My math history dates back to 8th grade when I had my first algebra class. I had always liked math and knew I wanted to take Calculus in grade 12. To do this, I was on a specific path of Algebra in 8th, Geometry in 9th, AlgebraII/Trigonometry in 10th, Math Analysis in 11th and the goal, Calculus in 12th. I did not realize it at the time but every one of my math teachers were women. Many were great, though one was not.
My favourite was my teacher for 11 and 12th grade, and the inspiration for me entering this career. She was fairly strict and had us sit in alphabetical order. Each morning we had daily points to confirm we did our homework but also challenge us to new problems. She was extremely organized and competent. My best memory is learning the shape of an ellipse in which she used string and chalk across a pivot point on the chalk board to show us what an ellipse really meant.
My least favourite teacher was 9th grade Geometry. She was a new teacher who used to write theorems on the board verbatim with missing words that we would have to fill in. In many cases, I found the missing words not even the key words. To me, it was an exercise of memorization instead of learning. I remember challenging her content on some occasions, which resulted in her dislike of me. I do not even remember her name anymore, yet could name ALL the others.
Interesting that all your math teachers were women, and that you could name all of them except that one who made you memorize rather than really learn!
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