What a Longtime Black Math Teacher Has Learned And Taught

At 22, I entered my Teach For America Greater New Orleans interview, confidently aiming to become a history teacher. I was taken aback when asked to switch to math to align with community needs. Intimidated yet eager, I accepted the challenge, and eleven years later, I appreciate that decision. This experience reignited my enthusiasm for mathematics and imparted a vital lesson: the essence lies not in the subject taught but in the teaching method employed.Louisiana stands out as the sole state where student learning has improved since 2019, according to NAEP results. Despite this progress, disparities exist, particularly affecting Black, Hispanic, and economically disadvantaged students. As a Black female STEM educator, I recognize the significance of representation in inspiring students. Success in education requires building strong relationships, embracing feedback, and making learning relevant. Through perseverance, I witnessed my students transform, achieving a 93% pass rate this year. Teaching is profound, and when we invest in our students' futures, remarkable change follows.