How can teachers avoid reinforcing gender stereotypes when speaking to their students about math and science careers?
Educators can expose students to female role models who are experts in math and science fields. This exposure can happen through assigned biographical readings about women scientists, mathematicians, or engineers; calling attention to current events highlighting the achievements of women in math and science; and by making students aware of the number of women who receive advanced degrees in math and science fields each year. In addition, teachers can invite women who can serve as role models to be guest speakers or tutors. In many ways, the most effective role models are those who communicate that struggle and self-doubt are normal and that success takes hard work. A role model who communicates this may serve as a greater inspiration to persist through difficulty than someone for whom achievement seemed effortless. Q. Why is it so important for teachers to make an effort to reach girls in math and science? Numerous national reports have suggested that we face serious workforce shortage
