MATH TEACHER LEADERS & MATH TEACHING SPECIALISTS
Math Teacher Leaders
As part of the Milwaukee Mathematics Partnership, Math Teacher Leaders were identified in each MPS school. They work with mathematics faculty, administrators and other teachers as part of an effort to provide classroom teachers with coaching and resources to improve their mathematics teaching abilities, and, eventually, students’ achievement.
The work of the Math Teacher Leaders, introduced to schools at mid-year in the 2003-2004 school year, is similar to that done by school Literacy Coaches in the subjects of reading and writing. Like the Literacy Coaches, introduced in the 2002-2003 school year, the Math Teacher Leaders are members of the school learning teams. The MPA collaboration helped plan and implement the subject-area coaches, Learning Teams and other changes as part of an effort to assure every child in the public schools is learning at grade level. One key goal is to provide teachers with “embedded professional development” – opportunities to fine-tune their teaching techniques through coaching and other resources provided within their own schools.
The Math Teacher Leaders are a key link between classroom teachers and resources available through local colleges and universities and can help teachers deepen their own understanding of mathematics. One of the key resources for the Math Teacher Leaders is the Math Teaching Specialists.
Math Teaching Specialists
The MPS Math Teaching Specialists provide leadership for the Math Teacher Leaders. Each Math Teaching Specialist is responsible for a group of Math Teacher Leaders and works directly with them to facilitate the implementation of this concept of professional development. In addition, the Math Teaching Specialists provide ongoing professional development for the Math Teacher Leaders and other school staff. These sessions include a range of topics appropriate to the function of Math Teacher Leaders across all levels from K-12.
To see the comprehensive mathematics framework, click here.
For more information on the Milwaukee Mathematics Partnership, click here.
