Dr. T.J. Vari, MaiaLearning & Thomas O’Brien, Winward Academy
September 16, 2026
It’s quite rare to hear someone say, “I can’t read” or “I’m illiterate so I don’t read.” On the other hand, lots of people claim that they’re “not a math person.” The phrase isn’t just “I don’t like math.” It’s “I’m not a math person,” signifying that they don’t know how to do math, not just that they don’t like it. We believe this single sentiment is significantly impacting students’ perceptions of math in school and their efficacy with it in life. As educators, what we say matters, especially when talking in front of impressionable students.