About Us

The Math Teachers’ Circle Network is a project for people who are passionate about teaching, mathematics, and supporting teachers of mathematics. We are starting a Math Teachers’ Circle (MTC) in Dubuque commencing summer 2015 and extending through the following academic year. Our MTC is mathematically rich and incorporates techniques that would assist in the integration of problem solving in your classroom. Led by people from both middle schools and postsecondary institutions, this MTC provides an opportunity to engage with a mathematical community in Dubuque and the surrounding areas.

Organizers:

Amanda H. Matson, PhD

Clarke University

Assistant Professor of Mathematics

My current favorite math humor is the image of the cats in the boxes (http://joyreactor.com/post/1793418 orhttp://www.neatorama.com/2014/11/13/Cat-Math/) although I am not sure who the original poster is. My current favorite math game is On the Dot.

I became interested in starting an MTC in Dubuque a few years ago when I met the national MTC group at a gathering of mathematicians. They were so exuberant and passionate, I was immediately hooked. I love math, teaching, and giving people the opportunity to talk about mathematics, do mathematics, and talk about teaching mathematics.

One of the courses I teach is a foundational mathematics class for future elementary school teachers. As such, I am well aware of and comfortable with the Common Core State Standards of Mathematical Practice as well as the content standards.

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Emily Schmidt, MSEd

Mazzuchelli Middle School

Mathematics Teacher

My favorite math jokes involve imaginary numbers, like this one: https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/02/76/c7/0276c776c170abd09c6e0313067a120d.jpg. I have a collection of math and logic games, and I am always looking for new ones to introduce to my students. My current favorite is Set.

I became interested in Math Teachers Circles through Amanda and Jonas reaching out to middle school teachers who might be interested in collaborating with them. The idea of learning more about problem solving and how to teach problem solving drew me in because that is a skill I find my students struggle with.

I am starting my 10th year of teaching and have been at Mazzuchelli for 9 of those 10 years. My favorite math class to teach is Geometry because I think it has so many possibilities for student exploration and investigation.

Beverly Florence, MEA

Roosevelt Middle School

Mathematics Teacher

I love the humor I find in many children’s picture books that involve math concepts. Many times I introduce a lesson with a story and have to explain the humor to my seventh graders.

I became interested in math circles when I attended a conference at Clarke and went to a break out session involving math circles. I saw how this could be very engaging for students and was later contacted by the organizers and asked to help getting a group started here in Dubuque. I have been very excited to work with other math teachers and bring good math problem solving ideas to my students!

I currently teach mathematics to 7th grade students at Eleanor Roosevelt Middle School in Dubuque and have a master's degree in Educational Administration through Loras College. My undergraduate work was done at Clarke University with an Elementary Education major, a Reading endorsement and Mathematics Major. I also have a Middle School Endorsement through Clarke University.