Careers of Recent C of C Math Graduates:
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Job Description:
- Meike teaches math at Septima P. Clark Corporate Academy, a public high school in Charleston, South Carolina. Since the school is small, she teaches a wide variety of classes: Algebra I, Algebra II, Probability and Statistics, Math Essentials. "By the time my career is over," Meike writes, "I will have taught everything a high school has to offer! That is part of the job."
Math on the Job:
- If you really like mathematics, then this might be a good job for you to consider. Meike says "I definitely use math every day, all day. I love it!" But, you must also have a passion for teaching, as Meike does. (She says that she loves her students...most of the time.)
- Of course, when you teach you are helping others to learn the subject, but what is less widely appreciated is that the teacher generally learns a lot themselves. As Meike explains: "My math knowledge has solidified and I am gaining more and more knowledge daily." Teaching allows you to make the connections between the different branches of mathematics as well as their connections to other disciplines.
Background:
- Meike received a B.S. in pure mathematics with a minor in Secondary Education from the College of Charleston in 2004.
- She went on to earn a Masters in Education in Science and Math for Teachers from C of C. Since teaching, she has been taking calsses for certification and "Masters+30" status. Presently, she is certified in AP Statistics, AP AB Calculus, Gifted and Talented and Math for Technology.
Advice for Current Students:
- "It was so awesome to get a job anywhere I wanted. When I applied for teaching jobs, every High School in Charleston and most in Berkeley and Dorchester County needed math teachers. I had schools calling me. Schools wanted me, it was my choice. I also received a sign-on bonus of $6,000, which comes in handy your first year of teaching. I love my small high school and have made the right choice. Since my degree is in math, I have so many more options if I ever want to do something different."