Labor Market and Career Information

High School Math and Physics Teacher
Troy Lanier

	Introduction Troy Lanier shatters the stereotype of a math and physics teacher in the same way Indiana Jones changed the way we looked at archeologists. He is young, athletic and energetic. For him, math is more than a subject. It's a way of seeing the world. Since science, especially physics, relies so much on math, it's easy to understand his attraction to that field, as well. With a background in Electrical Engineering, Troy could have had a lucrative career in industry, working as an engineer. Instead he chose teaching--a career that offers challenges and rewards that go well beyond the financial. His passion for his work and commitment to his students are evident even in casual conversation. He knows that, as a teacher, he has the power and opportunity to change people's lives, to help them define themselves, and he takes it very seriously. It's no wonder he's popular with the kids!

	What exactly do you do? I teach math (everything from Algebra to PreCalculus and Calculus) and physics. That means I prepare my own lesson plans for the most part, teach, grade and advise students. I also oversee the camping club. I teach four classes a day but most of my time is spent in student conferences, meeting with small groups of students or one-on-one.

	What's the coolest part of your job? I get to work with amazing people who are passionate about their careers.

	What's your favorite part? When students "get it" and I see the light come on in their eyes.

	How do people react when they learn what you do? I get a mixed response. Some people say "Wow! That's so cool. I loved math!" Others focus on the fact that teaching can be a really tough lifestyle. They see teaching as an honored profession but they don't want to do it!

	Describe a funny incident that happened at work. This past Halloween, one of my students wore a costume that included a mustache. Every time I turned around from the board, a different student was wearing the mustache. It was pretty funny.

	What's the part you like least about your job and how do you handle it? Around exam time, people get really uptight and tense. I just try to focus on the bigger picture. Nothing is worth getting really upset over. And you just have to be flexible sometimes.

	How did you become a teacher? In a way, I've always been teaching. I was a camp counselor, for example. Later I tutored at a local housing development when I was in college. I'd also always liked math but one particular teacher really inspired me. He showed me that math was a beautiful system. That concept really appealed to me. Since then, I've added another dimension to it. I see math as a way to view the world, just as people can view it scientifically or through an historical perspective. If you don't know math, for instance, you won't understand the simple graphs in USA Today. In college, I earned a Bachelors in Electrical Engineering. I even worked at NASA while I was in school. When I graduated, I created two resumes--one as a teacher and the other as an engineer. I wasn't sure which to choose. I did know that I wanted to live in Austin, though. I was offered the job here at St. Stephen's and I took it.

	What surprised you about your job when you first started? How much work it was!

	What disappointed you? Sometimes students don't treat their teachers as human beings.

	How has your job changed over time? I used to be the Chair of the Math Department and I taught only juniors and seniors. Then I went back to school and got my Masters in the History of Science Technology and Medicine. Since I've returned to St. Stephen's, I teach freshmen as well.

	What will high school math and science teachers be doing ten years from now? I see a greater synergy between math and science--a greater mixing of the two. More and more math classes are focusing on statistical analysis and lab-based activities to solve problems. In my classes, students actually collect data and then translate the data into curves and equations. I think this type of practical application of math ideas will continue to grow. And of course, the use of graphic calculators has changed everything. Teachers ask different questions as a result. Students can instantly see how equations look as curves. They learn more easily and quickly. And it's more fun!

	What information do you need to keep up in your field and where do you get it? I keep up with math and teaching developments and ideas. The journal of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, for example, offers lessons or units to give readers ideas of interesting ways to teach.

	What do you wish someone had told you before you left high school that would've helped you with your career? If you're going to be in school, you might as well dive in and get something out of it. Learning can be fun. It's up to you to choose to be happy. Find out what you like! Even if your teacher's boring, you can find something interesting to focus on. And remember that anything doing is worth doing well.

	What do you wish someone had told you before you left high school that would've helped you with your career? If you're going to be in school, you might as well dive in and get something out of it. Learning can be fun. It's up to you to choose to be happy. Find out what you like! Even if your teacher's boring, you can find something interesting to focus on. And remember that anything doing is worth doing well.

	Quick Facts
	The Job in Brief
	Title:	Math and Physics Teacher Also called high school teacher or secondary school teacher
	Description:	I teach Physics, Algebra and Calculus.
	Education level required:	For Troy: Bachelors of Electrical Engineering and Masters in History of Science Technology and Medicine For most teachers: a Bachelor's degree and teacher's certification
	Equipment used:	Computer and graphics calculator.
	Workload steady or fluctuating:	Fluctuates depending on the time of year.
	Dress code:	Casual
	Work environment:	I work in a classroom that has 15 students on average. I also have an office in an administration building.

	Demands on Worker
	Works hours (time and duration):	Usually twelve hour days.
	Travel involved:	Score: 2 (1=never; 5=very often)
	Average stress level:	Score: 3 (1=none; 5=a lot) While the peaks can get to 10 on a semi regular basis, overall the average tends to be less because school goes in cycles. There is a reason why teachers have off some of their summers!
	Amount of teamwork needed:	Score: 5 (1=none; 5=a lot)
	Level of self-motivation required:	Score: 5 (1=none; 5=a lot)

	Labor Market Information
	Employment outlook:	Excellent. By 2008, Texas will need 163,950 teachers, 24% more than in 1998.
	Typical Texas salary:	$36,340 to $37,920 a year