The math department of Eagle High has been evolving since the school opened in 1995. Teachers have come and gone, each one leaving a different impression of math on their students. Although some students have mixed feelings about math, the students of Eagle High mathematics teacher Matthew Miller may go as far as to say that math is now their favorite subject. But why? And what might Miller be doing differently that would affect their decision?
Miller’s goal is to change the game and inspire students so they can truly see what math is.
“It’s better to make it fun and make them realize that math is not something you need to dread. Math is just a puzzle to find out on your own, and it’s fun,” Miller said. From his own experience, Miller seems to understand the average high school student’s struggles when it comes to math.
“I had a handful of math teachers where I didn’t really enjoy their class, and it kind of inspired me to want to be better at doing the job that they were,” Miller said.
Miller’s unique teaching style has won the favor of many students at Eagle High. One of these students is sophomore Emily Ghinazzi.
“He makes the classroom fun, and he makes it all hands-on so it’s not just awkward and we just have to sit there and listen to him. He makes it active when he’s teaching,” Ghinazzi said.
“He is very funny and he makes the class not rule-bound, so it’s very laid back and we can kind of do whatever we want and still learn math.”
Impressively, Miller’s intent easily carries over to his students’ opinions.
“I’m not very set on rules, but I also expect a lot more out of my students. I’d expect a junior coming into my class to know how to behave,” Miller said.
From personal experience, Miller knows an open mindset may just be the key that will unlock a student’s passion for math. Miller acknowledges his students for who they are and is firm in his understanding that every student is unique.
“I think that there’s a lot of different specifics that can apply to specific students. I don’t think that anyone learns correctly in one certain way,” Miller said. Because of this, Miller does his best to find teaching styles that will include all his students and their different learning styles.
“With hands-on, it’s easier to understand, and I believe it makes it more fun. A big thing for me is making math fun,” Miller said.
Miller shows students a different way of seeing everyday numbers, it’s a career he is proud of, sparked from a love for math and a love for his friends and family.
“My parents were very supportive. My mom teaches pharmacy at WSU, so she was a teacher as well,” Miller said. “My friends support me the most because they like to hear the stories. I can just sit there and tell them stories about crazy stuff that kids have said.”
Miller has a goal of sharing his love for math with his students. He does so with understanding and his overall relatability to his student’s struggles. Miller creates an atmosphere that allows his students a free space to ask questions, make mistakes and learn the puzzle game he calls math.
