Math for America

Math for America
Name	Math for America
Type	Nonprofit
Founded	2004
Founder	James Simons
Headquarters	New York City
Area served	United States
Focus	Teacher development, STEM education

Math for America is a nonprofit organization that supports mathematics and science teachers through fellowships, professional development, and school-based initiatives. Founded in 2004, the organization operates alongside institutions such as Columbia University, New York University, City University of New York and collaborates with municipal and state entities including New York City Department of Education, State University of New York, and national organizations such as National Science Foundation and National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Its work intersects with policies and programs associated with No Child Left Behind Act, Common Core State Standards Initiative, Race to the Top, and efforts led by figures connected to Bill Gates, Barack Obama, and Arne Duncan.

History

Math for America was established in 2004 by James Simons with early support from philanthropists linked to Simons Foundation, Julius Isaacson, and networks including Robin Hood Foundation and Carnegie Corporation of New York. In its formative years the organization partnered with education leaders from Teachers College, Columbia University, Bank Street College of Education, New York City Department of Education and engaged with policymakers from New York State Education Department and federal agencies such as the U.S. Department of Education. Expansion phases connected the nonprofit to regional systems in California, Illinois, Texas, and Massachusetts while interacting with nationwide initiatives like the Teach For America movement, the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, and curriculum efforts influenced by Common Core State Standards Initiative advocates. Over time, leadership transitions involved figures with ties to institutions including Harvard University, Princeton University, Yale University, and philanthropic networks around MacArthur Foundation and Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation.

Programs and Initiatives

The organization runs fellowship programs modeled after international examples and domestic counterparts such as Teach For America, New Leaders, and TNTP. Core offerings include multi-year fellowships, master teacher networks, in-school coaching, and summer institutes conducted with partners like Columbia University Teachers College, Bank Street College of Education, and City University of New York Graduate Center. Complementary initiatives have targeted recruitment pipelines from universities including Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford University, University of California, Berkeley, University of Michigan and professional development connected to standards promulgated by National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and assessment frameworks from PARCC and Smarter Balanced. The organization has piloted school-based programs in districts such as New York City, Los Angeles Unified School District, Chicago Public Schools, and Houston Independent School District while collaborating with foundations including Simons Foundation, Gates Foundation, and Carnegie Corporation of New York.

Admissions and Training

Admission to fellowships typically involves competitive selection drawing applicants from institutions such as Harvard University, Princeton University, Yale University, Columbia University, and state flagship universities like University of California, Los Angeles and University of Texas at Austin. Candidate evaluation employs rubrics informed by standards from National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, certification norms from State University of New York systems, and credential pathways similar to those used by Teach For America and alternative certification programs in California and New York State. Training components include summer institutes, ongoing mentoring, lesson study aligned with practices promoted by National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, and content-grounded seminars developed with faculty from Teachers College, Columbia University, New York University, and research partners such as American Institutes for Research and the National Science Foundation.

Impact and Evaluation

Evaluation of outcomes has been conducted in partnership with research organizations including Columbia University, Harvard University, Rutgers University, and American Institutes for Research, measuring effects on teacher retention, student achievement on assessments influenced by the Common Core State Standards Initiative, and classroom practice. Reported impacts cite improved retention among fellows relative to district averages in systems like New York City Department of Education and Los Angeles Unified School District, as well as gains on standardized measures linked to curricula aligned with PARCC and Smarter Balanced. External reviews have been commissioned by funders such as the Simons Foundation and Gates Foundation, and findings have appeared in venues associated with American Educational Research Association and policy discussions tied to U.S. Department of Education initiatives.

Funding and Partnerships

Primary funding has come from philanthropic sources including Simons Foundation, Gates Foundation, Carnegie Corporation of New York, and local donors connected to municipal agencies such as New York City Mayor's Office. Partnerships span higher education institutions like Columbia University, New York University, City University of New York, and research entities such as American Institutes for Research and National Science Foundation. Collaborative agreements have linked the organization to district partners including New York City Department of Education, Los Angeles Unified School District, Chicago Public Schools, and state systems like New York State Education Department and California Department of Education.

Notable Alumni and Leadership

Leadership and alumni have included educators and administrators associated with institutions such as Teachers College, Columbia University, Columbia University, Harvard University, NYU, and districts like New York City Department of Education and Los Angeles Unified School District. Founding and major donors include James Simons and trustees with affiliations to Simons Foundation, Carnegie Corporation of New York, and Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation. Alumni have gone on to roles in city agencies such as New York City Department of Education, state departments like New York State Education Department, nonprofit organizations including Teach For America and TNTP, and research posts at American Institutes for Research and university faculties at Columbia University and Teachers College, Columbia University.

Category:Non-profit organizations based in New York City