Memorable Math Teachers

I have only one really memorable math teacher.  For the most part they seemed to be rather boring people.  I think I'll try to break that mould.

Let's call her Mrs. Barrymore.  (She always reminded me of Drew Barrymore for some reason.  Not a good sign.)  She was young and friendly and kind...and, well, stupid.  A dumb blonde, as it were.  I remember how she always had a calculator on hand to perform basic arithmetic.  One example I remember clearly: calculating the angles of a triangle.  180 - 150.  Difficult problem.  Fortunately she had her calculator.

She didn't only teach math.  She taught general grade 10 science as well, and I was fortunate enough to be in that class too.  She provided me with the teacher quote of the year when we were learning some basic ecology.  She asked us to name some organisms that live in the desert.  I raised my hand and said "snakes!".  She was quick to correct me.  "Snakes don't live in the desert."  I think I was too stunned to make an argument of it.  I had a good laugh about it with my parents that night.

I think the bad teachers have done more than the good ones to inspire me to teach.  I kept thinking throughout the class, "I could do a better job of this than you."  And so now I will.