Thank you for your interest in the Vermont Mathematics Initiative! Since its inception in 1999, the VMI has served over 800 educators, including those who are currently enrolled or recently graduated with advanced degrees, representing school districts across Vermont, New Hampshire, and neighboring states. VMI graduates continue to play important roles in their schools, districts, and in both state and nationwide professional development organizations.

Successful applicants to the VMI Master's program are PreK-12 teachers* committed to enhancing their effectiveness as teachers of mathematics, are enthusiastic about increasing their mathematics content knowledge in a supportive environment, and are committed to sharing their increased knowledge of mathematics content and pedagogy with colleagues through mentoring, peer coaching or other forms of professional development. Through VMI coursework, classroom applications, mentoring by VMI staff, and leadership training, teachers in the VMI will earn Vermont State University (VTSU) Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MA. LIB) degree with a concentration in Advanced Teaching and Learning of Mathematics.

The first step in the application process involves completing the application to the VMI. There are several ways to complete the application:

• complete the online application on the next several pages;
• download and complete the application from the VMI website, and mail it via USPS (PO Box 213, Waterbury, VT 05676).
• download and complete the application from the VMI website, scan and email.

Once enrolled in the VMI program, you will receive more information regarding VTSU's process for formal admission to the master's program.

Detailed information about the VMI can be found on the VMI website. We encourage you to review the information prior to completing the application. Priority will be given to applications submitted by March 30, 2027. After March 30, 2027, we will continue to accept applications on a rolling basis based on available seats in the cohort.

If you have any questions or need more information, please contact Kathryn Delay (kathryn@vmimathematics.com), VMI Director.

*Each year a limited number of high school teachers are admitted to the program. Interested high school teachers should contact Kathryn Delay (kathryn@vmimathematics.com) or Susan Ojala (susan@vmimathematics.com) to discuss details.

Vermont Mathematics Initiative Application Form

Part I: Applicant Information and Current Resume

Vermont Mathematics Initiative Application Form

Part II: Essay Questions

The Goals of the VMI Master's Program 

Through coursework, classroom applications, mentoring by VMI staff, and leadership training, teachers in the VMI:

• build a strong and deep knowledge and understanding of mathematics content;
• enhance classroom practice resulting in higher student performance
• conduct action research that informs instructional decisions at the classroom level and larger system
• provide leadership that supports school-wide improvement of mathematics teaching and learning

Please attach or type your responses to the following prompts.

Suggested length: for each question, approximately one typed page (~500 words)

#1 Meeting the Needs of All Students
Helping all children succeed in mathematics is a challenge faced by all educators.
Please describe your challenges in this endeavor and your goals for enhancing your effectiveness in this area. How do you think the goals of the VMI program will assist you in creating learning opportunities for all students?

#2 Intellectual Curiosity, Critical Reflection and Collaboration
Throughout your VMI enrollment, you will be asked to critically reflect upon your teaching practices, your growing content knowledge, your steps as a teacher leader and the overall ways in which your participation in the VMI program supports your professional goals. 
Please comment on the value of collaboration and critical reflection and the ways in which you believe this will help you reach your professional goals. You might describe a situation you've encountered in which collaboration and/or reflection resulted in improved decisions around teaching and learning, and the role you played in that collaboration. You might also describe your openness to working collaboratively with others in the cohort, your mentor and VMI instructors and faculty.

Vermont Mathematics Initiative Application Form

Part III: Letters of Recommendation

Please include two letters of recommendation to support your participation in this program, including at least one from an administrator.

Recommendations should address your:

• ability to take on challenges and to grow professionally
• dedication to addressing the needs of all students
• leadership experiences or qualities, including your commitment to working with other teachers/school personnel to improve the teaching and learning of mathematics in your school.

Administrator letters are encouraged to address:

• the ways in which the applicant's participation in this professional development program will support the improvement of student performance in mathematics at the school
• the ways in which the applicant's development as a teacher leader will support the school community goals
• the support the applicant can expect to receive from the school district throughout the three year VMI program

Vermont Mathematics Initiative Application Form

Part IV: Applicant Signature

I understand that I am making a three year commitment, that one aspect of my involvement is to play a leadership role in mathematics at my school or district, and that I will engage in classroom-based and/or virtual discussions and feedback sessions with my VMI mentor.