Most people would rather lock themselves in a refrigerator than teach eighth-grade math. Not only is that Clarke’s job, but her passion: The Dwight D. Eisenhower Middle School teacher was recently selected as the 2011 Christina McAuliffe Outstanding Teacher by her fellow educators in Prince George’s County Public Schools. If you can make cross-multiplying fractions interesting, then you deserve a medal.
I just love teaching, and I love math! It’s one of those areas kids across the board have a problem with, and a lot of times that because their parents had problems with it. I try to give them multiple ways of looking at a problem, and bring in real-life experiences and hands-on activities so they can get personal with it.
Were you expecting the honor? Your school nominated you to compete across the county.
Actually, I was quite surprised. Every year a committee solicits nominations from everyone, but I wasn’t thinking anything. As a matter of fact, I was feeling overwhelmed [doing work] and so when they told me I was nominated, I said, “Please just go to the next person because I’m so busy!” I’m also the department chair. But my staff said, “No, no, we’ll help you!” I had to provide a resume, answer three essay questions and compile letters of support.
What advice do you have for new teachers?
Absolutely love what you do. If you don’t like it, the kids are going to realize you don’t like it, and you’re going to deliver it in a way that shows it. If you don’t already love it, find a way to love it. And be versatile. A lot of people see math as right or wrong — and yeah, there’s always an answer. But there are lots of ways to get to that answer. Allow the kids to figure out which way is most comfortable for them.
