Middle school mathematics teachers should demonstrate the qualities expected of the general Junior Academy teacher in the areas of curriculum, instruction, assessment, classroom management, professional responsibilities, professional relationships, family involvement, and school community. In addition, mathematics teachers should:
understand the strands, processes, and vocabulary of mathematics
understand math content through senior-level math courses
keep current with trends, pedagogy, issues, and topics of importance in mathematics education
have sufficient content knowledge to be comfortable with open-ended math content in which students are actively learning math through exploration and problem solving
possess a background in teaching a hands-on math program or demonstrate an interest in and understanding of such a program
be comfortable in student-directed classrooms in which students are working together, conversing, using materials, and participating in exploration centers
demonstrate the ability to develop a math concept with manipulatives
demonstrate the ability to develop a math strand through several units
be willing to participate in mathematics professional development sessions in order to raise the level of mathematics instruction
have experience or interest in integrating technology tools into the math curriculum and in modeling effective use of the computer in math instruction
administer state, local, and EdisonLearning benchmark assessments
monitor student progress through regular classroom assessment
