Elayn Martin-Gay

Elayn Martin-Gay has taught math for over 25 years. In that time she’s been given multiple teaching awards, created innovative student-friendly resources, and developed a series of highly acclaimed videos which form the basis of her arithmetic and algebra texts. When paired with MyLab Math - Pearson's digital learning platform that's designed to personalize learning - her best-selling content is unrivaled in its ability to help every student succeed.

Math is everywhere

“As far back as I can remember, math was a subject that consisted of its own language and proven rules,” explains the professor. “I could always depend on these rules to allow for a basic manipulation of expressions and equations.” From an early age, Professor Martin-Gay knew how important math was to a whole world of different topics. From science and physics to technology and engineering. “How could I not be inspired to learn and share more about this important language?” she explains. And after an impressive education it was no surprise that the professor went on to start an award-winning career as an instructor. “My proudest professional achievement was being given the “Favorite Professor” award at the University of New Orleans,” she says. “This award is given once a year to a faculty member and requires extensive recommendations from students – that’s why it meant so much to me.”

Professor Martin-Gay sees the future of math as one that will experience great change. She cites a lack of basic knowledge of mathematics as a key blocker for most students, but especially those who have chosen to major in STEM fields. And she backs that up with the claim that there is an accepted and encouraged misnomer that “everyone is not a math person.” The professor explains further: “As we focus on solving this society-accepted theme and start changing “math is hard and not for everyone’ to ‘math is for everyone who chooses it’, the future will be exciting.”

Our work together

Pearson has collaborated on many projects with Professor Martin-Gay – with each one we’ve learned how to get the best out of one another. Today, our process is one of improvement. We work together to make sure each new project or iteration moves this important subject further. “The value of our products and partnership is found embedded in the core of our belief system, especially during research and delivery.” adds the professor. “This belief system includes the importance of communication, respect and trust, and understanding and compromising while working with others in varied fields and positions. We know that the quality of our products is a reflection of the quality of our company and employees.”