Megan McLean’s Three Minute Thesis
Mathematicians Look Like All of Us
When you think of a mathematician what is the picture you conjure?
When you learned mathematics did you have a role model that encouraged you?
Girls and students of color make up a small percentage of those who believe themselves to be “math persons” or pursue STEM fields. Due to this, it is a teacher’s responsibility to make sure that the messages they send, both intentionally and unintentionally, include everyone and not just the students who look like those who have become mathematicians traditionally. Students shouldn’t have to rely on anti-role models to motivate them when traditional role models have failed them.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGaqFS7DEFM
Megan has been a mathematics teacher for the past 14 years where she has gotten the opportunity to teach in Texas and South Korea. She has been at Lewis & Clark High School in Spokane, Washington for 10 years where she is currently the Lead Math Teacher.
Before becoming a mathematics teacher, Megan earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Idaho. She was able to use her engineering degree to work at Cummins Natural Gas Engines and Time Manufacturing (Versalift).
Megan is pursuing her PhD in Mathematics and Science Education at Washington State University. She is planning to focus her research on the messaging that students receive, directly and indirectly, from the media and their teachers that affect their mathematic identity: especially girls and students of color.
