Professional Development and the Mathematics Educator

About the Book

This book introduces the many benefits of mathematics professional development for middle school teachers. It explores key features of effective professional development, research-based models, that can be used to design professional development and an analysis of professional development in the context of adult-learning theories. The importance of professional learning communities as an avenue for educators to grow in their knowledge and skills is also discussed. A qualitative research study that elucidates the many benefits of mathematics professional development on teachers’ knowledge, skills, and dispositions to teach middle school students is explored. The results of the study and its implications to teaching practice are discussed.

About the Author

I have been working in the field of education for many years. The experience that I possess as a mathematics teacher as well as a doctor in the field continues to impact my perceptions of the educator’s role- the “change agent” in the classroom. The more knowledgeable the teacher is with regards to pedagogy and content awareness, the better equipped they will be to impact student achievement. Advancing professionally is an avenue that teachers can use to be more effective within the classroom. My extensive research on mathematics professional development and its impact on quality teaching has been the impetus behind this book.