Ways to Help the VMI
There are many ways to support VMI’s mission of a high quality mathematics experience for all students. While donations are always helpful, sharing your time and expertise in any of the following ways is also welcomed and appreciated.
For Teachers and Administrators
- Find out about the VMI by visiting the VMI website, speaking with a VMI graduate, contacting a VMI staff member, instructor or board member
- Visit a VMI weekend
- Join one of the VMI programs
- Better yet, join with a colleague from your school or district
- Prioritize funding to support district or school educators in the VMI
- Host a VMI course at your school.
For VMI Friends and Graduates
- Visit a VMI weekend
- Support your school colleagues in PLCs, through informal discussions, by sharing problems, lessons, or other instructional ideas.
- Lend your voice to math conversations in your school or district through math committees, joining district professional development offerings or starting book discussions.
- Recruit a teacher in your school or district to join the VMI
- Ask your principal, superintendent, or curriculum coordinator to encourage their teachers to join the VMI
- Support other teachers in the VMI by donating to the Mary Lou Gross Scholarship Fund
- Reach out to teachers from your VMI Cohort
- Start a math conversation with a VMI instructor.
Donate Online
For larger donations we suggest you use Bank Transfer option in the on-line donation form to minimize transaction fees or mail us a check. If you prefer to donate by a check, make it out to VMI Inc, mark it with “Donation” and mail it to: VMI Inc, 416 Washburn Road Burke, VT 05832
Mary Lou Gross Scholarship Fund
The Mary Lou Gross Scholarship Fund is designed to support educators enrolled in the VMI Master’s and Post-graduate programs. Mary Lou Gross is VMI’s number one fan and she has been by VMI’s side since its inception in 1999. After the passing of her husband, Ken Gross, in 2017, Mary Lou stepped up to support VMI in ways that assured Ken’s legacy—the VMI—could continue. With the support of Mary Lou and her daughters Karen Huyck and Laura Gross and their families, the VMI grew its programs, spread its reach into New Hampshire, and developed new ways to support mathematics teachers and leaders as well as individual school districts. We are pleased to name the scholarship after such a dynamic and dedicated woman.
As many of you are aware, districts across VT provide varying levels of tuition support, and our scholarship fund is one way of leveling the playing field so that all teachers who wish to participate in VMI have the means to do so. Many of you will recall receiving similar support while enrolled in VMI.
We are grateful to Mary Lou’s family and friends who provided funding to establish the scholarship.
Beth Cobb Memorial Fund
The newly established Beth Cobb Memorial Fund honors the dedication and vision of former VMI board chair Beth Cobb.
From her early years as a para-educator, teacher, and math coach in Northeast Kingdom schools to her leadership as superintendent of Orange East Supervisory Union and later Essex-Westford School District, Beth dedicated herself to equity, student-centered learning, and the professional growth of educators.
As a nationally recognized leader, Beth served on the board of the New England Association of School Superintendents and as board chair for the Vermont Mathematics Initiative, and created conditions for others to flourish. She had the unique ability to bring all stakeholders together towards a common vision and was passionate about the development of women in leadership positions.
Beth Cobb was one of VMI’s greatest advocates and her impact on education is immeasurable. We are deeply grateful to Beth’s family, friends, and colleagues who contributed to the establishment of this fund, honoring a remarkable leader and advocate for education.
