Monday, November 21, 2011

Math coming out my ears...

I took my 5th MTEl this past weekend. I saved the best toughest for last, math. Now, this isn't your typical math, this is math you haven't done since 8th grade. Yes, I want to teach the early elementary grades, but this is the test for all potential 1-6 teachers...
I studied my heart out, at least a half an hour each night for several months, I felt like I was actually learning certain topics, for example I finally understand radicals and square roots. But I still didn't feel 100% confident going into the test. Seriously, if anyone can solve the question from the practice test (which I still don't get!) you can be my tutor! 

So this weekend was the big day, I had to schlep to Somerville High School, with my number 2 pencils  in tow. You get four hours for the exam, I took 3 1/2.  I left feeling pretty wiped, actually totally wiped. I know I did my best, but holy moly, I just don't know what to think. 

What I do know is that I am able to successfully teach first grade math. I know that whatever my score on this test is it isn't a reflection on me as a person or a teacher, I know I will one day pass this exam, and I will be fine no matter what the outcome is.  So tomorrow it's back to cross-number puzzles and addition and subtraction, because that I can solve and teach, well! 

3 thoughts on the matter:

Anita Johnson said... {Reply}

Bless you...this is why I taught art.

sherri lynn said... {Reply}

I'm sure you did great Tamar! :)

Buckeroomama said... {Reply}

On the one hand, I love math --everything is either black or white, right or wrong, no gray areas. Sometimes it frustrates me, though. :)