Workshop

This workshop, jointly sponsored by MSRI and AIM will be held at AIM Headquarters in Palo Alto, California. The aim of The Teacher’s Circle is to equip educators with an effective problem-solving approach to teaching mathematics. This style of learning is based on the math circle environment that has proven to be successful for students around the world. Therefore The Teacher’s Circle will immerse a group of middle school math teachers in engaging mathematics and expose them to a dynamic style of classroom presentation. Participants will come away with a variety of resources, lesson modules, and a renewed sense of appreciation for the fascinating world of mathematics. Teachers will also be eligible for continuing education credit, professional development units, or college course credits. The program is designed to provide mathematical material and collegial support for teachers in preparation for, as well as during, the 2006-2007 academic year, and it consists of two parts, a summer workshop, and follow-up sessions. The summer workshop will take place at the American Institute of Mathematics (AIM) in downtown Palo Alto during the week of August 14-18, 2006. Participants will be housed at nearby lodging free of charge, and will receive free meals. Seven follow-up sessions hosted by San Jose State University will be offered from 5:00 to 8:00 on the second Thursday evening of each month (excluding December) during the ensuing academic year to provide further resources and support. Approximately twenty-seven participants will be selected, based as much on their desire to implement this new style of teaching as on their current use of problem-solving, so we urge all interested teachers to apply, regardless of mathematical background. For further information and to apply, visit http://www.TheTeachersCircle.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis on March 24, April 28 and May 26. For further information direct your inquiries to shubin AT math.sjsu.edu or joshua.zucker AT gmail.com or samv AT mandelbrot.org.