Inspired Teaching is proud to report that we have launched the Inspired Teaching Institute for Mathematics Teachers in Baltimore City this year.  In partnership with Baltimore City Public Schools, Inspired Teaching’s transformative model of professional development is fueling system-wide improvement in mathematics learning for students at the middle school level.  Specifically, the Institute is designed to improve teachers’ attitudes toward math; build teachers’ in-depth knowledge and understanding of the Common Core practice standards in math; and strengthen inquiry-based instruction in math.

Through the Institute, math teachers are learning inquiry-based instruction that challenges students to be critical thinkers and confident, determined mathematicians. With a focus on long term learning, teachers are designing engaging lessons that ensure students go beyond ‘making it through’ the curriculum, to learn, understand, and apply mathematical content.

The program is already demonstrating results. Teachers report that it is changing the way they teach: “Inspired Teaching got me excited and motivated to return to school. It provided new insight about teaching math and running my class!”

And program evaluation found that:

• 100% of teachers report that the Inspired Teaching Institute for Mathematics has influenced the way they think about teaching and learning.
• 96% of teachers report that the Institute is ‘better’ or ‘much better’ than other professional development.
• 92% of teachers report that the Institute is developing their skills in using engaging instructional strategies.

Even more critically, students taught by teachers in the Baltimore Math Institute are learning more. According to data collected during summer school 2011, two months after the Institute began, students taught by teachers in the Institute demonstrated greater growth in academic achievement than students taught by non-participating teachers, with a particular emphasis on problem solving.

Inspired Teaching’s partnership with Baltimore City Public Schools is the first stage of our new business plan, in which we will bring our established teacher trainings to new districts.  We want to thank all our long-term supporters for helping us take our work to the next level.