Math and Science Teacher AcademyTeacher Support :

Math and Science Teacher Academy

As a result of Governor Pawlenty’s efforts to improve teacher effectiveness, the 2007 legislature provided funding for nine regional Teacher Centers to provide high-quality professional development to teachers so they can effectively deliver the Minnesota K-12 Academic Standards in Mathematics (2007). Initial legislative funding was $3 million and an additional $500,000 was made available through a grant from the National Governors Association.

Focus on Mathematics

The focus of this round of funding is to develop teaching modules in mathematics and train teacher leaders to use the modules in their classrooms as they implement the math standards. More than 1,000 teachers from across the state are currently part of the Academy.

The Future of the Math and Science Teacher Academy

The Minnesota Department of Education hopes to secure additional funding from the legislature to continue to build the professional development network started in 2008. The next round of funding would target implementation of the science standards, which are currently in the revision process.