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The Student News Site of McCallum High School

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The Student News Site of McCallum High School

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The Long way to McCallum

New math teacher believes that brave mistakes are learning opportunities

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Courtney Long

Courtney Long, a new math teacher at MAC this year, is a recent UT graduate and also a former student teacher of Mr. Cotter. Long was assigned to student teach at McCallum through her UTeach program at UT but decided to stay at McCallum because of the students she met last year and because of the supportive staff and administration.

“I would go to any location as long as I had great support from administration, and I just so happened to find that at McCallum so I was very happy to stay,” Long said.

Long said that the student teaching experience at McCallum helped her become a more effective teacher.

“I learned that I needed to slow down and teach math topics slowly and to give students time to write and think,” Long said. “I also learned that it is very very valuable to get to know your students outside of the classroom. Therefore, everyday I try to ask a ‘Question of the Day’ in which I try to learn something about each student before we start learning math.”

While the large increase in her number of students can be overwhelming Long tries to keep her classroom fun. Long is looking forward to this year.

“I can’t wait to see all of my students grow as learners and find themselves as young adults.” Long said.

The Shield: What made you want to be a teacher?

Courtney Long: I love the “lightbulb” moment. I love it when students are so confused and don’t understand a topic and then all of a sudden, something clicks and they get it. That’s why I encourage students to get problems wrong. I think students learn most when they get something wrong and then have to go back and figure out what happened. They will be less likely to make that mistake again in the future.

TS: What are you most looking forward to this year and why?

L: I didn’t go to school in Texas. The large-scale athletics are very fascinating. At the most recent football game, I was amazed at the talent there. Not only from the players on the field, but the band, the Blue Brigade, and the cheerleaders were all so talented. I was overwhelmed at what our students can do! I also really want to go see some plays that McCallum puts on. I hear our Fine Arts students are incredible and I would love to learn more about that.

TS: What do you think is the most important trait to being a successful student in your class?

L: The most important trait to being successful in my class is being brave. As I mentioned before, I think it is very important for students to do a math problem wrong, as long as they can learn from their mistakes and teach others how to avoid their mistakes. Nothing in life is ever done perfectly so I don’t think math class should be any different. Students should be brave and be willing to stumble before learning to run.

TS: Who is your biggest inspiration in teaching?

L: My biggest inspiration in teaching is everyone’s favorite teacher, not because they were cool or chill, but because they actually learned something from their class. I want to be that teacher that can reach every single one of my students in a personal and intriguing way. Math can be applied to almost every job in life and I think having a fear of math will only hold you back. So long story short, I want to be that teacher that everyone talks about saying, “Oh yeah, I liked her, she actually taught me so that I could understand.”

TS: How have your first days/weeks gone? Thoughts on MAC?

L: My first week has been so fun. I have learned so much about how to reach all students in the classroom. I learned that, sometimes, great lesson plans don’t work out the way you plan and that it is OK to scrap them and say, “Well, that didn’t work, let’s start over.” If I ask my students to be brave and make mistakes, then I need to ask the same of myself.

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  • F

    FlorenceSep 9, 2016 at 9:56 am

    Welcome Ms.Long you truly are at an amazing school filled w/so much talent. My son is a 2013 graduate of the Fine Arts. There is so much offered for our children & it takes a great teacher & loving parents to encourage, inspire & motivate them to be and do the best. Look forward to meeting you soon. Our daughter will be a freshmen Fall 2017. Best wishes.

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  • W

    Wendie WiseSep 9, 2016 at 8:46 am

    Due to Ms. Long’s style of teaching, my daughter went from a high C to a high A in Geometry last year. She feels much more confident in math now. Thank you so much!

    Reply
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