A Race For Mathematics Teachers

Six years in to our mission to expand the circle of excellence among high school mathematics students, it is clearer than ever that success in advanced level mathematics is dependent on much more than just talent or a natural ability. Students and their teachers must be determined, and motivated for hard work; they need to display grit and perseverance in the face of challenges; and to believe in themselves, sometimes even when it appears an impossible task.

There is a need to change attitudes and approaches to excellence across the board, by cultivating resilience and self-efficacy. Last year, DRIVE, a non-profit organization that provides students, teachers with practical tools and mental coaching, using methodologies from professional sports, took on this challenge. They developed a pilot program of workshops and individual coaching for five-unit mathematics teachers, culminating in a 5 km run for 45 teachers and their students. On February 23^rd these teachers and 600 five-unit mathematics students took part in the Tel Aviv marathon, which was a highlight for them and attracted positive media attention. Since, the teachers have reported that the program has helped them prevent students dropping down from their classes.

In light of the successful implementation of the program in 2017, DRIVE is now proposing to continue and expand the program to 200 mathematics teachers, while relying mostly on funding from the Education Ministry, municipalities and private sponsors. The plan is to establish 10 regional groups of teachers, who will take part in a course of workshops (60 hours).  In addition, they will train 20 teachers from the first cohort of the program as mentors in a three-day residential workshop and will engage the physical education teachers from the participating schools to support preparation for the race. It is hoped that 3,300 students will compete in the 5k race in 2018 with their teachers.

* The text presented above shows the grant as approved by the Foundation Board / Grant 251