College of Education student lives out dream through DREAM-Math program

Makaela Williams is living her dream thanks to a program aptly named involving math education.

“The DREAM-Math program has adequately prepared me for the classroom in a short time,” said Williams, a Mathematics Education major in Auburn University’s College of Education. “Through the DREAM-Math program, I was able to take some courses tailored specifically to my teaching of certain math topics. These courses were some of my favorites. Those coupled with method courses prepared me to transition to the front of the classroom.”

Williams is among a group of students who have greatly benefited from the Developing, Recruiting, and Empowering Alabama Mathematics Teachers (DREAM-Math) Master of Education in Teaching program. The offering leads to initial certification as a secondary school mathematics teacher (grades 6-12) and provides in-state tuition plus living expenses to those who complete the four-semester program as well as a $20,000 yearly stipend to those who work four years of teaching at a high-need school following the completion of the program.

Professionals with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics or other STEM fields with a strong mathematics background (but who have not previously served as a teacher) are encouraged to apply. All total, the support package is valued at more than $150,000, and now is the perfect time to get connected as the program’s next informational meeting will take place online at 7 p.m. CT on Feb. 10 at aub.ie/dm-zoom.

“The partnership of the Colleges of Education and Science and Mathematics, Tuskegee University, and Alabama State University has been very rewarding for everyone involved, especially the future teachers,” said W. Gary Martin, the Emily R. and Gerald S. Leischuck Distinguished Professor for Critical Needs in Education in Auburn’s College of Education. “We are grateful to the National Science Foundation for funding this program and look forward to the impact our teaching fellows will have on their students and the profession.”

Williams said the program was perfect for her. She studied chemistry at Tuskegee University and then moved to Auburn University.

“I chose this major because I want to pay forward the wealth of knowledge that has been poured into me over the years,” she said. “I have been blessed to have experience with instructors who really care about their students and the subject matter. I chose to teach in hopes that I can be part of the change I would like to see in the world.”

Williams said DREAM-Math allowed her to take courses tailored specifically to her teaching of certain math topics. Already, Williams has accepted a position at Lafayette High School in Lafayette, Alabama, where upon graduation she’ll teach junior and senior-level math. She said she’s learned a lot through her own schooling as part of the DREAM-Math program.

“Throughout this journey, my belief of what it means to be an educator has shifted so much,” she said. “I learned how to use spreadsheets, Desmos technology, and R-coding in an effective way. These are tools I plan to use in my classroom.” 

In the leadup to taking a role teaching math, she also participated in an internship position in Dadeville, Alabama.

“My internship was a little unique in that I was a part of a two-intern team,” she said. “The warm community of Dadeville welcomed us with open arms and inspired me to want to work in rural communities moving forward.”

Williams said the DREAM-Math program prepared her well for the classroom in a short timeframe, including that of her internship.

“I could not easily sum up my internship experience, as it was one of the most transformative parts of my life,” she said. “I was blessed to be placed in such a supportive community with the cooperating teacher and paired intern that I was placed with.”

She added that “I have enjoyed the plethora of people I have gotten to meet and that I leave Auburn with a network of highly qualified and motivated teachers and teacher educators.”  

And what advice would she give to fellow students interested in the DREAM-Math program?

“Prepare yourself for a wild, fast ride! It's both rigorous and worthwhile,” she said.