Help students succeed in math!
Partners in Math is an 8th grade math program that builds relationships and student confidence through interactive problem-solving. Success in 8th grade math improves algebra success and reduces dropout risk.
Each volunteer engages a small group of students in solving group-worthy math problems. Math Coaches bring their enjoyment of math, group skills, and real world relevance to the classroom. Students benefit from more individualized attention and getting to know a supportive adult from the community.
Each volunteer engages a small group of students in solving group-worthy math problems. Math Coaches bring their enjoyment of math, group skills, and real world relevance to the classroom. Students benefit from more individualized attention and getting to know a supportive adult from the community.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What will I do as a volunteer Classroom Coach in Partners in Math?
How do I know I am making a difference?
What volunteer training is offered?
My math is a bit rusty after many years away from a classroom. How much math knowledge is expected?
What materials are provided?
How are volunteers supported in the weekly session?
How are volunteers supported between visits?
At which schools can I volunteer as a Math Coach?
How can I sign up to be a Math Classroom Coach?
How do I know I am making a difference?
What volunteer training is offered?
My math is a bit rusty after many years away from a classroom. How much math knowledge is expected?
What materials are provided?
How are volunteers supported in the weekly session?
How are volunteers supported between visits?
At which schools can I volunteer as a Math Coach?
How can I sign up to be a Math Classroom Coach?
What will I do as a volunteer Classroom Coach in Partners in Math?
You will join a team of fellow Math Coaches who together go into a classroom once a week for 45 minutes to engage students in math.
With training and math curriculum provided in advance, each Math Coach will work with a group of about 3 students. You will work with the same students each week to build important mentoring relationships. The teacher is available for support throughout the class period. Every student in the class participates, so every student benefits!
How do I know I am making a difference?
Teachers report that your presence in the classroom makes a positive difference for their students. Don’t be fooled by that tough, middle school exterior! The students appreciate the time you take to work on math with them.
Quantitative measures provide evidence that Partners in Math results in measurable success. Students participating in Partners in Math passed TAKS at a 7% higher rate than did a demographically similar group of students.
Program Successes
Program Successes
What volunteer training is offered?
Math coaches learn to engage small groups of eighth graders in solving math challenges. The two hour training for volunteers includes: Math Training Agenda
My math is a bit rusty after many years away from a classroom. How much math knowledge is expected?
This is a common volunteer concern. Because volunteers are coaches, not tutors, it is more important that volunteers use facilitative questioning to help students discover answers for themselves, rather than providing the exact solution. It is actually better for the students to "teach" the volunteers and fellow students than it is to listen to someone provide answers. The concepts become more internalized and students become more confident mathematicians when they construct their own knowledge. Eighth Grade Math Concepts
What materials are provided?
Volunteers will receive a binder during training that includes weekly group lesson plans that were written in collaboration with AISD teachers and curriculum experts. Each lesson plan includes detailed answers, suggested facilitation questions, and suggestions for connecting to the real world. Sample Curriculum
How are volunteers supported in the weekly sessions?
Classroom Coaching occurs in the regular math period with the teacher present. Coaches work independently with their groups, while teachers move from group to group providing support on curriculum or behavior management as needed.
Teachers report that they feel more effective as a result of this opportunity to observe their students’ participation, something which they are not able to do when they are teaching the entire classroom.
How are volunteers supported between visits?
Classroom Coaches support each other and are served by the Austin Partners in Education program coordinator. Coaches meet together for a few minutes before or after classes to share experiences, successes, and challenges. Program Coordinators provide ongoing training, visit classrooms, and are available to answer questions and provide suggestions and tips between sessions via phone and email. Calendar with Training Schedule
Additional resources for Partners in Math volunteers are also available online. Additional Resources for Volunteers
At which schools can I volunteer as a Math Coach?
Partners in Math is expanding as resources allow. The 2009-2010 school year participants include:
• Burnet Middle School (Northwest Austin near Burnet & Steck)
• Burnet Middle School (Northwest Austin near Burnet & Steck)
• Dobie Middle School (Northeast Austin near IH35 & Rundberg)
• Fulmore Middle School (South Austin near S. Congress & East Mary)
• Fulmore Middle School (South Austin near S. Congress & East Mary)
• Martin Middle School (Central Austin near downtown)
• Mendez Middle School (Southeast Austin, near I35 & Slaughter)
• Webb Middle School (North Austin near IH35 and St. Johns)
• Mendez Middle School (Southeast Austin, near I35 & Slaughter)
• Webb Middle School (North Austin near IH35 and St. Johns)
How can I sign up to be a Classroom Coach?
Press Volunteer and you will be taken to our Volunteer Center. Choose Partners in Math from the Program choice box and you will see a list of choices.
Become a Classroom Coach today!
Program Contact:
Elizabeth McCormick
Classroom Coaching Manager
emccormick@austinpartners.org
emccormick@austinpartners.org
512-637-0981
"I thought I was a horrible math student until you all started tutoring us...Now, it's my second favorite class next to lunch."
– Partners in Math Student
"Due to the volunteers, I had engagement with students that I could never reach. Students were also able to see that math doesn’t exist just in my classroom, but with adults in various jobs."
– Partners in Math Teacher
"Volunteering feeds the soul! The most wonderful feeling is knowing the kids benefitted and succeeded from what I tutored. I believe that kids are smart and they just need the right guidance."
– Partners in Math Volunteer
"I loved working with the same group of kids every week and building a relationship. I really looked forward to seeing them!"
– Partners in Math Volunteer
"The experience has been more than me tutoring them in math. Each week, they talk about their lives with me as well. I feel that they trust in me and look up to me."
– Partners in Math Volunteer
"But being a math coach is about a lot more than math — it’s about the enthusiasm and energy you bring into the classroom. Working with students on a more individualized basis provides the motivation that is key for students in 8th grade."
– Partners in Math Volunteer
