#WhyIChoseEducation: ‘My Goal Was to Help Young People Appreciate the Wonder and Achievement of Learning,’ Says Tamar Avineri ’16PHD

Twenty years ago, Tamar Avineri ’16PHD applied for a position at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM). Now, she is chair of the school’s Department of Mathematics and teaches advanced courses such as Multivariable Calculus, Topics in Theoretical Mathematics, Graph Theory and Modeling with Differential Equations, which prepare her students to become successful problem solvers and creative thinkers. 

“One of the amazing things about working [at NCSSM] is it provides an incredible opportunity to teach really challenging courses, and also just think really hard about pedagogy and what practices work well in certain environments,” said Avineri, who earned her Ph.D. in what is now the NC State College of Education’s Learning and Teaching in STEM: Mathematics and Statistics Education concentration.

Avineri’s effectiveness as an educator has not gone unnoticed; this past year she received the 2024 University of North Carolina Board of Governors Award for Excellence in Teaching and was also named a Morehead-Cain Impact Educator. 

The following interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Why I Chose Education:

In high school, I had a number of opportunities to tutor other students, and I remember how rewarding it was. In college, I worked in the math department’s tutoring center, and I remember just loving it more and more. In my last year of undergrad, I was given the opportunity to teach a class of my own. 

The two motivations that drove me throughout were a passion for mathematics and a passion for serving others. Math is a subject where people will say, “Oh yeah, I am not a math person.” For me, mathematics was an inspiration. I didn’t expect everybody to agree with me, but my goal was to have everyone appreciate math and understand its utility.

How Education Shaped Me: 

There are definitely times when I’m in class, either observing someone or creating a lesson, where I think back to how I learned that material. I had a good education, and it was all public schools, which definitely prepared me for college. 

What I Enjoyed Most About the NC State College of Education:

NC State’s program is so beautifully focused on all elements of the classroom, whether on planning, implementation or student voice. The Ph.D. program struck a balance between exposure to theory and pedagogical practice. There was a lot of exploration of the theory of how students think and what that means for us in the classroom and how we prepare. I owe that to all of my professors at NC State. 

What Others Should Know About the College of Education:

The professors you have there are top quality and leaders in the field.You get to be part of the department as a graduate student because they engage you and fold you in. The program is rigorous and designed for practitioners. 

Many people do go there for the research aspect, but I remember all of my mathematics education courses were in the evening, which was perfect for teachers who were working during the day. Even just the scheduling was a message to people in the program that we value that you are in the classroom. It was just a perfect fit.

What I Enjoy Most About the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics:

NCSSM is such a special place. It has allowed me to expand my whole perspective and approach to teaching. The students there make you think hard, and every challenge is welcomed.I  have the opportunity to teach these incredible classes that keep me on my toes, while also having opportunities to work with the University of North Carolina System’s Math Pathways Task Force, and finding ways to serve as a leader.

I work in such a supportive department with opportunities to do outreach and professional development, and find unexpected ways to contribute to my field. There are so many factors that keep me doing what I’m doing.

The Last Thing That Inspired Me:

I’m continuously inspired by Dan Teague ’97PHD. He has been with the Math Department at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics for over 40 years. He is a leader in the field nationally and internationally, but he is one of the most humble people I have ever known. I have learned so much from him over these years. He inspires me with his energy and generosity, and I know he has transformed thousands of lives. 

Another source of inspiration is my students — their motivation, drive, resiliency, maturity and growth. I feel fortunate to be in such a special position to be able to witness and to contribute to some of that.