Becky Miller
Silver Creek Elementary
Madison County
Teaching 12 years
Typically sees about 16 students per week

What made you decide to become an educator?
My mother was a teacher for 32 years which led me in the direction of teaching. I had the desire to watch students grow and learn and to be a part of their development.

What excites you most about being an MAF Mathematics Intervention Teacher?
I love when I am working with a student one-on-one and I can see the moment that they reach a new level of understanding. It is priceless!

What differences have you seen in your students since they began receiving intervention assistance?
Their confidence level skyrockets and they go from being the child that says, "I hate math!" or "I'm not good at math!" to saying "I love math!" or "Give me something harder to do, Mrs. Miller!" Their whole perception of "math" changes to positive instead of negative.

What is one, favorite story or “a-ha!” moment you’ve had with one (or more) of your intervention students? Why is this your favorite?
I had a student second semester last year who came to me with the attitude that she was not good at math and she didn't like math. We were about half-way through our cycle of lessons when she turned to me and said, "I am really good at this aren’t I!" It wasn't a question. It was more of a proclamation. I will have to be honest and say that my eyes teared a little when she said that and I knew then that our time together had been beneficial and changed the way she thought about math and the way she thought about herself.

What does the MAF and the Kentucky Center for Mathematics mean to you?
I wish all people knew that MAF is not all about playing games with kids. We look at each child and assess where they are developmentally and then develop an individualized plan to help them get to the next level. It is about changing the path for the students we work with so that they will be confident and successful.

From the time that I began my training last fall the KCM staff has gone out of their way to make me feel welcome as a new interventionist as well as being more than willing to answer any question or solve any problem. I was blessed with the best trainer last year who was always a phone call or email away if I needed anything throughout the year. I appreciated the reminder emails from KCM as well as information regarding trainings that were offered throughout the year.

What advice would you give to a colleague or other educator if they had never attended a KCM professional learning experience before?
I have been fortunate to be able to attend the KCM spring conference for the past several years. It is always a wonderful opportunity to hear new ideas to use in your classroom or with your intervention students. I would just tell them that if they have the opportunity to attend - take it!! It is a wonderful learning experience. Every time I go I cannot wait to get back to my classroom and try out what I have learned!

What activities, organizations, hobbies, etc. do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I am very involved in my church, I enjoy reading when I have the opportunity, and I love watching my boys play football, basketball, and baseball.

What is your favorite pizza topping?
Mushrooms

What was your favorite childhood television show?
Definitely "Mr. Rogers Neighborhood!"

Got any good or favorite math jokes?
Why was 6 afraid of 7? Because 7, 8, 9! (my 7 year old loves that joke ☺)