Gifts for the Math Teacher

Math teachers tend towards precision in their lifestyle: their field demands it! So why not a clock to help keep their time, and the class's time, always in line. A distinctive algebraic clock will be a great gift-giving "formula" and I am sure a great equation for a stylish, unique look in the Mathematics classroom! 

A mathematical clock will stick out for from all the other clocks in the school and remind the students that they are in math class, as if they needed reminded! And they are one way to make Math classroom stylish and fun, with a unique decorative touch. 

Your Math teacher has probably done some studies in the ancient Mathematicians: somber individuals who brought forth the mathematical precepts we appreciate so much today. How did the mathematical forefathers come to their truths and precepts? Well, they sure didn't use a calculator. Instead, what they often used was an abacus. An abacus is a counting device that uses frames and beads to count up some big numbers. 

It is amazing what calculations can be computed on this ancient tool. Using one is reminiscent of Archimedes or Pythagoras. And even if it's not actually used, it is a very cool looking collector's piece. Some of the abacuses are one of a kind and would make a very unique and memorable gift. 

Math teachers are like any other teacher: they guard their coffee mugs with their life. And I don't want to see the state of the fellow teacher that dares to "borrow" the beloved cup on a early Monday morning! 

To avoid any confusion and to help the Math teacher's mug stand out, why not get them a "Math Mug," and everyone will be sure to recognize the unique cup. 

Coffee cups, although such a common gift, are still a great stand-by present. After all, cups break, get lost and sometimes they even get boring. A new cup is almost always appreciated. 

There aren't that many Math books out there: that is, books written about math, not Math textbooks. So your Math mentor might be presently surprised if you managed to dig up a book devoted to Math. 

And perhaps your instructor will be read a portion of it to you during a math session one afternoon when everyone's  having trouble concentrating on the equations. A welcome diversion! 

How about A Mathematician Reads the Newspaper, an interesting look at the world around us, from a mathematical point-of-view. Or Math Jokes For Mathy Folks, a whole book full of jokes centered around Math. Who knew math people could be funny people? 

Did you know there are movies about Mathematicians? Whole films dedicated to math teachers or mathematicians. Who knew Math would make it to Hollywood? Try one of these on for size. 

First, there's Good Will Hunting, the story of a young man whose mind is that of a genius, but whose heart is that of a construction worker. Will he be shaped into the academic life that he is intellectually suited for, or stay within his comfort zone and forgo fulfilling his mathematical potential? 

Next is a Beautiful Mind. A brilliant professor starts getting visits from the U.S. government. They need his help on a top secret project. But is it real or just a figment of his beautiful mind? We don't know for sure until close to the end. A haunting tale of brilliance exploded. 

Finally, Stand and Deliver. A classroom of misfits thrown together to learn Math. No one thinks they can, until that one teacher does. And he won't give up until they've learned enough Math to pass their exams and have the chance at another kind of future. 

For even more teacher movies of all kind, see this list of inspirational teacher movies.