Questions for the WCSU Math Coach

Who is the Math Coach?

My name is Ellen Dorsey, and I am very excited to be supporting teachers this year as the Math Coach for Washington Central Supervisory Union!  I taught math in middle school and high school at U-32 before becoming the Math Coach.  Additionally, I have worked with teachers from the elementary grade levels through college on proficiency-based differentiated instruction strategies.  

I live with my husband and two school-aged children in Waterbury, Vermont where I serve on the local school board.  This Fall, I start a doctoral program in Educational Policy and Leadership at the University of Vermont, which should fit nicely with the half-time Math Coach job.  Outside of school, you can find me playing in the woods in running shoes or on skis, reading or making something with my hands.
  

What does the Math Coach do?

It is my job to provide classroom coaching and modeling of instruction and assessment practices, to provide training for teachers and to consult with teachers on curriculum, assessment and instruction.  The focus for this year is on supporting teachers in grades 5 through 8, but I am happy to discuss comments, questions and suggestions and to help problem solving around math instruction in WCSU at all levels.

Collaboration is what I have enjoyed most about teaching, and I believe that connecting teachers in meaningful and productive ways is the best catalyst for professional growth that will benefit us (as teachers) and our students.  As we embrace the challenge of improving the performance of all students in our district, we will need to work together to develop and highlight models for best practices.  I see the Math Coach as central to facilitating and supporting that collaborative work.

How do I contact the Math Coach?

It is very important to me to be available to teachers.  I have a desk in the WCSU Central Office, but I will be reaching out to teachers and will spend much of my time working "on-site" with teachers.  I have created this blog to share news and highlight best practices in mathematics across our district.  I also created a Washington Central Supervisory Union Math website that contains resources and information.  I will be keeping my short term action plan and schedule updated on that site as well.  

Otherwise, please email me at edorsey@u32.org, and I will get back to you.  I'm quite obsessive about checking email. 

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