Idaho Regional Mathematics Centers

About the Idaho Regional Mathematics Centers

To carry forward and advance the work started with the Idaho Math Initiative, the Idaho Department of Education partnered with Idaho’s Institutions of Higher Education using funding from the Idaho Legislature to support the Idaho Regional Mathematics Centers.

Through this coordinated, collaborative and comprehensive statewide effort, the Idaho Regional Mathematics Centers strive to ensure that Idaho’s mathematics teachers are highly talented, trained and effective professionals. Operating as regional support centers for all K-12 public schools in Idaho, the Idaho Regional Mathematics Centers provide professional development for teachers and schools and conduct research to support mathematics teaching and learning in Idaho.

The Regional Mathematics Centers are housed within the colleges of education at these four-year state institutions:

University of Idaho
Lewis-Clark State College
Boise State University
Idaho State University

Personnel at these centers work collaboratively with the Idaho Department of Education, representatives from local industries and other faculty to ensure that the best possible support is provided to each region. Idaho is a geographically large state with many districts and schools located in remote, isolated areas.

The diversity and geography associated with Idaho’s schools lends itself to a high need for a statewide system of ongoing regional professional support for all mathematics teachers. Providing localized centers with experts in mathematics education further supports the efforts made by teachers, school districts, and communities across the state.

Members and specialties

The members of the Regional Mathematics Centers consist of the director, regional specialists and teacher fellows with experience in:

K-16 mathematics education
Professional development
Instructional technologies
Educational research

The members of the Regional Mathematics Centers provide both regional and school-specific support in mathematics education. They welcome input from schools and districts about the type of professional development they need. By promoting mathematical thinking, problem solving and the habits of mind necessary for students to effectively understand and apply mathematics, the educational systems within Idaho are substantially strengthened.

About Region 1

University of Idaho in Coeur d’Alene houses the Idaho Regional Mathematics Center in Region 1. The center is directed by Julie Amador, Ph.D., and supported by our Regional Mathematics Specialists, Courtney Greene and Kathy Prummer. The center provides professional mathematics support with content and pedagogy to K-12 teachers in Region 1.