Ruthmae Sears

Ruthmae Sears is a Bahamian-American mathematics educator, focusing on systemic inequities that impede student understanding of mathematics. She is an associate professor for secondary mathematics education in the University of South Florida College of Education. Quotes The aim of mathematics has evolved from technological pragmatism, which focuses on meeting industry needs, to being progressive by emphasizing a need to be learner-centered and promote social justice (Ernest, 2018). I recall teachers emphasizing the mathematics and technological skills needed to enter the workforce. However, over time there has been greater attention to how mathematics can address inequities within the community and promote a just and equitable society. Thus, increased effort is placed on posing culturally relevant mathematics tasks and using mathematics to examine social phenomena. To humanize mathematics, I often say, "I teach PEOPLE mathematics," rather than, "I teach mathematics." Thus, a moment that made me speechless was when my undergraduate and graduate students in my high school methods course hosted a surprise party for me in honor of International Women's Day. The students in the class bought me desserts, flowers, and a book. They told me they did it because I inspired them to be the best mathematics teachers possible. The students' attitude of gratitude and their positive gesture further motivated me to persist and strive to be a model mathematics teacher educator. I emphasize the NCTM (2000) mathematical process standards among my peers and in social interactions with community members. Particularly, I help individuals make sense of the problem, engage in reasoning and generate arguments that could be substantiated (i.e., proven), and reflect on how technology can help clarify the ideas shared. Thus, in my interactions, I reflect on the applications of mathematics and the appropriate processes that can help individuals conceptualize an idea and consider its relevance. Engaging in cognitively demanding mathematical tasks and working to arrive at a solution is always fun for a mathematician. It’s a delight to reflect on multiple pathways and representations that can be employed to solve a task. The process allows individuals to consider different perspectives and the extent to which an argument is complete. Thus, it creates an intellectual stimulus and a sense of accomplishment, knowing that you can persist and engage in productive struggle. When I was 6 I wanted to go into agricultural economics because that was the biggest word I could spell. I realized that I wanted to go into teaching, something I enjoyed. Ruthmae Sears Speaking On Her Childhood Dream Teaching empowers individuals and is an investment into the future. You’re planning the future by educating. I’ve always liked teaching because it’s a way to motivate people. Knowledge is power. Ruthmae Sears Speaking On Why She Teaches I always tell people to be unapologetically you, but also the best you possible. There’s no need to question your sense of belonging; you belong here if you want to. I would also tell them to inspire others, lift them up on the way. You have to invest in others in order to go forward. Ruthmae Sears Speaking To Those Just Starting Their Career I believe in the axiom of brilliance (Rubenstein et al., 2022), which lies within all of us. Thus, all mathematics teachers have the potential to establish high expectations for their students and can work to reduce barriers students face, thereby ensuring students attain success. Therefore, mathematics teachers are encouraged to demonstrate technological pedagogical content knowledge and adapt to meet the needs of their students. Thus, as brilliant human beings, guidance is needed on how to apply knowledge to promote learning and support students’ academic growth and development of a robust mathematical identity. Ruthmae Sears Speaking On Whether Brilliant Math Teacher Are Born Or Made Someone asked me this the other day. I smiled and said “world peace.” But honestly, I do want to write a book, something about going through the college experience as a first-generation college student, a woman. A sort of guidebook on how to navigate this. Or maybe I’ll go into administration … but that’s a whole other thing. Ruthmae talking about what's next I have to come to own my reality … I came in very innocent to this space, but I had to realize that you’re dealing with people, and people have different norms, cultures, perspectives and even beliefS Ruthmae advocating for diversity The first thing that people may see is my visible identity: a Black female. They are seeing this construct as to how race [and] gender are defined … and I was not raised to have those parameters. Ruthmae advocating for diversity External Links Wikipedia