Math teachers Jack Kaniecki, left, of Wheeling Park High School and Anne Vopal of Warwood Middle School serve as fellows in the “Mountaineer Mathematics Master Teachers” (M3T) project. (Photo Provided)

WHEELING – Two Ohio County math teachers are working with other teachers throughout West Virginia to calculate the most successful methods for educating students.

Teachers Jack Kaniecki of Wheeling Park High School and Annie Vopal of Warwood Middle School are among the central factors – or fellows – in the “Mountaineer Mathematics Master Teachers” (M3T) project.

The fellows are math teachers from middle schools and high schools throughout West Virginia. While serving in their daily role as classroom teachers, the fellows work together to share teaching methods and resources they observed have enhanced their students’ math abilities.

The M3T project network began in 2020 thanks to a six-year, $3 million grant to West Virginia University from the National Science Foundation’s Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program, supported by additional grants from the West Virginia Department of Education.

Kaniecki and Vopal are two of 43 M3T fellows supported by the project, which includes representatives from 29 counties across West Virginia.

Kaniecki said he and Vopal have been part of the M3T project for two years.

“It’s a network of math teachers from across West Virginia committed to teaching mathematics, and our goal is that this leads to more students doing mathematics in the classroom,” he said.

“We determine what are some of the barriers to students doing math – whether it be mindset, or prerequisite skills,” Kaniecki added. “Then we determine as teachers what falls under our control, and what we can do to help them overcome barriers.

The teachers create what they call “a change idea” or a different approach to teaching, apply it in the classroom and then measure results.

Vopal and her local improvement team at Warwood tested out “which one doesn’t belong” activities, hoping this would foster more discussion, engagement and collaboration among students.

Based on the results, the educators say they saw increases in student discussion engagement and they may not have with other activities, Kaniecki said.

“If the change idea is successful – and it accomplishes what it needs to accomplish – the group will adapt it. It will become part of their toolbox in the classroom,” he said.

Kaniecki said the teachers are upfront with the students that they are trying a new technique, and this seems to make the student excited about trying to learn.

“We explain the process, and we demonstrate to them that we also are striving to improve and be lifelong learners,” he added. “Usually they are excited to try something new in class. It’s a new approach to something that might be more exciting, engaging.”

He noted it is a “super-valuable experience” to be able to network with other teachers across the state.

“To share ideas and resources on a regular basis lets us know we are having an effect on students across West Virginia and their learning of math.”