Amy Brass helps future teachers rewrite the story of math

March 23, 2026 - 04:00

For many, mathematics becomes a silent gatekeeper long before they recognize its power. It can manifest as a knot in the stomach before an exam, the resigned sigh of "I'm just not a math person," or even take root within the very individuals tasked with teaching it. This cycle of anxiety is a primary focus for educators dedicated to changing how the subject is perceived and taught.

A growing movement within teacher preparation emphasizes confronting and dismantling this pervasive "math trauma." The goal is to equip future teachers with strategies to foster resilience and a positive mindset in their own classrooms. Instructors are guiding them to reframe mistakes as crucial learning opportunities and to emphasize conceptual understanding over rote memorization.

This approach involves future educators deeply examining their personal histories with math, identifying their own moments of struggle, and consciously working to prevent passing on those anxieties. By building a foundation of confidence and seeing the subject's creative, puzzle-solving nature, these teachers-in-training aim to build more inclusive and engaging learning environments. Their mission is to ensure that for the next generation, math is seen not as a barrier, but as a universal language of logic and discovery accessible to all students.