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Studies have shown that science, technology, engineering and mathematics or STEM courses in education are necessary for the success of a nation’s economy. More and more women have entered into STEM industry jobs, earning 33 percent more than those in non-STEM occupations, and experience a smaller wage gap relative to men. More and more high school students are taking higher-level math courses to pursue engineering in college.
Iswari Natarajan, high school math teacher at St. Mary’s Academy, is engaging her students in higher-level math with tremendous results. Natarajan’s entire class of 25 students in AP Calculus received the highest score possible on their AP exams. Twenty-five out of twenty-five received 5s.
This is an unprecedented result, yet when you visit her classroom, you understand how her students perform so well. Students want to take Natarajan’s AP Calculus class not only because they want to explore STEM careers, but also because she makes math fun. The joy and passion that is palpable in her class engages the students to truly love math. Natarajan suggests that there are a number of girls who may avoid taking a higher-level math, but if you introduce it to them, they begin to take risks, learn to fail a little, and learn from their mistakes.
Natarajarn says, “At schools like St. Mary’s Academy, girls are empowered to be who they are. They know it’s okay to ask questions, it’s okay to make mistakes, and gain confidence to go into engineering classes in college and get engineering jobs.” If you look at the STEM industry, even today it is still dominated by men. Natarajan thinks the change really needs to happen at the high school level. Her students would agree.
With the previous class having received the highest test results, Natarajan knows that her current students want to perform equally well come spring. But she emphasizes that it’s all about the process, the process is to learn calculus, and the product will follow.
“Calculus can be fun and if you know it, you will do well on the test,” Natarajan says.
She enjoys teaching the class and believes that the children should always enjoy what they are studying.
High School Principal Kathryn McNamee noted, “These results demonstrate the enthusiasm students and Iswari share for higher mathematics and students’ desire to excel.”
