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CoMath Update for August 6, 2021

Welcome back! Yes, it's August already and if you're not back in your building yet, I'm guessing you will be soon.

Did you know that CoMath dates back to 1993? It's Colorado's original math teacher social network. As I understand it, it originated as part of the Adventures in Supercomputing project, hosted by Dr. Pat Burns and Dr. Dave Zachmann, and it allowed teachers to collaborate on a computing research project. Later, the email group grew into more of a general-purpose math education mailing list, and it was managed by Tom Hibbs and Glenn Bruckhart. Around 2003, hosting of CoMath was moved to CDE as part of the MathStar program, an effort by the U.S. Department of Education to improve mathematics teaching through greater use of technology and collaboration. And it's been with CDE ever since. Currently, the CoMath listserv has 672 subscribers, and if you know a math teacher or math-interested leader who isn't on the list, follow the instructions on the bottom of the email to get them subscribed.

CoMath Conversation: How do we teach math without a math teacher?

Last month, I visited every school district website looking for job openings for 6-12 math teachers, interventionists, or specialists. The picture wasn't pretty. Over 75 districts had math job postings, and it probably represents about 100 math teacher openings. Unfortunately, all those positions aren't going to get filled before schools start. On Thursday, August 12, from 3:30 to 4:45 I'm hosting a "CoMath Conversation" about this, where we'll share ideas and strategies for what schools can do if they are understaffed with math teachers. Please register in advance for this meeting via Zoom.

Job Opportunities

And speaking of job openings, here are two:

  • Horizon Middle School in Cherry Creek School District is looking for two middle school math teachers. For more information, contact Megan Zitek or Melissa Myers. (Thanks, Anthony Pachelli!)
  • Northridge HS in Greeley has a teaching position available. (Thanks, Kristie Julien!)

Continuing the Journey: National Mathematics Guidance for 2021-2022

NCTM, NCSM, and ASSM have jointly released Continuing the Journey: Mathematics Learning 2021 and Beyond to help guide schools and teachers as we cope with the interruptions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Three key areas are addressed in this document:

  1. A focus on grade-level content
  2. Equitable, effective teaching practices
  3. Advocacy

Each area includes some recommended practices and resources, as well as things to avoid. To read an introduction to Continuing the Journey, read Trena Wilkerson's recent NCTM President's Message.

Managing Your CoMath Subscription

Did you change email addresses this summer? Be sure to update your CoMath subscription!