YES X Math for America (MƒA)

Overview

Math for America (MƒA) was founded in 2004 with a mission to support and retain outstanding STEM teachers in New York City public schools. Recognizing the critical role that dedicated educators play in shaping the future of students, MƒA is committed to ensuring that exceptional teachers remain in the classroom, equipped to inspire the next generation of scientists, mathematicians, and innovators.

YES X Math for America (MƒA) is a specialized program developed in partnership with MƒA, designed to build upon the existing workshops and initiatives that have been established to empower STEM educators. This program focuses specifically on cancer education and health equity, providing NYC STEM public school teachers with the resources, tools, and knowledge needed to engage middle and high school students in these crucial topics.

Through this collaboration, YES X MƒA addresses disparities in cancer health by equipping teachers with a comprehensive curriculum focused on cancer biology, community health issues, and risk reduction strategies. Leveraging the strengths of MƒA, the Community Outreach and Engagement (COE) office, and the Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination (CRTEC) office, the program creates a robust framework for teacher training.

Under the guidance of Dr. Jasmine A. McDonald and Dr. Mary Beth Terry, YES X MƒA has a cancer education mini course that integrates cancer health equity into middle and high school science and health classes. By providing ready-to-use curricula and hands-on resources, the program empowers educators to enhance their students’ understanding of cancer health and prevention, furthering Math for America’s mission to improve STEM education across NYC schools.

Program Highlights

• Interactive two-hour sessions: Spread across a 3-week mini-course.
• Mini-Course 1: Equipping Educators With an Equity Lens on Cancer (3 sessions): Teachers learn about cancer biology, community cancer burden, and health equity, and how to effectively communicate these topics to students. 
• Mini-Course 2: Exploring Cancer Equity in NYC: Leveraging Public Data for the Classroom (3 sessions): Use data science tools to analyze and understand cancer disparities and teach these skills to students. 

Testimonials From Mini-Course 1: Equipping Educators With an Equity Lens on Cancer

The facilitators were incredibly knowledgeable and presented the material well. They shared valuable learning opportunities for our students and showed us how to apply data in our classrooms.

Past MƒA Participant, Spring 2024

I’m excited to share this data with my students and plan lessons on cancer equity! I now feel more prepared to teach this topic.

Past MƒA Participant, Spring 2024

This was so interesting—I learned a lot! Young people don’t know enough about this topic, and I hope to help change that in my school.

Past MƒA Participant, Spring 2025

We engaged with the content in so many ways—from statistics to hands-on activities with manipulatives to lesson planning. The course was well-structured, informative, and incredibly helpful.

Past MƒA Participant, Spring 2025

Educators Representing These Schools

Interested?

Learn more: https://www.mathforamerica.org/

Note: NYC teachers must apply (and be accepted) for an MfA Master Teacher Fellowship to participate in our courses. 

For questions: info@mathforamerica.org.