About MMSA

Who We Are: The Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance (MMSA) was established in 1992 as a 501(c)3 not for profit organization to oversee and coordinate a comprehensive effort to improve science and mathematics education in Maine under a 5 year grant from the National Science Foundation Statewide Systemic Initiative (SSI) program. The MMSA continues to support science and mathematics in Maine through an expansion of its programs, staff, fee for service, a diverse portfolio of grant-funded projects in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, and policy support. In just over a decade, the MMSA brought over $24 million in grants and contracts into Maine to support students, teachers, schools, and districts.

In 2002, our work expanded into Northern New England and other parts of the country. The MMSA today continues to evolve and grow nationally, while staying true to its original mission. The MMSA is a strong, respected leader in science and mathematics education, with a highly skilled, knowledgeable staff and a palette of innovative, standards and research-based programs, projects, policy-support, and products.

• Our Vision, Mission and Beliefs
• Our Goals, Strategies and Objectives
• Our Staff
• Applause for Our Staff
• Our Board

Our Vision: The Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance endeavors to enhance science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education to elevate student aspirations and achievement, so all students will meet or exceed state and national standards.
Our Mission: The MMSA will provide and conduct research, development, and implementation strategies, and form active partnerships to support excellence in STEM curriculum, instruction, and assessment in schools and districts for educators at all stages of their careers.
Our Beliefs: All activities of the Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance (MMSA) are based on five core beliefs. They are:
Strong mathematics and science content knowledge and the skills of inquiry and problem solving.
Data-informed planning and decision making.
Research based instructional practice and professional development.
Equity of opportunity.
Rigorous alignment with state and national standards.

Our Goals: The MMSA has two goals. One addresses how the MMSA carries out its work in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education. The second describes who the MMSA works with in STEM education.

• The MMSA will provide and conduct research, development, and implementation strategies supporting excellence in STEM curriculum, instruction, and assessment.
• The MMSA supports educators at all stages of their careers contributing to the recruitment, retention and renewal of qualified STEM teachers.

Our Strategies and Objectives: The MMSA employs the following strategies and subsequent objectives to accomplish its goals:

Quality Professional Development
• Goal 1 objective-To develop and provide quality STEM professional development to improve teaching and learning.
• Goal 2 objective- To offer professional development for STEM educators at all career stages and grade levels.

Leadership Development
• Goal 1 objective- To develop and provide leadership activities, structures, and programs that support STEM education.
• Goal 2 objective- To identify, support and utilize STEM leaders representing various levels of leadership.

Development of Materials and Resources
• Goal 1 objective- To research, develop and disseminate high quality print and digital materials to improve STEM teaching and learning.
• Goal 2 objective- To target formal and informal STEM educators and professional developers.

Partnerships and Professional Community Service
• Goal 1 objective- To learn from, and contribute expertise to organizations outside of the MMSA.
• Goal 2 objective- To initiate, develop and maintain affiliations with various professional and community organizations.

Consulting and Technical Assistance
• Goal 1 objective- To provide consulting or technical assistance to schools and organizations not included in Strategies A through D.
• Goal 2 objective- To provide expertise to school districts, public and private organizations.