The teaching of mathematics has changed in recent years. Rather than focusing on correct answers, we are striving to help our students both do math and understand the math they are doing. We are challenged to teach math in a different way than we were taught. Teachers benefit from opportunities to test out new strategies, reflect on new ideas, and gain both the skills and confidence to be outstanding teachers of mathematics.
Quality Teacher Development (QTD) provides standards-based professional development to math teachers in grades K-5. QTD trainings address current math standards, are grounded in research, and engage teachers in practical activities. They provide doable ways for teachers to refine and enhance their math instruction.
All trainings are designed by Sue O’Connell, a national math consultant, author, and founder of Quality Teacher Development, and are facilitated by Sue and a team of high-quality instructors. Through Quality Teacher Development, Sue provides your school or district with high-quality on-site training that is customized to meet your needs. Sue will work directly with you to design a program that addresses your needs. See Math PD/Consulting Services for more information on scheduling professional development for your school or school district.
About Sue O’Connell
Sue has experience as a classroom teacher, instructional specialist, math coach, gifted and talented teacher/coordinator, testing coordinator, and district School Improvement Specialist. She has worked at the university level (University of Maryland) as both a Professional Development Schools (PDS) Coordinator and a project advisor for a teacher quality grant focusing on the development of a training program for math coaches. She is a frequent speaker at national, state, and local math conferences.
Sue works with Heinemann Publishing Company as an author, series editor (The Math Process Standards Series), and professional development provider. She is the developer and lead author of their K-5 math series Math by the Book and Math in Practice. She is the author of many best-selling books including Putting the Practices Into Action, Now I Get It: Strategies for Building Confident and Competent Mathematicians K-6, Introduction to Problem Solving, Introduction to Communication, Mastering the Basic Math Facts in Addition and Subtraction, and Mastering the Basic Math Facts in Multiplication and Division. Her books are designed to assist teachers in expanding their understanding of math content and process. They offer practical, easy-to-understand approaches to teaching mathematics and include instructional strategies, practical tips, samples of student work, and many standards-based activity ideas. See Books and Videos for additional information on Sue’s books.
Sue is the developer of Hand2Mind’s Navigating Numeracy Learning Progression Centers. She developed 45 centers for each grade level (K-5) that focus on enhancing students’ understanding of numbers and developing their critical number skills. The kits include teacher guides that provide information on the math learning progressions.
Sue is the instructor for Putting the Practices into Action, Grades K-8, a course offered through the Heinemann Digital Campus. Through this course, teachers explore the importance of the Standards for Mathematical Practice through videos, student work samples, and interactive tasks. For more information or to register for the course, go to http://www.heinemann.com/digitalcampus/
Sue has worked as a national trainer for the Bureau of Education and Research (BER). In addition, Sue has been featured on video training products developed by BER. See Books and Videos for information on available video resources to enhance your school or district’s professional development programs. Video topics include strengthening math problem solving, supporting students’ writing about math, and mastering math facts in both addition and multiplication. The videos highlight real teachers demonstrating effective instructional strategies.
Sue currently travels throughout North America offering professional development to schools, districts, and regional professional development organizations.