Join 350 teachers this summer in NMSSI
More than 350 mathematics teachers will be taking a course through the Nebraska Math and Science Summer Institutes (NMSSI) this summer to strengthen their mathematical knowledge for teaching – what about you?
Seats and fellowships are still available for two courses this summer: Math 896, Problem Solving and Critical Thinking in the Elementary Classroom, in Omaha (June 18-22) and Math 802T, Functions, Algebra and Geometry, in Lincoln (June 25-29). Go to http://scimath.unl.edu/nmssi to see the four steps to register and apply for the NMSSI fellowship. *Please complete your application by Thursday, June 14, in order to qualify.*
As a result of the NeSA-M, Nebraska’s first statewide mathematics assessment, mathematics teachers at all grade levels are looking for new learning opportunities that support them in offering high quality mathematics courses to their students. The NMSSI offer graduate mathematics and pedagogy courses using a teacher-friendly delivery model that help teachers respond to this challenge.
For all NMSSI courses, Nebraska teachers automatically qualify for a fellowship equal to 20 percent of the cost of in-state tuition and the $50 fee for graduate school admission is waived. Lunch is also provided to all teachers at all sites.
The target audience for Math 896: Problem Solving and Critical Thinking in the Elementary Classroom (Class # 3365 in Omaha) is kindergarten to grade 5 teachers. The course will be held at Central High School from June 18-22, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. The course was designed and taught in Summer 2011 by Kyla Hall, a fifth-grade teacher for Lincoln Public Schools, with support provided by a UNL mathematics graduate student and a faculty member. In Summer 2012, Kyla will teach the course in Omaha (June 18-22) and Lincoln (July 9-13).
Math 896 seeks to build a strong foundation for the teaching and communication of mathematical concepts by the hands-on development of critical-thinking skills via problem-solving experiences. It provides a guided opportunity for the implementation of problem-solving instruction that is aligned with the new Nebraska mathematics standards in both the primary (K-2) and intermediate (3-5) elementary classroom.
Teachers who took the course in Summer 2011 said: “I think the handouts are incredibly valuable,” “Looking at the NeSA and objective cards for second and fourth grade plus standards gives me a better idea of what they already know and where I need to get them,” and “This course expanded my confidence and challenged me to challenge my students at a deeper level."
The target audience for Math 802T: Functions, Algebra and Geometry (Class # 3380 in Lincoln) is grades 6-9 teachers. The course will be held on the UNL City Campus in 119 Avery Hall from June 25-29, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Math 802T will be taught by Jerel Welker, an LPS district math coach. This course is designed to help teachers gain a deep understanding of the concept of function and the algebra and geometry concepts taught in the middle-level curriculum. Studying this content at a deeper level will help teachers better prepare their students for the NeSA-M. Participants also will study measurement with an emphasis on length, area and volume.
Crystal Simpson, an OPS teacher who took Math 802T, said, “The best way to describe this course is to compare it to a roller-coaster ride – thrilling, refreshing and mind-blowing all at once. This class went into detail about theorems so that I could understand why these theorems existed in the first place and learn the importance of the theorems. These courses are right on time for teachers with the new state assessment.”
To enroll:
Step 1: Write down the course number, class/call number and section number so you have it when you are enrolling (Math 896 / 3365 / 953 or Math 802T / 3380 / 591).
Step 2: If you are not a current graduate student at UNL, you will start by applying to graduate school through Teach Nebraska, at http://www.unl.edu/gradstudies/teachneb. This application form includes a space to enter in the courses you want to register for, and that process will be completed for you.
Step 3: If you are a current student, enroll online through MyRed: http://myred.unl.edu.
Step 4: Apply for a fellowship from NMSSI to further reduce the costs of tuition and fees. Click on the red Apply Now buttons on the NMSSI or CSMCE websites.
Call Lindsay Augustyn at 402-472-8979 or email her at laugustyn2@unl.edu with questions. If you can, please let Lindsay know that you plan to register or apply for a fellowship so she can be on the lookout for your application. ***Fellowships are still available for just these two courses so act now!***