Marshall-area Teacher Center launched
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
Contact: Randy Wanke |
MARSHALL-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 Marshall. Minnesota Department of Education Program Supervisor Sally Wherry today joined local educators to launch the Marshall-area Region 6 and 8 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 Commissioner Alice Seagren. “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 Region 6 and 8 Teacher Center is training teams how to effectively prepare students to meet the new mathematics standards requirements put in place in 2007. The Teacher Center developed a training module for middle school algebra (grade 6-8) and is developing a second module on Accelerating Student Mathematics Achievement to Grade Level for grades 3-8. More than 50 teachers, administrators and curriculum specialists, representing districts from across southwest and west central Minnesota, are participating in the training.
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.
Christy Hemp, Project Director and Math Specialist for the Regions 6 and 8 Math and Science Teacher Center said, “We are in partnership with the Minnesota River Valley Education District and Southwest Minnesota State University to provide participating districts with the support and training needed to accelerate student mathematics achievement. The Southwest/West Central Service Cooperative is excited to be a part of this project that will give math teachers the opportunities to share new content and teaching approaches with their students and their colleagues.”
Regional Teacher Center Information
Region 6 & 8: Southwest/West Central Service Cooperative - Marshall
Partners: Southwest State University and the Minnesota River Valley Education District
Contact: Shelly Maes, SW/WC Service Cooperative – 507-537-2282 – shelly.maes@swsc.org
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