--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I think about all of my students who were…" description: "\"I think about all of my students who were math-phobic, who didn't believe they could learn math, who didn't understand, who didn't think they were smar..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ebd/deray-mckesson-4626_believe_i-think-about-all-of-my-students-who-wer_1032172.jpg" --- # I think about all of my students who were math-phobic, who… ![“I think about all of my students who were math-phobic, who didn't believe they could learn math, who didn't understand, who didn't think they were smart enough, and by the end, they understood that they already had the gifts, and my job was to help them access them, and I believe that.” quote by DeRay Mckesson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ebd/deray-mckesson-4626_believe_i-think-about-all-of-my-students-who-wer_1032172.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ebd/deray-mckesson-4626_believe_i-think-about-all-of-my-students-who-wer_1032172.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ebd/deray-mckesson-4626_believe_i-think-about-all-of-my-students-who-wer_1032172.jpg) > “I think about all of my students who were math-phobic, who didn't believe they could learn math, who didn't understand, who didn't think they were smart enough, and by the end, they understood that they already had the gifts, and my job was to help them access them, and I believe that.” [DeRay Mckesson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/deray-mckesson/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Students doubting their math abilities can discover hidden talent when teachers nurture confidence and reveal innate potential. **In simple terms:** Teachers can unlock students' hidden math gifts. Key Takeaway Encourage belief in ability to unlock potential. Themes education confidence potential growth Mood inspirational encouraging Type motivational educational When to use this quote - classroom teaching - mentoring - coaching - skill development Key Concepts pedagogy mindset theory Questions to Reflect On - What strategies help students see their own gifts? - How can teachers sustain confidence long term? A Different Perspective Some students may need structural support beyond encouragement. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Help](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/help/) [Smart](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/smart/) ## Related quotes > [Most students who take math classes aren't going to be mathematicians. 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