Inspiring the Next Generation of Trailblazers
- Walter McKenzie
- May 5
- 3 min read
Dr. Natalie Odom Pough is a Worthy Educator, a leader in mathematics education, and our May Champion of the month.
She is currently a Visiting Professor of Mathematics Education at the University of Missouri where she champions teacher preparation, the support of new teachers, and new pedagogy in math instruction.
As we embark upon May as National Inventors Month with a focus on innovation at The Worthy Educator, it is important to highlight the trailblazers who have come before us. Educators need to recognize the importance of pushing textbooks aside and finding ways to spark students' creativity, ingenuity, and curiosity. This does not mean ignoring the curriculum altogether but rather finding ways to balance both effectively.
As educators, we must strive to show our students opportunities that unlock curiosity and foster exploration. The standards exist, and standardized tests seem inevitable, but research proves that quality teaching begets strong test scores. More importantly, it provides students with the tools necessary to change the world. If a pacing guide keeps you from conducting a STEM experiment, learn to bundle your standards - the practice of teaching and reviewing concepts that naturally align - so that you can make time to unlock the greatness within your students.
Examples of Bundling Your Standards
One overlooked connection in mathematics is between data analysis and measurement. When a data set is presented, students are often asked to count the data points and plot them arbitrarily. However, incorporating measurement into this process can be simple. Ask students how to draw the number line(s) needed to construct the graph, ensuring the units are uniform and aligned. This exercise strengthens the connection between math and science. It broadens students' perspectives on
STEM opportunities leading to historical careers, much like Dr. Ashanti Johnson who was one of the first Black women oceanographers and the first African American to earn a doctoral degree in chemical oceanography from Texas A&M University. Understanding measurement within data analysis also highlights career possibilities like that of Dr. Valerie Thomas, inventor of the illusion transmitter.
Additionally, when designing lessons for area and perimeter, be intentional about drawing objects to scale. Graphics should be proportional - longer
sides should reflect larger numerical values - and never omit units in geometry lessons. Emphasizing measurement in geometry opens doors for students to think deeper about the concepts. It can also inspire precision and accuracy, which are fundamental to architecture and design, as seen in the work of Sarah E. Goode, the second Black woman to receive a U.S. patent for her fold-out bed invention
For upper-level courses, when teaching solving equations, recognize that students have previously learned operations with fractions and integers. Some may not have mastered them, but mastery comes with continued practice. Instead of reteaching these foundational skills, which can be time-consuming, provide students with foldables to document rules and processes. This strategy holds middle and high school students accountable for prior knowledge, maintaining momentum at the appropriate grade level and allowing time for more
engaging learning experiences. This teaches students their position in the learning process while strengthening problem-solving skills. Alice H. Parker’s innovative heating system, awarded Patent Number 1,325,905 in 1919, was never commercially produced, yet it remains a groundbreaking advancement in indoor comfort - an example of the long-lasting impact of creative problem-solving.
Let's Innovate our Teaching
Veteran mathematics teachers may find these examples intuitive, but for newer educators and school leaders seeking deeper insights into math instruction, this message is especially relevant. Teaching mathematics extends beyond distributing worksheet bundles; it requires building students’ capacity for critical thinking and problem-solving. We cannot continue using the same strategies and be surprised when data fails to improve. Let this be a call to action: let’s innovate our teaching the way inventors have shaped our world - by exploring new approaches, making meaningful connections, and inspiring the next generation of trailblazers.
References
Encyclopedia Britannica, inc. (2025, February 4). Valerie Thomas. Encyclopædia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Valerie-Thomas
Henderson, A. (2022, February 28). What we know about Alice Parker, a “hidden figure” in modern heating. Canary Media. https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/enn/what-we-know-about-alice-parker-a-hidden-figure-in-modern-heating
Long, T. (2024, September 27). Ashanti Johnson biography. Defense Science Board. https://dsb.cto.mil/bio_johnson/
Sarah E. Goode - invention, Life & Facts. (2021, February 23). https://www.biography.com/inventors/sarah-e-goode
May is Innovation Month at The Worthy Educator!
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