Transforming East Alabama Mathematics (TEAM-Math) through Developing Teacher Leaders
Description
In this showcase, we highlight the work that the TEAM-Math project has done to foster teacher leadership across grades K-12. TEAM-Math is a partnership of Auburn Universitys College of Education and College of Sciences and Mathematics, Tuskegee University, and 14 school districts in east Alabama with the mission of Transforming East Alabama Mathematics (abbreviated as TEAM-Math). Over the past 13 years, TEAM-Math has received over $12 million to support its systemic change model, which includes professional development, teacher leader development, curriculum alignment, improvement of teacher preparation, and stakeholder outreach.
Most recently, TEAM-Math received two grants from the National Science Foundation to establish the TEAM-Math Teacher Leader Academy--$600,000 in 2008 to support 14 secondary mathematics teachers and $1.5 million in 2009 to support 22 elementary teachers with an interest in mathematics. Teachers selected to be fellows receive intensive professional development to stimulate their growth as teacher leaders, as well support for tuition to pursue graduate degrees at Auburn University. Secondary mathematics fellows pursued degrees in mathematics education, and elementary fellows pursued degrees in early childhood or elementary education, along with an Elementary Mathematics Specialist certificate. This cadre of teacher leaders has had a significant impact on improving mathematics instruction in their schools and districts and beyond. Furthermore, they serve as mentors for preservice teachers.
The TEAM-Math project leaders are: Dr. W. Gary Martin and Dr. Marilyn E. Strutchens, Co-Directors/PIs from the College of Education; Dr. Steven Stuckwisch (retired in 2014), Co-PI from the College of Sciences and Mathematics; Dr. Mohammed Qazi, Co-PI from Tuskegee University; and Dr. Kenneth Varner, Co-PI from Tallassee City Schools.