Student & Alumni Profiles

Joan Martin

Hometown: Watertown, MA
Degrees: Ed.M. Harvard University, with a concentration in Interactive Technology; A.B. Mathematics, Boston College

I began my career teaching high school mathematics for five years in Waltham, MA. I left the classroom to become an at-home mom of three sons during which time I tutored in mathematics to students ranging from elementary to college age. Before returning to full time teaching, I acquired a master's degree and began a part-time position at Boston College Mathematics Institute, which I still hold. I returned to full time teaching of mathematics at the elementary level in Newton Public Schools. Now in my 18th year in Newton, I have been a classroom teacher of mathematics and of science, held the position of Acting Coordinator of Mathematics, and for the past nine years have been an Elementary Curriculum Specialist. This last position allows me to work with teachers and students in the classroom as well as to support teachers through professional development workshops and courses. The variety of the specialist's job, which includes working with enthusiastic educators individually and in teams, working with principals and coordinators to advance the system's initiatives, and working alone reflecting on and developing curriculum materials for use by teachers and students, keeps the job exciting and provides a stimulating working environment.

The MSTE program appealed to me because I could pursue a degree in mathematics education, which is my main interest, but could benefit from others who are similarly engaged with their interest in science, technology, or engineering. I have found the camaraderie among students and professors in the program to be rewarding, the conversations thought provoking, and the diverse interests of the group to be intriguing. Upon graduation, I would like to continue in the specialist's job I love, but work also at the college level strengthening ties between the university research community and the K-12 mathematics classroom.