Biggest Impact
You never know when you are going to learn something new, from where or from whom. Last week, we had our Community Futures Board of Directors meeting the other day and we were planning for the new year. First, I would like to note… the new board of directors are exceptional and I appreciated their insight, contribution, and voice at the table. Second, I was struck by the comment… what will make the biggest impact. Yes, there are many things one could do, but what’s worthwhile?
In education, every role in the system has an impact on student learning. For example, I loved teaching secondary mathematics in public schools. I adored the relationships I made with students and making math fun. In my mind, learning math is not meant to achieve credit or graduation, but it’s a form of communication, a tool to learn about your learning, and a means to discover patterns, interconnections, and application. For me, teaching math was an opportunity to learn about their learning, learn about my learning, and learn about learning. I miss that.
Look at this photo. Who doesn’t like students on their knees doing math? I love it. I think that my students loved it too. This photo is from the archives and these former Math 12 students are adults. Whatever they are doing, I wish them all the best and honoured to be a part of their lives. I continue some of these relationships via social media. Just the other day, a former student informed me on Facebook that she used one of my teaching strategies during her practicum. Biggest compliment or what?
Now, I am on a different trajectory in education… I find myself teaching teachers in workshops and coursework, engaged in educational research as a graduate student and research assistant, and involved in school governance as a school trustee, locally and provincially. As much as I miss making a big impact on student learning as a secondary mathematics teacher, I am making a different impact on student learning as a facilitator, researcher, and elected official. Moreover, I am also a mathematics tutor, #bcedchat co-moderator, and Math K-9 curriculum developer.
With all of this (and much more not mentioned), what will make the biggest impact? As the thinking goes, spend your time on a few things and do it well instead of doing a lot of things not as well. I am not exactly sure what’s in my future, but I have enjoyed the ride so far. There are so many ways to be involved in education and have an impact on student learning. Depending on your purpose, skill set, and passion… some methods may be more effective than others. At this point in time, I am moving forward with my educational research. We’ll see how that goes. It has been humbling, enriching, and fear-conquering to say the least. This is the learning process.