Math for America launches D.C. chapter

Washington Post
Thursday, July 10, 2008

In an effort to improve mathematics education in the Washington area, the Carnegie Institution's Academy for Science Education has launched a Math for America chapter in the District. The chapter will recruit, train and mentor 34 fellows over five years, as well as place teachers in District schools.

Math for America, established in 2004 by mathematician James H. Simons, is a nonprofit organization aimed at improving the quality of mathematics education in the country's public school systems. The five-year program will recruit its first class of fellows in the fall from D.C. and Baltimore area colleges and universities; six fellows will begin the program in the spring.

In the first year, fellows will obtain a master of arts in teaching and teaching certification from American University. After completing the AU program, fellows will teach in District schools for four years. The program will provide full tuition, stipends, mentoring and professional development services.

Math for America operates in New York, Los Angeles and San Diego. It has placed 150 fellows in more than 50 New York schools. The program was used recently as the congressional model for the National Science Foundation Teaching Fellowship and the enhanced Robert Noyce Scholarship program.

For information, go to http://www.mathforamerica.org.