Meighan’s math teaching formula equals success

A maths teacher from Cavan has been named the best maths teacher in Ireland.

Meighan Duffy, who is originally from Shercock, has been teaching in Athlone Community School for the last nine years. She said it was an honour to win the Irish Maths Teacher of the Year Award from the Irish Mathematical Trust.

In order to win there was a stringent qualification method.

“I was nominated by a colleague and some of my students. I had to fill in a form about my teaching style and my philosophy. Then I was to send on my teaching portfolio and a recording of my class with my fifth years.”

After she submitted all of the data, Meighan was invited to attend the awards ceremony in Cork, and she was delighted when she was announced winner.

“It was great to be recognised by my peers. I was presented with a certificate, a trophy and €10,000 as a prize.”

Meighan says one of her main objectives was to help remove the stigma surrounding maths as a subject.

“A lot of students assume that they are no good at maths, especially girls who assume that boys are better. I hope to build their confidence, give them a growth mindset, and let them know that they can improve with practice. I let them know that they may not improve straight away but it can happen over time..

Meighan says, despite most people’s self-perception, anyone can improve at maths.

“It’s an Irish thing to say that ‘I’m no good at maths’ or ‘I don’t have a maths brain’ but everyone is capable of achieving a good maths’ grade. It’s important to create an environment where students aren’t afraid to make mistakes and can learn from them as well. This attitude is important, not just in maths’ classrooms, but in other environments as well.”