Dan Schab
Michigan Teacher of the Year
Williamston High School, Michigan
Grade 9-12, Mathematics

My teaching philosophy
As a mathematics teacher, my philosophy is quite simple. I believe that all students need to learn mathematics and all students can learn mathematics. But, all students do not enter my classroom with the same amount of motivation or the same mathematical background, nor do all students learn at the same rate or use the same strategies. But in 25 years of teaching, I have yet to meet a student who can’t learn mathematics. My job is to increase the probability that learning will take place. Everything I do, every decision I make, can affect this probability. From whom I call on in class, to what questions appear on my tests, to where I seat students in my classroom, to when I call home, to why I give a quiz - each of these decisions affects student learning. It is up to me to set the stage for learning to take place.

My philosophy in action
To reach all types of learners, I use multiple approaches to present or explain math concepts. Not all students learn the same way and, therefore, just using the chalk and talk (lecture) method is not going to be effective. My students are given the opportunity to solve problems in groups, to use technology, and to apply math concepts to complete projects. Assessments are not limited to paper and pencil tests. For example, in my geometry classes, students work in groups to design a miniature golf course. They develop two-dimensional blue prints, build three-dimensional models, and present their ideas to the class. Every chance I get, I try to show the connections between math concepts and their applications to the real world.

I truly want all students to be successful in my class. I work toward finding a way to reach every student. I want them to learn more than just math concepts in my classroom. I want them to actually learn how to learn.

My greatest teaching accomplishment
I feel very fortunate that I have been given the chance to touch so many lives over the past 25 years. My greatest teaching accomplishment has been my ability to connect with students and help them understand and appreciate mathematics. I am very proud that several of my former students are either currently teaching math or are studying to become math teachers. After receiving the Michigan Teacher of the Year Award, I received dozens of e-mails and phone calls from former students. It’s now clear to me that not only have I touched many students’ lives, but many students have touched my life.

The most critical issues facing educators today
A critical challenge in education is the retention and recruitment of teachers. How do we increase the supply of teachers in high needs subject areas (e.g., math and science) and in hard-to-staff schools? How do we encourage our “best and brightest” to become teachers? How do we make sure that every child is taught by great teachers?

Several studies have found that 40 to 50 percent of new teachers leave within the first five years of entry into the profession. The numbers are even higher for math and science teachers. To compound the problem, fewer and fewer students choose to major in math and science. What are the causes of this recruitment and retention problem? First, today there are many career options for college students, especially those who major in math or science. Let’s face it. Many of these options are much more financially rewarding than teaching. This makes it difficult to recruit teachers into those fields. Second, teaching is a very challenging job. The challenges facing teachers in some urban and rural districts are much greater than those in many suburban districts. This causes recruitment and retention problems in districts that are hard to staff. Third, many districts do not provide the support needed for teachers in their initial years of teaching. The sad result is that we lose good teachers. Fourth, can we improve our teacher preparation programs to ensure that those entering the teaching force are better prepared for the challenges they will face? If a student leaves a teacher preparation program lacking the necessary teaching skills, he or she most likely will quickly become frustrated and ineffective in the classroom. This then leads to low retention rates.

Ways to resolve this issue
Is it possible to raise the supply of teachers without sacrificing quality? I believe the answer is yes. First, the most important influence for recruiting students into teaching are current classroom teachers themselves. Too often, teachers encourage their best and brightest math and science students to pursue careers in engineering or medicine. It’s time to encourage our top students to become teachers. We must share with students why teaching is a wonderful and rewarding profession. Second, we need to develop financial incentives to encourage people to teach in high-need subject areas and in hard-to-staff schools. Loan forgiveness, differentiated pay systems, and tax incentives may be options to consider. Third, districts must do a better job assisting first year teachers. Current mentoring systems are often ineffective. A better system must be devised to select and train mentors. Mentors must be given time and adequate compensation for the important job they are being asked to do. Fourth, our teacher preparation programs can also do a better job. While they are not necessarily doing a bad job, there is room for improvement. We need to make sure all students seeking teaching certificates possess the necessary knowledge and skills to be effective teachers. Teacher preparation programs must examine both their entrance and exit requirements and make sure that they are maintaining high academic standards.

One thought to inspire teachers to succeed
I’m very proud to say I have been a teacher for the last 25 years. I truly believe that teaching is the most challenging, most rewarding, and the most important occupation in this country. In what other job can a single person have such a profound effect on the lives of so many young people? Occasionally, a student will remind you of the importance of teaching. After receiving the Michigan Teacher of the Year Award, I received a note of congratulations from a student I had in class almost 20 years ago. Here is part of that note:
“You always knew that I had the talent and capability to do better. You believed in me and your faith was a turning point in my life. Knowing that a tough teacher that I respected, believed in me, made me believe in me.”
Yes, teaching is the most important job in the world. You just never know the impact you are having on a student. To teach is to touch a life forever.

One lesson every student should learn
Everyone has the potential to accomplish great things in life. Set high goals for yourself and work hard to achieve those goals. Take pride in your work. Don’t just wish for it, work for it!

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