Thief River Falls/Bemidji-area Teacher Center launched
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: |
Contact: Randy Wanke |
THIEF RIVER FALLS/BEMIDJI-AREA TEACHER CENTER
LAUNCHED TO IMPROVE MATH AND SCIENCE
INSTRUCTION
Roseville – Improving mathematics and science instruction and learning will be the focus of the new Math and Science Teacher Center in northwest Minnesota. Minnesota Department of Education Assistant Commissioner Karen Klinzing today joined local educators in Bemidji on Tuesday to launch the Thief River Falls/Bemidji-area Teacher Center, a part of the Minnesota Math and Science Teacher Academy which consists of nine Teacher Centers throughout the state.
“After parents, teachers have the biggest impact on student success,” said Assistant Commissioner Klinzing. “Through the training at this Center, teachers will have the opportunity to hone their skills in order to help prepare their students for success after high school.”
The Teacher Center is training 10 teacher leaders from 10 districts on how to effectively prepare students to meet the new mathematics standards requirements put in place in 2007. The Center developed a training module for middle school algebra (grade 6-8) and is developing a module on elementary Algebra Connected to Number (grade 3-5).
The Math and Science Teacher Academy is a result of Governor Pawlenty’s efforts to improve teacher effectiveness, especially in the areas of math and science. Initial funding of $3 million was approved during the 2007 legislative session and an additional $500,000 was made available through a grant from the National Governors Association.
“The power of this partnership model is exciting,” said Mary Klamm, Education Specialist for the Northwest Service Cooperative. “The collaboration among our partners gives us a better product, more comprehensive training and the ability to provide ongoing support and technical assistance to the teachers who attend the Teacher Center.”
Regional Teacher Center Information
Region 1 & 2: Northwest Service Cooperative – Thief River Falls
Partners: Bemidji State University and EdSights, LLC
Contact: Mary Klamm, 218-681-0888, mklamm@nw-service.k12.mn.us
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