The mathematical experiences of many school
faculty are often limited in scope and the source
of painful memories. New mathematical knowl
-
edge is important, but what may be even more
critical to teachers is the opportunity to gain new
insight into what doing mathematics can mean.
Through the EMTTP project we have found that
when mathematicians take part in classroom-
based discussions, relating their own knowledge
to the elementary classroom experience and to
a teacher’s pedagogical concerns, they can have
a powerful influence on what teachers see as the
process of doing mathematics and the general
goals of the subject. This kind of collaboration,
however, must develop over time and requires
a sense of mutual respect and trust.