CENTER FOR SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS EDUCATION
Maryland Collaborative for Teacher Preparation
Summary of the Summer 1995 Mentor Teacher Workshop as appeared in the
Fall 1995 MCTP Quarterly newsletter...
MCTP MENTOR TEACHERS READY TO COACH
[Return to MCTP Mentor Teacher Workshop Page]
From Garrett County to Caroline County they came, 21 teachers of mathematics
or science in grades 4–8. The prospective mentors for MCTP students spent
eight days in July at the College Park campus, enhancing their knowledge
and skills in areas such as coaching and mentoring preservice teachers,
using technology in the classroom, and integrating science and mathematics
in lessons. They also learned a great deal about MCTP.
The workshop included sessions on e-mail, the World-Wide Web, graphing calculators,
performance-based assessment, classroom inclusion, and cooperative learning,
as well as a trip to Goddard Space Flight Center. Presenters included classroom
teachers (Stephanie Bamberger, Nadine Barker, Ellie Ennis, Sandy Gundlach,
Sharon Hoffman, Mary O'Haver, Frances Pittelli) as well as University faculty
from Coppin, Salisbury, Towson, and College Park.
Most participants cited three of the special events as especially valuable:
One was a trip to Mary O'Haver's very "tech-y" fifth grade classroom.
There, the students' work inspired many of the mentor teachers to think
of new ways to use technology in their classrooms. The second was an afternoon
and evening spent learning about mathematics and science reform efforts
from two leaders in the field: Glenda Lappan, chair of the writing team
for the 5th-8th grade level of the NCTM Curriculum and Evaluation Standards,
and Sophia Kesidou, a research associate with the American Association for
the Advancement of Science's Project 2061. At the third noteworthy event,
the teachers--most of them partners in a two-teacher team--were joined by
their principals. The principals became better acquainted with MCTP goals,
took part in activities illustrating mathematics/science instruction in
a reformed mode, and planned with their teachers ways to use their enhanced
skills.
As a culminating activity, the teacher teams developed and delivered a middle
school integrated mathematics/science lesson. The teachers acted as peer
coaches for one another and shared many great teaching resources.
The mentor teachers' journals and end-of-workshop evaluations indicated
that although the schedule was a bit over-zealous, they were delighted to
have met new colleagues and learned much from the experience. A one-day
reunion workshop is planned for November 9, 1995. While it may be a year
before many MCTP students begin internships or student teaching, a group
of dedicated, knowledgeable teachers is now ready to share and grow with
MCTP students.
- Anna O. Graeber
The Center for Science and Mathematics Education
Administration Building, Rooms 214 & 215 (campus map)
Phone: 410 704 2532
Fax: 410 704 3959
email: CSME@towson.edu
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