Expert: Debba Robinson - 3/7/2005

Question
Hi Debba,

I'm considering becoming an elementary school teacher.  do elementary schools have a particular teacher/teachers that teach mathematics?  I hate math and never did well with it and was wondering if I got into this field, how much math would be involved?

Thanks for your time.

Answer
Dear Kelli,

Certainly there ARE schools where math is taught by a team approach and even though a school may not embrace that particular philosophy, teachers are often given the opportunity to set up such a liason if they have that sort of interest.  I know I hated teaching art - and one of my colleagues hated taking her kids to the library (we had to act as librarian in a very low-level library).  So we traded jobs.  It was a perfect arrangement for both of us.

Now, even though you might hate math, elementary teachers are not called upon to teach much beyond the basics.  Up to about third grade, we're talking basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and a smattering of fractions and geometry.  I would hazard a guess that you could teach that if you had to - and would probably come to enjoy it since you would be able to empathize with students who might struggle as you did.  

Generally, middle school is when subjects get divided up ... you might want to consider upper elementary / middle school as your focus for that reason.  

In general, you will need math to calculate grades (more math needed at higher levels where grades are averaged - lower grades often just grade on effort and don't require a whole lot of math to grade report cards).  Other than that, I find I use very little math as a teacher.  I have developed things that I use each year to ensure children are learning the basics, though - memorizing their math facts can make all the difference in the world in higher level maths.

So, I hope this helps you.  DO talk about your issue with your guidance counselor / advisors and they can direct you further.

Good luck!

Debba