Math is one of the most important subjects globally; it has helped connect us through problem-solving and curiosity, and many even call it the “universal language”. Meredith Pelchat is one of the teachers who has helped countless middle schoolers by showing them the importance of math and is happy to support them every step of their journey. Her own journey also starts with teachers who have inspired her. 

“I come from a long line of teachers; my mother, grandfather, and cousins all were teachers, so I knew I wanted to teach,” Pelchat said.

But it wasn’t until she met an amazing middle school math teacher who taught her for two years that she decided she wanted to pursue math specifically. Everyone has a different view on how math is interesting, and Pelchat’s fascination with math comes from the thrill of discovering the “why’ part of an answer. 

“So often, we focus on the answer and not on how or why it works,” she states, “which is why I especially like proofs in geometry!”

And it’s not just the math that she enjoys, but being able to interact with students every day is also something that encourages her. Pelchat says that no day is the same, which makes her work interesting and fun. Not needing to sit behind a screen for hours is also a perk! But being a teacher also has some challenges. 

“It is always hard to see students struggle with math. I don’t like it when I see students give up or lose confidence,” Pelchat said.

Many students have enjoyed the challenge that math provides and continue to flourish under her guidance and support

“Your teachers are people, and were middle schoolers once too,” Pelchat shares, “so we can be a lot more understanding than you may think. If you keep trying, we will be here to help right along with you. We want everyone to succeed and feel great about school.”