Staples-area Teacher Center launched
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
Contact: Randy Wanke |
STAPLES-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 Staples. Minnesota Department of Education Assistant Commissioner Morgan Brown today joined local educators to launch the Staples-area Region 5 Teacher Center, a part of the Minnesota Math and Science Teacher Academy (MSTA) which consists of nine Teacher Centers throughout the state.
“After parents, teachers have the biggest impact on student success,” said Assistant Commissioner Brown. “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 5 Teacher Center is training teams on 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 (grades 6-8) and is developing a second module on Algebra Connected to Number for grades K-2. Thirty teachers, administrators and curriculum specialists representing districts from across 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.
Pete Ziegler, Math and Science Teacher Academy project director at the Freshwater Education District, said, “Region 5 has not been served by a school-based cooperative center and is often not a participant in these types of region-wide initiatives. The superintendents of the region are thrilled to have the MSTA grant and are working hard toward their goal of preparing all students for the new algebra requirement, and increasing student achievement in mathematics across the board.”
Regional Teacher Center Information
Region 5: Freshwater Education District - Staples
Partners: Central Lakes College (Staples and Brainerd campuses) and DePaul University, Chicago
Contact: Pete Ziegler – 218-232-1439 – pziegler@q.com
###
MDE E-mail Updates