Exploring How Culture of Excellence is Personified by Mathematics Teachers in the Public Schools

Abstract

This basic qualitative study aimed to describe how the culture of excellence is being personified by mathematics teachers who were scholar graduates of a certain state university in the Western Visayas region in the Philippines. Eight public school mathematics teachers were included in the study purposively. The researcher utilized semi-structured interviews in gathering the data. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data. Findings revealed that mathematics teachers personified the culture of excellence in mathematics education by integrating different strategies in teaching mathematics, being passionate and dedicated, and by pursuing continuous professional growth.  In addition, they have manifested excellence in mathematics education through the following: conducted action researches in mathematics education, attended various seminars and training, actively involved in different committees and organizations in and out of school, and received recognition as winners and coaches in different math-related and non-math related activities.