Philosophical Statement of Education

The renowned mathematician William Paul Thurston states, Mathematics is not about
numbers, equations, computations, or algorithms: it is about understanding. The study of
mathematics is much more than memorizing formulas and performing calculations with isolated
numbers. It is a journey that students undertake to discover, understand, and solve problems in
order to explore and relate to the world around them. A mathematics educator cultivates a
teaching and learning environment where students become problem solvers and participate in a
positive classroom community. It is imperative that a mathematics educator have sensitivity
toward the developmental issues faced by the adolescent population in order to build positive
relationships with the students and facilitate high levels of learning. Students who build a strong
interconnected foundation of mathematics will achieve success in all their academic pursuits.
A mathematics educator creates an environment where students develop meaningful
understanding of problems and persevere in solving them; thus students become active problem
solvers. The study of mathematics is a beautiful and multi-faceted journey. The mathematics
educators primary role in teaching is to guide students through this journey. She provides the
initial information and models the desire to build understanding by asking guiding questions and
prompting students to consider all aspects of a given problem. Once students develop their own
curiosity, the mathematics educator then challenges the students to delve deeper into the material
and seek to further their understanding; thus the students assume the charge of discovery and
learning, exploring concepts, recognizing relationships, and forging connections to the material.
Students who think critically and actively construct their own knowledge are able to fully
explore the world of mathematics and develop their own understanding to incorporate into their
personal mathematics framework.
It is imperative that a mathematics educator establishes and cultivates a positive,
classroom community in order to maximize student learning. Quality learning occurs when
instruction is student-centered and collaborative and when students feel supported and respected.
A mathematics educator incorporates a variety of instructional activities in the classroom so that
students have a wealth of opportunities to participate and develop a desire to contribute to the
classroom learning. Open-ended questions and parallel tasks ensure that opinions and
contributions from all students are appreciated and respected. In addition, a mathematics
educator provides opportunities and guidance for collaborative learning so that students learn to
work in teams successfully, communicating and respecting others, in order to accomplish shared
objectives. Most importantly, students learn more effectively when they feel supported and
respected. The mathematics educator demonstrates an enthusiasm for learning mathematics
paired with an unfailing belief in her students and their ability to learn and succeed. In a positive,
classroom community, students develop an appreciation for mathematics and a strong belief in
their mathematical abilities.
A mathematics educator has sensitivity to the developmental issues of adolescents.
Adolescents face a diverse set of challenges in addition to their academic responsibilities. A
mathematics educator strives to understand the challenges of students and seeks to support
growth and development through instruction that meets the students needs. Students are afforded
multiple opportunities to understand and relate to the material through diverse formats of
instruction, such as experiential activities, lectures, videos, games, team projects, and class
presentations. Choices within the instructional activities give the students ownership over their
work and also foster further connections between the material and their own interests. A

Philosophical Statement of Education

mathematics educator also supports the developmental needs of students by showing constant
respect for students and by exhibiting flexibility to meet student needs. By showing sensitivity
and support, a mathematics educator helps students achieve their personal best in academics as
well as in all areas of their lives.
Mathematics comes to life under the guidance of a mathematics educator, so students
transcend rote fact and calculation and create meaningful associations and understanding. The
mathematics educator facilitates academic achievement through methodological strategies that
contribute to effective problem solving skills and active participation. Students develop a strong
desire to learn mathematics and achieve success in a positive learning environment. A
mathematics educator who is sensitive to the developmental needs of students will be able to
help students overcome challenges in all aspects of their lives so that they can focus on academic
achievement. It is imperative that students foster critical thinking skills, develop problem solving
strategies, and learn to work collaboratively while also developing non-cognitive skills, such as
responsibility, respect for others, and perseverance. The mathematics educator will guide
students to become lifelong learners, empowered citizens, and mathematicians, who are prepared
to tackle the challenges of further education and future careers.