Study the curriculum (not the resource or textbook) for your grade(s):

• understand the basic content areas

• look for ways the content can be organized and ordered

• identify what skills students required before they can be successful with this content

Seek out a mentor/partner/colleague:

• spend time talking about math

• plan units and lessons together

• challenge each other's best practice

• share in success and support each other's struggles

Plan your year before it starts:

• create a scope and sequence for your teaching (10 month plan)

• order units thoughtfully

• record your learning intentions for assessment

Study the curriculum of the previous grade(s):

• What method was taught, what models were used, what resources did the teachers utilize?

• Allow you to anticipate gaps in learning, reteach non-mastered materials, and give continuity to your teaching.

• More importantly, this will provide continuity of learning for your students.

Your greater understanding also gives classroom credibility as you more confidently tell the class the links from previous years when introducing new concepts.

Study the curriculum of the grades that follow:

• Learn how to link your content to math concepts to come

• Stretch the learning of your advanced students with more difficult curriculum

As I see it, math is never done, and can easily be continued by knowledgeable teachers. The stronger your math depth and breadth, the more you can tailor the learning and inspire all learners to move forward from where they are to where their next step is.