This future high school math teacher has her academic career solved
Rachael Talbert is on the fast track to finish her master’s in mathematics education.
Aug. 5, 2019
Presenting research at four national conferences. Co-authoring an article accepted by the Journal of Mathematics and the Arts. Creating and implementing lessons for secondary-level math classes. That’s what Rachael Talbert has been up to outside of class.
And all before the end of sophomore year.
“It’s crazy how many opportunities and experiences I’ve had in just three short years,”
says the Towson UTeach student. “I don’t think I would have had that at another school.”
Talbert, who plans to teach high school mathematics, credits her mentor Associate
Professor Diana Cheng with providing these valuable experiences.
It all started when the Carroll County native talked to Cheng after class about an externship the professor had posted on a campus job board, funded by the Kahlert Foundation.
From there they started working together, developing mathematical modeling problems using a figure skater’s blade tracings.
Next thing she knew, Talbert was jetting off to San Diego, Austin and Denver to share their work at conferences.
Professor Cheng, now Talbert’s academic adviser, encouraged her to enroll as a junior in the Combined B.S./M.S. in Mathematics Education – Individualized Plan.
“When you get close to a professor, it opens up so many gateways,” says Talbert. “Dr. Cheng has given me so many outlets, so many experiences.”
It’s crazy how many opportunities and experiences I’ve had in just three short years. ”
And Cheng isn’t the only one supporting Talbert though her college journey. This semester, Kristin Frank, assistant professor of mathematics, is mentoring Talbert on a graduate independent study project exploring undergraduate students’ mathematical reasoning.
And every day when she goes into the UTeach work room at 7800 York Rd., peers are around to share stories, work together, or just eat lunch.
“It’s a really great environment,” says Talbert, “a home away from home.”