Three Mount Airy High School (MAHS) mathematics teachers have been selected to participate in the North Carolina High School Mathematics Master Teacher Fellows Program. Mr. Bryan Hayes, Mrs. Courtney Howlett, and Mr. Cody Spicer will be starting the extensive five-year program this summer.
All three Fellows graduated from Appalachian State University where they earned their Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, Secondary Education. Hayes began his educational career in 2006 at North Brunswick High School and joined MAHS in 2014. Hayes was named the school’s 2016-2017 Teacher of the Year. He is currently teaching AP Calculus and is a member of the school improvement team (SIT). Howlett started her career at MAHS in 2013 and has served as math department chair, professional learning communities facilitator, and the school’s 2017-2018 Teacher of the Year. She currently teaches Math III and Pre-Calculus. Spicer joined the staff in the spring of 2014 and has also served on SIT. He currently teaches Math I and Math II and assists with the school’s Richard Childress Racing program.
Mount Airy High School Principal Jason Dorsett shared, “I am tremendously grateful that this opportunity was made available to our district and that this group of educators expressed such strong interest. Their dedication for student learning and willingness to grow professionally is evident.”
“We are very proud of the opportunity these three educators have before them. Each of them are highly respected in their field and will only become stronger through this innovative partnership,” stated Chief Academic Officer Dr. Phillip Brown.
Mount Airy City Schools, along with six partnering districts, are working collaboratively with NC State University, The Innovation Project, and the National Science Foundation to prepare a select group of 20 high school math teachers. These educators will deepen their understanding of mathematics and mathematics teaching while gaining experience leading and mentoring students and educators. These Fellows will go on to share what they learn with educators in the district, state, and nation.
“The goal of the program is to prepare high school mathematics teachers to be leaders and mentors in their schools and districts and within the state of North Carolina,” said Dr. Karen Hollebrands, Alumni Distinguished Undergraduate Professor at the NC State College of Education and principal investigator on the project. “An additional goal of the project is to retain highly qualified experienced mathematics teachers.”
Over the course of five years, the participating teachers will:
- Complete an online graduate certificate program in mathematics teaching and learning or a master’s program during the first year
- Attend a week-long summer professional development institute each year
- Work collaboratively to apply for National Board Certification
- Complete an online mentor training program
- Attend and present at mathematics teaching conferences
- Assume leadership roles in their school or district
Superintendent Dr. Kim Morrison noted, “We are so excited to offer this opportunity to these eligible teachers at MAHS. We believe in investing in our staff and helping them reach the next level of education through a master's degree and National Board Certification. NC State has partnered with The Innovation Project to bring this wonderful opportunity through a National Science Foundation grant. We are excited they have chosen Mount Airy City Schools for this tremendous program.”