Without the gift of brains, a teacher can do little more than echo words without understanding and without the ability to interpret the language of mathematics. The gift of heart endows teachers with awareness of the diverse needs of students and a commitment to develop the mathematical literacy of all learners. It enables teachers to set high expectations for students, to challenge students to expand their understanding and build their confidence and enjoyment of mathematics, to actively engage students in serious mathematical reasoning and dialogue, and to support students so that they experience success. The gift of heart, interacting with the gift of brains, helps teachers become reflective professionals who continuously analyze, evaluate, and adjust their teaching in productive ways for the benefit of their students. Courage is the gift that fosters the mathematical power and personal conviction that teachers need if they are to become risk takers who make and act on informed choices.
Teaching is, every day, a decision-making process.
When we give the gift of home, we welcome teachers into the professional community. We help them participate in the human activity that is mathematics, and we transmit a deep appreciation of the culture, history, and heritage of mathematics. Teachers who are proud of their mathematical heritage and competent in its language and tools create nurturing environments in which students learn the value of mathematical competence and in which the quality of students' thinking, creativity, and decision making are valued and promoted. These gifts of brains, heart, courage, and home are a connected set, and effective teaching resides in the intersection of the four components. We must be committed to all four, but we cannot bestow these gifts on others if we do not ourselves possess them.