What is a Middle School Math Teachers' Circle?
Teachers' Circles are collaborations between research mathematicians, middle school math teachers, and school administrators. A Teachers' Circle provides an opportunity for teachers to engage in mathematical problem solving and deepen their understanding of mathematics. This problem solving approach to mathematics is a structure that can be implemented in teachers work with students.
The main activities of a Teachers' Circle are problem solving sessions for middle school math teachers led by a mathematician. Rather than emphasizing math exercises, the techniques discussed during the Teachers' Circles sessions aim to create a culture of problem solving among middle school mathematics teachers.
At each of our sessions, the first part will be devoted to actively engaging in mathematical problem solving together and the latter part of our time will be addressing teachers concerns, how to implement problem solving in the classroom and connections to the Common Core Standards.
Another important aspect of the Teachers' Circles is to create a network among math teachers and research mathematicians. This network becomes an invaluable resource of ideas, activities, and support with fellow professionals.
How Can I Participate?
The Northern Colorado Math Teachers' Circle will host its spring 2013 problem-solving sessions for middle level math teachers on Monday February 4th, Monday March 4th(cancelled), and Monday April 8th from 5:30-8pm at UNC in Ross 2090. The evenings are entirely free. Please join us for dinner and math. A flyer can be found here. If you have further questions please email any of the leadership team (email addesses can be found to the left). We hope you will join us at one or every session.
Additionally a free four-day residential problem solving Summer Workshop (flyer can be found here) will be held in June 24-27, 2013. More information on the Summer Workshop and application can be found here.
