Math for America
Encyclopedia
Math for America is a nonprofit organization, founded in January 2004 by mathematician Jim Simons
with a mission to improve mathematics education in United States
public schools by recruiting, training, and retaining highly qualified secondary school mathematics teachers.
already in the classroom and the MƒA School Leader Fellowship to support experienced mathematics teachers who have moved into administrative positions and oversee mathematics instruction in their schools. MƒA was founded by mathematicians, educators, and businesspeople who share the belief that improving teacher quality and keeping good teachers in the classroom will result in higher student achievement in mathematics
.
The MƒA Fellowship and the MƒA Master Teacher Program were successfully piloted in New York City, where they continue to operate and are used as models for the creation of MƒA programs in other cities. The Programs were also the models used to bolster a new National Science Foundation Fellowship Teaching Program
to substantially increase the corps of highly qualified science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM
) teachers.
, with a mission to recruit, train, and retain highly qualified secondary math teachers. Since its inception, MƒA is working to establish a corps of quality secondary mathematics teachers in New York City, which has the nation’s largest public school district. MƒA uses a rigorous screening process to select mathematically-talented individuals for its programs.
Currently, there are over 420 MƒA Fellows, MƒA Early Career Fellows and MƒA Master Teachers across all program sites.
Once selected, Fellows commit to a five-year program. In year one, Fellows earn a masters degree in mathematics education and in years two through five they teach in a New York City public secondary school
.
The Fellowship includes a full tuition scholarship to one of MƒA New York’s two partner universities, the opportunity to earn New York State Teaching Certification and a New York City teacher’s salary, a stipend of $100,000 over five years in addition to the teaching salary, mentoring and professional development services, and camaraderie with a group of teachers who know and love math.
. Through continued advocacy and collaboration with State and Federal governments, educational institutions, foundations, and other stakeholders, MƒA intends to expand its programs throughout the nation.
, Claremont Graduate University
, and Harvey Mudd College
have joined together with MƒA to create MƒA Los Angeles (MƒA LA). The goal of MƒA LA is to raise student mathematics achievement by recruiting and supporting highly skilled secondary mathematics teachers in the greater Los Angeles area.
, and the University of California at San Diego, and six school districts in the region. MƒA SD's mission is to improve student learning of mathematics by providing selected teachers (MƒA Fellows) with extensive professional support in their credential year and in their first four years of teaching.
and the Carnegie Institution for Science
. MƒA DC's goal is to train math teachers for the DC public schools. MfA Fellows complete a 15 month program at American University, and then teach in a DC public or public charter school for 4 years. Fellows are financially supported and professional development is provided for all five years.
James Harris Simons
James Harris "Jim" Simons is an American hedge fund manager, mathematician, and philanthropist.In 1982, Simons founded Renaissance Technologies, a private investment firm based in New York with over $15 billion under management; Simons is still at the helm, as CEO, of what is now one of the...
with a mission to improve mathematics education in United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
public schools by recruiting, training, and retaining highly qualified secondary school mathematics teachers.
Background
MƒA created four programs, the MƒA Fellowship, to increase the number of mathematically talented individuals going into teaching, the MƒA Early Career Fellowship and MƒA Master Teacher Fellowship to support outstanding mathematics teachersTeachers
Teachers may refer to:* Teachers, people who provide schooling for pupils and students* Teachers , one of the five Ascension Gift Ministries* Teachers , a British sitcom* Teachers Teachers may refer to:* Teachers, people who provide schooling for pupils and students* Teachers (ministry), one of the...
already in the classroom and the MƒA School Leader Fellowship to support experienced mathematics teachers who have moved into administrative positions and oversee mathematics instruction in their schools. MƒA was founded by mathematicians, educators, and businesspeople who share the belief that improving teacher quality and keeping good teachers in the classroom will result in higher student achievement in mathematics
Mathematics
Mathematics is the study of quantity, space, structure, and change. Mathematicians seek out patterns and formulate new conjectures. Mathematicians resolve the truth or falsity of conjectures by mathematical proofs, which are arguments sufficient to convince other mathematicians of their validity...
.
The MƒA Fellowship and the MƒA Master Teacher Program were successfully piloted in New York City, where they continue to operate and are used as models for the creation of MƒA programs in other cities. The Programs were also the models used to bolster a new National Science Foundation Fellowship Teaching Program
Math Science Teaching Corps
The Math Science Teaching Corps Act of 2006 is legislation based on non-profit Math for America's Programs, the MƒA Fellowship and the MƒA Master Teacher Program. The bill was introduced in the 109th Congress by Charles Schumer in the Senate as S. 2248 and by Jim Saxton in the House as H.R. 4705...
to substantially increase the corps of highly qualified science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM
STEM fields
STEM fields is a US Government acronym for the fields of study in the categories of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The acronym is in use regarding access to work visas for immigrants who are skilled in these fields. Maintaining a citizenry that is well versed in the STEM fields...
) teachers.
MƒA Programs in New York City
MƒA in New York, founded in 2004, is the pilot site of all other MƒA sites in the United StatesUnited States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, with a mission to recruit, train, and retain highly qualified secondary math teachers. Since its inception, MƒA is working to establish a corps of quality secondary mathematics teachers in New York City, which has the nation’s largest public school district. MƒA uses a rigorous screening process to select mathematically-talented individuals for its programs.
