When it is time to move on

During Term One I have been doing some personal reflection. One truth in life is that each day only has 24 hours! As my children get older, their lives are becoming busier. My eldest daughter is starting part-time work (!) and driving her to her first shift made me realise how fast little ones grow up!

This made me think about all the plates I have ‘spinning’ in the air and helped me see that I would like to step back and enjoy some more family time before all four are out ‘flipping burgers’!

One of the plates I have had 'spinning' for the past 3 years has been Editor of the Mathematical Association of Victoria's Primary teacher journal Prime Number.

Being the editor of Prime Number has been an absolute pleasure. I have greatly enjoyed working with authors to support their articles to be published and learnt so much about the ‘behind the scenes’ work that is required to publish each issue. I love nothing more than reading research, so this was really the perfect role for me.

Writing does not come easily to most of us and, like anything, is a skill we need to keep practicing and refining (every week this blog allows me to practice my writing!).  I applaud all the authors who have stepped out of their comfort zone and written for Prime Number. It takes bravery to put yourself out there, try something new, and I am so proud of them all for giving it a go!

The excitement of seeing your writing and hard work ‘come to life’ in a published issue of Prime Number is very gratifying. Many authors have told me they have sent copies of the journal to their parents to share their joy and achievement. I have loved playing a small part in helping many authors- from first time writers to accomplished authors make their way through the editing process to see their writing published.  Having something published is not easy, but it is worth the effort!

One of the regular 'features' I set up in the journal was the 'Numeracy Leaders Corner'. I have loved getting to know the many Numeracy Leaders I have interviewed for this part of the journal. There is a huge variety of school contexts in Victoria and I really do take my ‘hat off’ to all those Numeracy Leaders who are on the front line of leading maths change and improvement in Maths in their school.

Many leaders/learning specialists are working with very little release time, whilst juggling classroom roles or other leadership positions. It was my hope that by reading about the struggles/challenges and wins of other leaders it helped leaders to realise they are not alone. Every day I speak to leaders either through my PD work, or with those in my Numeracy Teachers Academy, and believe me, across Australia, every school is facing similar challenges. I truly believe that learning from, supporting each other and not creating 'sides' is critical to us moving forward in Maths Education.

If you are leading Numeracy, as a principal, consultant, Numeracy Leader, intervention teacher or a classroom teacher, your job is NOT easy- but it is so important! Keep up the great work!

In my time as editor, I have also loved talking to people from different walks of life in the ‘Maths in the Workplace’ articles. Each edition I would interview a member of the public (usually a relative or friend who I have guilted into taking part- or once, a lovely random person I sat next to on a plane trip to Newcastle!) about how maths is involved their job.

I learnt a great deal from these interviews.

Firstly, even though we 'know' what jobs our friends/relatives 'do', I discovered we don't really have much idea of what their day-to-day role looks like!

This reminds me of the TV show 'Friends' where no one knew what Chandler did as a job!

I loved hearing more detail about my friends/relatives jobs and just how much maths is actually involved in their day. My sister was one of the first people I interviewed. At the time, she was working in the US as a fashion designer at Nike, and for someone who really disliked maths at school- I discovered she was using it on a daily basis and had come to enjoy the challenged it provided!

There were so many stories like this amongst the people I interviewed! From AFL footballers to musicians to nurses, literally, every job relies on maths in some way.

Last year I was so happy to have a Year 6 teacher share that when each Prime Number issue arrives at her school she reads the ‘Maths in the Workplace’ article to her class.

For me, an important part of our job as maths teachers is to spark interest and curiosity in our students. We want to help them to see the importance of being a Numerate citizen and appreciate that every job requires maths. Seeing a purpose can increase motivation.

So next time you are at a family or friends gathering- feel free to use:

'so... how was your week? did you do any maths?' as a conversation starter!!

You never know, you might learn something that you can share with your class (or just learn a little more about what it is they actually do each day!)!

Finally, I encourage anyone who is considering submitting an article for a publication (or starting a blog!) to go for it! It is such a great professional and personal learning experience- you will learn so much about your writing!

And to those of you who are trying to decide when the right time is to 'move on' from a role or position. Change is never easy, but when one door closes another opens! My time as editor taught me many skills and was a wonderful learning opportunity, but I am ready open the door to a little more time with the family!

Have a great week!

Ange 🎲🎓