Developing Elementary Mathematics Specialists in High-Need Urban Schools

• In Event: Mathematics Teacher Education Across Professional Roles

Abstract

This 5-year mathematics professional development project involves 27 elementary teachers being prepared and supported as Elementary Mathematics Specialists (EMSs) through completion of a university’s K-5 Mathematics and Teacher Supporting & Coaching Endorsement programs and participation in Professional Learning Communities and individual mentoring. The project seeks to develop EMSs who deliver rigorous mathematics instruction and serve as mathematics teacher leaders in a variety of ways, such as coaching university teacher candidates and supporting a nonprofit’s afterschool tutoring program. Mixed methods are used to examine how the intentional and continuous project components affect the mathematical content knowledge, instructional and coaching practices, beliefs, and teacher leader skills of EMSs, along with their perceptions of participation; aspects of Year 1 data will be shared.

Authors

• Susan Swars Auslander, Georgia State University

• Carla Lynn Tanguay, Georgia State University

• Kayla Myers, Georgia State University

• Sterline Caldwell

• Emily Garrido, Georgia State University