Currently, there are over 420 MƒA Fellows, MƒA Early Career Fellows and MƒA Master Teachers across all program sites.
MƒA Fellowship
The MƒA Fellowship in New York City (formerly known as the Newton Fellowship Program) is a five year program for mathematically sophisticated, recent college graduates and mid-career professionals who are interested in using their talents to make a difference in the lives of young people by teaching secondary school mathematics in New York City public schools. Prospective candidates are screened through a rigorous application process, including a standardized test that measures mathematical content knowledge.Once selected, Fellows commit to a five-year program. In year one, Fellows earn a masters degree in mathematics education and in years two through five they teach in a New York City public secondary school
Secondary school
Secondary school is a term used to describe an educational institution where the final stage of schooling, known as secondary education and usually compulsory up to a specified age, takes place...
.
The Fellowship includes a full tuition scholarship to one of MƒA New York’s two partner universities, the opportunity to earn New York State Teaching Certification and a New York City teacher’s salary, a stipend of $100,000 over five years in addition to the teaching salary, mentoring and professional development services, and camaraderie with a group of teachers who know and love math.
MƒA Master Teacher Program
The MƒA Master Teacher Program (formerly known as the Newton Master Teacher Program) is a four year program designed to retain exceptional public secondary school mathematics teachers currently teaching in New York City. The program’s purpose is to recognize mathematics teachers who demonstrate solid mathematical knowledge and have outstanding performance records. Prospective candidates also go through a rigorous application process that includes the same standardized testing required of Fellows. The program includes stipends totaling $50,000; presents opportunities for professional development, leadership, and collaboration with other professionals; and gives recipients the opportunity to work with Fellows to help ensure success for these newcomers to the field. Fellows who have completed their five year commitment may apply to the Master Teacher Program.Program Principles
The MƒA Fellowship and Master Teacher Program are based on three key principles:- To teach math effectively one needs strong knowledge of mathematics, solid pedagogical skills, and a disposition well suited for the classroom.
- By providing strong support services, including continuing education and professional development, it is possible to inspire a commitment to long-term careers as mathematics teachers.
- With appropriate incentives, including enhanced remuneration, it is possible to not only recruit mathematically qualified men and women who might not have otherwise entered the teaching field, but also to retain outstanding mathematics teachers who might otherwise have left the field.
National Initiative
MƒA is now focused on establishing a national MƒA Corps of highly qualified and well-trained mathematics teachers. In partnership with organizations that also recognize a need for increased STEM initiatives, MƒA will expand nationally. MƒA will continue to recruit Fellows and Master Teachers locally and aggressively recruit additional partner sites whose leaders are passionate about the need for increased STEM initiatives in the United StatesUnited States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. Through continued advocacy and collaboration with State and Federal governments, educational institutions, foundations, and other stakeholders, MƒA intends to expand its programs throughout the nation.
MƒA Expansion
In 2007, MƒA welcomed two new partner sites, MƒA Los Angeles and MƒA San Diego. In 2009, MfA DC was established, and new sites have now been added at Boston, Berkeley, and Utah. All sites have missions, program approaches, and goals similar to that of MƒA New York.MƒA Los Angeles
The University of Southern CaliforniaUniversity of Southern California
The University of Southern California is a private, not-for-profit, nonsectarian, research university located in Los Angeles, California, United States. USC was founded in 1880, making it California's oldest private research university...
, Claremont Graduate University
Claremont Graduate University
Claremont Graduate University is a private, all-graduate research university located in Claremont, California, a city east of downtown Los Angeles...
, and Harvey Mudd College
Harvey Mudd College
Harvey Mudd College is a private residential liberal arts college of science, engineering, and mathematics, located in Claremont, California. It is one of the institutions of the contiguous Claremont Colleges, which share adjoining campus grounds....
have joined together with MƒA to create MƒA Los Angeles (MƒA LA). The goal of MƒA LA is to raise student mathematics achievement by recruiting and supporting highly skilled secondary mathematics teachers in the greater Los Angeles area.
MƒA San Diego
MƒA San Diego (MƒA SD) is a consortium of Cal State San Marcos, San Diego State UniversitySan Diego State University
San Diego State University , founded in 1897 as San Diego Normal School, is the largest and oldest higher education facility in the greater San Diego area , and is part of the California State University system...
, and the University of California at San Diego, and six school districts in the region. MƒA SD's mission is to improve student learning of mathematics by providing selected teachers (MƒA Fellows) with extensive professional support in their credential year and in their first four years of teaching.
MƒA DC
MƒA DC (MƒA DC) is a consortium of American UniversityAmerican University
American University is a private, Methodist, liberal arts, and research university in Washington, D.C. The university was chartered by an Act of Congress on December 5, 1892 as "The American University", which was approved by President Benjamin Harrison on February 24, 1893...
and the Carnegie Institution for Science
Carnegie Institution for Science
The Carnegie Institution for Science is an organization in the United States established to support scientific research....
. MƒA DC's goal is to train math teachers for the DC public schools. MfA Fellows complete a 15 month program at American University, and then teach in a DC public or public charter school for 4 years. Fellows are financially supported and professional development is provided for all five years.