I am a student who has experienced firsthand the impact of having an inadequately educated math teacher. This situation is not unique to me, but it is a widespread issue that affects many students across the country. Our education system must ensure that all teachers are well-equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively teach their subjects, especially in critical areas like mathematics.

According to the National Council on Teacher Quality, only 48% of teacher preparation programs in the United States cover essential mathematics content for aspiring elementary teachers (NCTQ, 2020). This lack of preparation can lead to ineffective teaching methods and poor understanding of mathematical concepts among students.

The consequences are severe. The National Assessment of Educational Progress reports that only 41% of fourth graders and 34% of eighth graders scored at or above proficiency levels in math (NAEP, 2019). These statistics clearly indicate that our current approach towards teaching mathematics needs reassessment.

By eliminating math as a mandatory subject until our education system can guarantee adequately trained teachers, we protect students from subpar educational experiences. We call upon educational authorities at all levels - local, state and national - to address this issue urgently. Please sign this petition if you believe every student deserves access to quality education taught by qualified professionals.