Mathematics Associations - What they can do for you
You've heard the acronyms: MAA, AMS, AWM, SIAM, NCTM. OK, maybe you haven't heard the acronyms. They exist just the same. They are the abbreviated names for associations that can be of tremendous use for teachers of mathematics.
Most mathematics teachers work in rural school districts where there are often few mathematics teachers to discuss new ideas, teaching strategies, and trends in curriculum. We often must look elsewhere for professional camaraderie. Some of us have turned to the internet and have become involved in Internet mailing lists. Others have joined mathematics organizations. Organizations are a fabulous resource for teachers. They allow us to network with our fellow mathematicians. They give us access to teachers at all grade levels, elementary to post-graduate. We are able to gain insight into mathematics happenings across state and country lines. Organizations can give us potential research ideas, grant applications, and career opportunities. Some offer free subscriptions to professional journals. Still others have restricted Internet mailing lists that allow you, as a member, to interact with other members of the organization. There are several mathematics organizations that are of interest to mathematics teachers.
AMS - American Mathematics Society (http://www.ams.org ). The American Mathematics Society is one of the largest mathematics societies, with over 30,000 members. The AMS provides its members with two magazines: Notices of the American Mathematical Society and Bulletin of the American Mathematical Society. It also provides reduced conference registration fees, discounts on all AMS publications, and free career services. AMS members have exclusive access to e-mail notification of the most current opportunities available from the Employment in the Mathematical Sciences (EIMS) system. Individual membership dues are $50 per year for the first five years of membership. After the first five years, membership dues are based on income.
AWM - Association for Women in Mathematics (http://www.awm-math.org ). The Association for Women in Mathematics organization was founded in 1971 and is dedicated toward increasing the number of women interested in mathematics. Contrary to its name, the AWM is made up of more than 4,100 members, women and men, from around the world. AWM provides its members with the bi-monthly AWM newsletter. It also runs AWM-Net, a e-mail list accessible only to members. The goal of AWM-Net is to provide a safe, enjoyable environment to discuss mathematical issues. Membership dues are $50 per year, with discounts given to first-time members, retired members, members who work part-time, are unemployed, or students. The AWM also offers several workshops throughout the year for members.
Latest Articles