Mathematics Education

Rita Gordon is the director of Elementary Education programs and director of the online Mathematics Education M.Ed. program. She structures the math courses that she teaches so that students enjoy mathematics, believe that mathematics is useful and makes sense, and feel confident in their ability to do mathematics. She brings a rich skill set from her many years of experience in educational administration Pre-K though adults, a strong commitment to public schools, and a positive learning environment that is supportive, professional, and dynamic.  

Rita also co-directs the Teacher Residency Programs at Lesley.

I believe that students can reach their maximum potential in math and science if given the correct environment to do so.

I see every student as a person that has untapped potential in many areas. My job is to tap into the area of their brain that allows them to comprehend mathematics and understand what they are doing. Every year in June I find it difficult to let my students move on to high school. I never feel like I’ve had enough time with them. I’m sure that if I taught them for multiple years I would feel the same way.

Students need time to explore and discuss their findings. This is where the learning really starts to grow. Discourse among their peers and sharing their thoughts with the whole class allows them to become better at forming their thoughts and getting others to understand them. Communication in mathematics is crucial. Students and teachers need to discuss mathematics with each other in order to help each other grow in their knowledge. Early mathematicians discussed mathematics, as should we. It is not meant to be an isolationist activity, although it may lend itself to be one. The old saying, “Two minds are better than one”, applies to mathematics.

Scott teaches in the mathematics in education graduate programs at Lesley.

Sandy designs and teaches courses and serves as a faculty advisor in the Mathematics Education M.Ed. program at Lesley University. She believes that students’ mathematical thinking should guide instruction and strives to structure learning environments that privilege student voice and agency.  

Sandy is pursuing her doctorate in Leadership for Educational Equity at the University of Colorado Denver.  Her research interests are focused on how K-12 mathematics teachers develop beliefs and practices that support equity in mathematics education for all students.  Prior to pursuing her doctorate, Sandy served as the K-12 Mathematics Specialist for a blended learning school in Colorado. Sandy also taught middle school mathematics and coached mathematics teachers for several years in Colorado and in Massachusetts.

Hannah Marton is originally from Hungary, coming to the US in 1992. She is currently a high school mathematics teacher at Wayland High School (2003–present), and was previously a high school math teacher at Martha's Vineyard Regional High School (1997–2003). She has been an adjunct instructor at Lesley University since 2007, teaching both face to face and online courses.

Hannah says: "I have two new hobbies in my life: about 5 years ago and I started to play the clarinet. I was a total beginner, never have played an instrument before. This was an amazing addition in my life! Now I play duets and trios with friends, and I play in our local community band, called Sudbury Valley New Horizons Band. I also started running about a year and a half ago, having my husband, who is a long distance runner, to coach me."

Education

MSci, Eotvos Lorand University, Budapest, Hungary (five-year undergraduate/graduate program)

Jayne teaches in the Elementary Education and Math Education programs in the Graduate School of Education, and has taught at Lesley for over 25 years. She is a District Math Instructional Coach in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where she spends most of her days in elementary through high school classrooms supporting coaches, teachers, and students. She presents workshops for teachers, administrators, and parents on a multitude of topics related to math education.

Her passion for mathematics stems from her love of numbers and how connecting to and understanding numbers helps her to make sense of the universe.

Education:  BA, Lesley University; M.Ed. Lesley University