Growing as a Teacher

 Growing as a Teacher

Learning Through Experience
The last couple of weeks have been a journey of growth and learning for me as a teacher. One of the biggest takeaways has been the value of incorporating high-level cognitive tasks into my lessons. I’ve realized how important it is to give students opportunities to engage deeply with math concepts, justify their thinking, and explore problems from multiple angles. For example, I’ve started using tools like Poll Everywhere to spark engagement and encourage students to ‘fearlessly’ express their thinking within and outside math. Watching them actively participate and make connections has been a reminder of how impactful thoughtful, interactive strategies can be.

What Makes a Great Teacher?
When I think about the qualities of an exemplary teacher, a few key things stand out. Great teachers don’t just know their subject—they know how to make it come alive for their students. They use approaches like Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Differentiated Instruction (DI) to make lessons accessible and meaningful for everyone in the classroom. They also strike a balance between guiding students and letting them figure things out on their own. I’ve learned that creating space for productive struggle, while still being there to offer encouragement, is essential for helping students build confidence and resilience.

Looking Ahead
As I plan for next semester, my goal is to continue refining how I teach. I want to focus on asking purposeful questions that push students to think critically and solve problems in creative ways. I also plan to use more tools and group activities to keep lessons engaging and dynamic. Beyond that, I’m committed to using strategies from UDL and DI to ensure every student feels supported and has multiple ways to learn and demonstrate their understanding. And most importantly, I want to keep finding ways to help my students connect math to the real world—because that’s when learning really clicks.

Teaching is a constant process of discovery and growth, and while it’s not always perfect, the moments where students light up with understanding make it all worthwhile.