image for Change is CONSTANT. Decide to…

Change is CONSTANT. Decide to CHANGE as well.

Next to Maxwell’s equation, this single equation is one of the most important equations in mathematics. No single equation, that I am aware of, integrates (no pun intended) 5 of the most relevant constants in math.

+ + CHANGE IS ALL AROUND US …. ME

If you don’t expect change and look for it and plan for it, it will BITE YOU hard.

++ MY STRUGGLES WITH EDUCATION TODAY

I have written extensively about the trends in education that I see and experience first hand; almost everyday. (Not universally true, but unmistaken trends that only get worse.)

Decreasing importance of mastery
Grade escalation
A paucity of teaching of study habits in schools.
A general lack of prioritization of education; in a broad sense, in the lives of students.

This isn’t directly the focus of this article however.

I have had to accept that as an educator working 1-1 with students, I can not change outcomes that I do not have control over and ESPECIALLY when my goals or approaches are in conflict with those of the school and sometimes even of the parents.

For example,

“Joe, my son doesn’t have time to prepare for sessions with you. Please have him do his homework with you and teach him the material. He doesn’t remember well what goes on in class.”

“Joe we are going to be gone for a trip to Europe for the next two weeks.” Please ensure that when we return you catch him up with the material he missed.”

++ MY STORY; MODIFICTIONS TO MY TUTORING BUSINESS

I am making the following additions/changes:

While still supporting high school students, I am actively pursing (more than I have) university students
I am pursuing more out-of-state university students
I am more actively pursuing charter/private school students
I am more proactively REQUIRING students to be prepared for our sessions.

++ TIME TO RETURN TO MY MATHEMATICS EDUCATION ROOTS

Now, in terms of personal development and overall plans, some changes are in play. I have a master’s degree in electrical engineering. The area of focus in electromagnetics, wave theory and antennas. The intense applied math is what attracted me to this program.

About 6 months ago, I decided that eventually I want to get “back on campus” teaching math. This will likely require a doctorate to get further than a full-time adjust position will take me. Since my math undergrad was not completed I have started putting the following plan in place.

Retake all of my undergrad math classes (and yes, I have been actively tutoring in a number of these classes already) where those classes are available in a well respected online university. I am one class short of finishing that task.

Calc I Calc II Calc III
Linear Algebra, Prob and Stats, Discrete Math

Identify what classes that would have needed to backfill an undergrad degree in math. I have completed

++ PREP FOR AN ADVANCED MATH DEGREE

For those of you who have been following, might remember that I have decided to pursue an advanced degree in mathematics.

The first step started about 5 months ago, has been to retake as many of my undergrad math classes as possible, at Rio Salado college. I have completed or are near completion on:

It has been very stimulating and, yea, lots of good memories.

I am not complete with my academic preparation however. At a minimum, I need to fill in, minimally, with what have constituted an undergrad in math.

This is going to include (plus or minus)