Math

Program Overview

Heartland AEA Math Team Vision

The mathematics consultants at Heartland AEA believe that every educator can and will prepare all students to be confident mathematicians, positively impacting an ever-changing global society as productive problem solvers.

Heartland AEA math consultants will support effective mathematics instruction that is guided by a clear set of content and practice standards. This is achieved through a balance of mathematical skills, concepts and applications and research-based instructional practices that emphasize explanation, justification and number sense to stimulate curiosity, inquiry, joy and deep understanding of mathematics. We are committed to supporting educators and systems so they can ensure access to Iowa Core grade-level mathematics and engaging learning for all students.

Areas of Support

Heartland AEA provides a variety of supports to help schools and teachers enhance student understanding and achievement in the area of mathematics. Services include consulting, coaching, collaboration and professional development in the areas of mathematics curriculum, instruction and assessment. Heartland AEA mathematics consultants emphasize the importance of Iowa Core mathematics, conceptual understanding, problem-based learning and differentiated instruction in their work with teachers, teacher-leaders and administrators.

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Effective Math Teaching Practices

Important Contacts

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John Butz

John Butz

  • Curriculum Consultant-Math

Education: Bachelor’s degree, elementary education; Master’s degree, teaching effectiveness & professional development

Experience: Elementary teacher, Math instructional coach, Math interventionist; Math consultant
Joined Heartland AEA in 2014

Expertise: Instructional design, adult learning

Professional affiliations: Iowa Council of Teachers of Mathematics, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics

How I’ve made an impact: For several years, I worked with the principal and instructional coach to help facilitate grade-level PLC groups in math at an elementary school. We would meet every three weeks to analyze data, discuss instructional strategies, use that data to inform future instruction and create formative assessments to review at the next meeting. Gradually, we began to see improvement in district and screening assessments. The discussion that the teachers had was phenomenal.

Hanna Hollamby

Hanna Hollamby

  • Curriculum Consultant - Math

Education: Bachelor’s degree, mathematics; Master’s degree, instructional design & technology

Experience: High school math teacher, Math consultant
Joined Heartland AEA in 2022

Expertise: Instructional design, technology

How I’ve made an impact: I’ve worked with a district to implement and sustain the Numeracy Project, helping them achieve their goal of enhancing math instruction and improving student outcomes. Through targeted professional learning sessions and ongoing support, we have successfully built a foundation for sustainable numeracy practices within the district.

Katie Scholl

Katie Scholl

  • Curriculum Consultant-Math

Education: Bachelor’s degree, elementary and middle school education; Master’s degree, educational leadership and principal certification

Experience: 6th grade math teacher, 6th-8th grade interventionist, Instructional coach, Math consultant
Joined Heartland AEA in 2018

Expertise: Evidence-based math instruction in universal tier and intervention; implementation of Illustrative Mathematics; understanding of mathematics standards (especially middle grades); balanced assessment systems; systems coaching for school improvement

Professional affiliations: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics

How I’ve made an impact: In my work within a district, we have implemented a set of high-quality instructional materials for K-12 mathematics. I have also supported a school with a comprehensive designation to significantly improve its student outcomes and teacher efficacy through coaching, collaboration and consultation.

Barb Sersland

Barb Sersland

  • Curriculum Consultant-Math

Education: Bachelor’s degree, business administration management, area of interest human relations & elementary education endorsed in math, social studies, middle school talented & gifted; Master’s degree, educational leadership

Experience: Middle school math teacher, Instructional coach, Math consultant
Joined Heartland AEA in 2021

Expertise: Mathematics standards work; instructional practices; reviewing and implementing high-quality instructional materials; coaching and consulting around supporting diverse learners; intervention systems support; postsecondary success planning

How I’ve made an impact: I consulted with a school district to adopt and implement a high-quality math curriculum, providing ongoing support through targeted professional learning and team collaboration time on integrating instructional best practices.

Math