Our Mission

Fifty years ago, Americans led the world in math and science, claiming some of the most important inventions and technological breakthroughs of the 20^th century.  Today, American 15-year-olds rank 25^th in math compared to their peers worldwide.  Math for America strives to reclaim America’s reputation for scientific greatness by recruiting and supporting the very best secondary education math teachers.

Here in Washington DC, the majority of secondary school students are not math proficient.  Only about two thirds of secondary school math teachers are fully certified.  Our goals at Math for America (MfA) DC are to:

• Recruit candidates with strong math knowledge and teaching aptitude, which enhances the classroom experience and prepares disadvantaged youth to complete high school and attend college
• Support teachers through the completion of their Master’s degree and beyond, which will help them to become effective math educators in high-need urban classrooms
• Provide professional development, mentoring, and networking opportunities for teachers to facilitate the growth of a vibrant community of math educators

“By recruiting and training outstanding secondary school mathematics teachers for Washington, D.C., Math for America DC will help our city’s children receive the education they deserve.”

-Maxine Singer, Carnegie Institution President Emerita and founder of CASE

We are currently in our second year.  Our first cohort of five Fellows started teaching in their own classrooms this August, and our second cohort of nine Fellows is currently working towards their MA degrees.  We are in the process of recruiting a third cohort of Fellows and a first cohort of Master Teachers.

How We Do It

MfA DC has two components: the Fellowship Program and the Master Teacher Program.  The Fellowship, designed for new teachers, recruits a new cohort annually.  Each Fellow undergoes 15 months of intensive training, completing 18 credit hours of education pedagogy and 15 credit hours of math at our university partner as well as 500 hours of observation and teaching in DC classrooms with experienced mentors.  Fellows collect assignments, artifacts, and projects in a portfolio to document their professional development as educators.  MfA DC covers the cost of tuition, fees, and healthcare.  In addition, each Fellow receives a living stipend during training and a salary supplement during the first four years of teaching (which is linked to teacher retention).  At the end of the 15 month training, each Fellow receives an MA in Teaching in Secondary Education.  The Fellows spend the next four years working in Washington DC Public Schools or Public Charter Schools, supported by the MfA DC staff, their mentors, and each other.

The Master Teacher Program, designed for experienced DC teachers, is in the process of recruiting a first cohort of participants.  The program offers participants professional development and networking opportunities, a training grant to further their education, and an annual stipend over five years.  Master Teachers and Fellows build a vibrant community of math educators through professional development resources and events.

MfA DC is funded by a $1.498 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and through private donations.

Contact Us

Math for America DC
1530 P St NW, Washington DC 20005
202-939-1135
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