is my classroom goal. Teaching the future workforce to embrace challenges with logic and reasoning guides them to a more satisfying and successful career experience. Students interact with each other by conquering the challenges of math

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