Our Mission

By Judith Bender, Website Founder

It is clear from the results of recent teacher testing, as well as from many disappointing results of students on standardized math tests across the country, that our schools need to improve their capabilities to effectively teach mathematics.

Solving the problem of raising the level of mathematical fluency in the United States starts with supporting and empowering the teachers who are charged with educating our children. Teachers have an extremely challenging job.  Often times, out of necessity, teachers are required to take on the roles of parent, social worker, motivator, disciplinarian, etc.  In addition to these roles, we expect teachers - especially elementary school teachers - to be masters of all the subjects they teach.  For children to be fluent and even passionate about math (or any subject for that matter), we need to provide ways to help teachers develop enough subject matter mastery to effectively educate our children.

I believe that the work of Professor Herb Gross can play a key role in raising the level of math fluency in this country. Herb's work, in conjunction with the work of his brother Kenneth, led to the development of the Vermont Mathematics Initiative (VMI) that has enjoyed success throughout the world.  Their approach is profoundly simple.  

Although we currently view elementary and middle school teachers as our target audience, I believe that anyone who wants to become more comfortable with mathematics will benefit from what Herb has done.  Thus, through this website, I am honored to make Herb's work accessible to as many people as possible.