5.27.2016

#MTBoS30: Benefits of Being the Only Math Teacher


This has been my second year of being the only 9-12 math teacher in our small school. There's a lot I could complain about but I really enjoy it. I just read how Tina's school has 14 math teachers! Wow! I can't even imagine.

So if you've never been in my position here are some highlights. =)


  • You can do whatever you want! It may be a terrible idea but no one will disagree with you.
  • No vertical alignment necessary! You already know everything students know. Because you taught them the year before.
  • You only have to learn names of freshmen! Although you mostly already know them because your school is tiny and you've probably taught their relatives already.
  • You don't have to do icebreakers! The students have known each other since they were 5 so no need for introductions.
  • Students only need to learn your rules and procedures once! No need to readjust to different teachers expectations. It's just you.
  • You'll have your favorite students for at least 3 years!
  • When you're asked to make up a fourth year course, you can teach all the stuff you didn't get to in the previous three years!
  • You can change everything every year {if you want} and no one will get mad at you. Except yourself. For all the extra work you just created.
  • No department meetings!
  • You're always the department chair!
  • Your two nice things legacy lives on forevvvvvveeeerrrrrrr!


4 comments:

  1. It really has its advantages. I teach at a school of 450 people, and there are three math teachers (counting myself). Although its not one, I have about half of my students at least twice, which is great in building relationships. It would be hard for me to imagine working with so many teachers.

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    Replies
    1. I think there are way more freedoms, opportunities, and autonomy in a smaller school. Just less money. =)

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  2. Replies
    1. That's more than all of our high school teachers combined!

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