Succeeding at Teaching Secondary Mathematics: Your First Year

"Here is a resource that all math teachers can use. This book maps out a road to success by incorporating best practices, innovative ideas, and proven strategies that will help any teacher reach today′s students. It is filled with illustrations and explanations on how to turn your classroom into an active learning environment that appeals to the students of the 21st century. This book is an invaluable resource in transforming my classroom―now my students want to come to math class, and they are learning!"
―Amanda McKee, Mathematics Teacher
Florence County School District #5, Johnsonville, SC

All the support and guidance new mathematics teachers need―in one invaluable resource!

In today′s world of increased accountability, teaching mathematics offers more challenges than ever before. This resource helps beginning teachers get off to a great start by providing information on everything from assessment to standards-based teaching to student engagement strategies.

The authors focus on NCTM content and process standards and offer guidelines for instructing and assessing English language learners, students with special needs, and gifted students. Filled with practical strategies as well as helpful classroom vignettes that encourage thought-provoking discussions on teaching middle and high school mathematics, this guide shows teachers how to:

• Focus on the big ideas in teaching mathematics
• Design a curriculum that is meaningful
• Differentiate instruction to include all learners
• Engage students by meeting their affective, behavioral, and cognitive needs
• Use a variety of methods to assess students′ understanding

Covering the key elements to successful teaching, this essential mathematics resource helps beginning educators lead their class with confidence!

Cheryl D. Roddick is an associate professor in the Department of Mathematics at San José State University. She currently teaches mathematics and mathematics methods courses to students in K-12 education. She also supervises field experiences for student teachers at the secondary level. 

Roddick’s research interests include the conceptual understanding of fractions and teacher change relative to teaching mathematics. She has presented her research in local as well as national mathematics education conferences. She also facilitates K-12 inservice activities with teachers in local school districts.

Julie Sliva Spitzer brings a rich background in mathematics, technology, and special education. As an associate professor of mathematics education at San Jose State University, she teaches methods of mathematics instruction to aspiring educators and supervises their field experiences. Julie continues to enjoy inservice work with teachers Grades K–12. Julie’s research interests include studying teacher and student attitudes toward teaching and learning mathematics, and best practices for teaching mathematics to learners with special needs. She is a frequent presenter at the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Annual Meetings, the California Mathematics Annual Conference, and the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education, North American Chapter.