by Claire Miller
The Ten80 Foundation is an organization of teachers, professors, engineers, scientists and parents with a common goal: To give students access to quality science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) curriculum and prepare them to be academically competitive in a global world.
College of Education Associate Professor Christine Thomas will see the foundation’s work firsthand as a member of its newly-formed board of directors.
Thomas, whose research focuses on preparing and retaining high-quality mathematics teachers for urban learners, was nominated to serve on the foundation’s board of directors by J. Michael Shaughnessy, president of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM).
The foundation offers professional development opportunities for teachers, conducts seminars and workshops at educational conferences and events, and provides STEM curriculum and materials for teachers to use, according to its website.
Thomas said her interest in STEM careers, improving achievement in those subjects and helping students improve critical thinking and problem-solving skills aligns with the foundation’s goals, and her position on the board will only deepen her knowledge of STEM education.
“Serving on the organizing board of the Ten80 Foundation is an exciting opportunity which will allow me to expand my work in increasing opportunity and access into STEM fields for all students – especially students in urban, high-need schools,” Thomas said.
For more information about the Ten80 Foundation, visit http://www.ten80education.com/NewsEvents.html.
