By Sister Sharon Slear, SSND, on behalf of the Haiti Collaboration Committee
Teachers in Haiti are gaining new tools and support to strengthen math instruction, thanks to Sister Sharon Slear and Lisa Pallett, Associate Professor of Elementary Mathematics Education at Notre Dame of Maryland University.
Sister Sharon and Lisa have partnered with the Matenwa Community Learning Center on La Gonave Island, Haiti, for this teacher training initiative, begun in 2016.
Lisa has designed detailed calendars of daily math activities for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade, accompanied by instructional videos that demonstrate how to implement the activities.
These resources emphasize teaching mathematics for deep understanding.
The resources encourage the use of manipulatives using materials brought to Matenwa on the last visit or everyday items teachers can access locally.
This work has already given teachers practical, confidence-building tools to enrich their classrooms.
Looking ahead, the project is expanding to include videos on the most important concepts in 4th- and 5th-grade mathematics, equipping teachers with strategies for upper elementary instruction.
At the same time, collaboration with early childhood educators is underway to develop videos that focus on literacy instruction and supporting the social and emotional development of young children.
Together, these efforts celebrate what has been accomplished and commit to a continuing partnership that empowers Haitian teachers and fosters meaningful learning for their students.
