Teachers can have a great impact on the social, personal, and intellectual development of individuals. Their influence stems from a love of learning, a talent for awakening students to new modes of thinking, an understanding of the human development process, and professional skills. A general description of teacher work activities includes: planning courses, instructing students, interacting with parents and administration, and keeping up with developments in the field. The mathematics education programs at NC State include a variety of general and professional components. The general education component consists of courses and experiences in the natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and physical education that promote knowledge and enhance interests associated with a broadly educated person. The Middle Grades Education curriculum prepares graduates to teach mathematics at the middle school level, grades 6-9. The curriculum includes an option for students to also license to teach middle grades science.