So true! I taught algebra, and LOVED every minute of it! I had some 8th graders in algebra, and they were the motivated kids. The ones in pre-algebra were either unmotivated, not quite as mature as others :), or ones who struggled with math. It was a joy to see my pre-al kids do well the following year in algebra when they were convinced they would never learn it!
Oh yes, my algebra teacher in 8th grade wrote me off as stupid. My 9th grade algebra teacher MADE ALL THE DIFFERENCE!!!
I took algebra in high school and my first go around in college and hated every minute of it.
When I went for my second degree ( engineering related) I had to take it again in order to prepare for calculus. I LOVED it. My professor stated I wasn’t crappy in math, I just had crappy teachers.
My sin us a seventh grade math teacher and he loves it as well. Hats off to you,