Each Friday during the school year, we will spotlight one of our M3T Fellows. This week, let’s meet Stephanie Workman from Hamlin PK-8!
Stephanie Workman
M3T Noyce Fellow – Cohort 1
Middle School Mathematics Teacher
Hamlin PK-8
Lincoln County Schools
Twitter: @Ms_SDWorkman
Number of years teaching: 10 (5 Years in Middle School Math)
Positions and Roles: 6th and 7th Grade Mathematics Teacher, County Math4Life Team, County Leadership Team, Adjunct Professor at Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College
Professional awards, distinctions, and points of pride: Currently pursuing National Board Certification.
Interesting personal facts: Mom to two kids: Austin (24) and Caleighsi (4), Love making Quilts and traveling with my friends and family
Why are you excited to be part of the M3T project?
“I am excited about the M3T project for the opportunity to collaborate with others that share a passion for teaching mathematics and to integrate new strategies and ideas into my own classroom that will support my students’ learning and growth.”
Why do you teach mathematics?
“I love teaching math because it is a chance to replace the predetermined idea that math is bad and instead open up a world of success, excitement and fun. Math is important because it goes way beyond “numbers” and instead is about problem solving.”
What are you focused on improving about mathematics teaching?
“My biggest challenge in teaching math is getting students motivated and confident enough for them to try and do math. I think something that absolutely must change is the fixed mindset that so many have which makes them believe that not everyone can learn math.”
Final Thoughts:
One of my favorite quotes from WIlliam Thurston is, “Mathematics is not about numbers, equations, computations, or algorithms. It is about understanding.” Being involved in the M3T fellowship has given me the opportunity to meet and collaborate with so many great teachers. This collaboration has opened so many doors for me to improve my craft so I can help my students have the chance to better “understand” the world around them.
Spotlight Tweet:
Check in each week on #M3TFellowFriday throughout the school year to meet another M3T Fellow. You can find a listing of all of the M3T Fellows and stay up-to-date with the work of the M3T network at our website, https://m3twv.org. You can also follow us on Twitter, @m3t_wv.
