Development of Five-Unit Mathematics Teaching Courses for a Teacher Residency Program

Last year, the foundation approved a grant for a joint program by the Schools of Mathematics and Education at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem to train 45 new five-unit mathematics teachers. The grant was smaller than similar programs, with a condition attached to it that if the School of Education hires a mathematics-teaching researcher as a faculty member, then the foundation will consider an additional grant. In the time being, such experts and lecturers were outsourced and professional support had to be provided by the School of Mathematics.

The first cohort of 12 career-changers started a one-year program following a rigorous selection process, nine of which completed it. The program got positive reviews from its students and staff, as well as from the High-Tech to Teaching Taskforce, who attested to the quality of the students and the program. The School of Education has taken most of the responsibility upon itself and collaborated with the local Arts and Science High School, where the residents practice, with only minimal participation of the School of Mathematics.

Now, the program wishes to strengthen its professional capacity. The School of Education recruited a new faculty member, Alik Palatnik, PhD, who specializes in mathematics teaching. Palatnik’s contribution will be harnessed to enrich the mathematical pedagogic content of the program, focusing on dedicated courses for advanced five-unit track teachers. Cooperation with the School of Mathematics will increase, both organizationally and professionally. The intention is for the School of Mathematics to develop at least two dedicated courses which will be included as part of the program.

* The text presented above shows the grant as approved by the Foundation Board / Grant 343