The teacher's role in the instruction of mathematical literacy is that of a motivator. She has
to create an environment in which students desire to learn and practice math literacy. An educator has to demonstrate how mathematical literacy assists an individual to succeed at tasks in everyday life. To do this, a teacher should include practical examples of mathematical concepts that apply in life. For instance, she should set real-life contexts in word problems, presenting scenarios to which students at a certain age level can relate.
The teacher's role is teach math literacy skills, rather than math skills alone. Math skills enable an individual to solve math problems; math literacy skills enable an individual to apply math concepts to make well-founded judgments. Importantly, a teacher should approach math instruction both concretely and abstractly; she should endeavor to teach students specific skills and procedures but with an awareness of how such skills and procedures reinforce general problem-solving and investigative skills and rational thinking.
A math teacher's role is also to facilitate the real world in which math literacy skills are applied. Beyond the classroom, students will be required to use diverse math literacy skills on a daily basis. Mathematical literacy includes such different skills as numeracy, quantitative literacy and spatial literacy. It is imperative that a teacher incorporate these different skills in instruction and practice to empower the individual to rationalize real world experiences.
In mathematical literacy, a teacher has a collaborative role. Rather than simply instruct, a teacher has to cooperate, creating an environment in which students are active -- rather than passive -- learners. Although a teacher provides expertise and correction, she should work alongside students to equip them to develop advanced thinking and reasoning skills. A teacher should participate in learning by motivating students and collaborating with them so that they succeed.