VMI Master’s Program

The VMI Master's Program

Over Two Decades of The VMI Master's Program

The VMI Master’s Program is a three-year, comprehensive mathematics professional development program for current educators and mathematics leaders. Offered in partnership with Vermont State University (VTSU), the mission of the VMI Master’s program is to significantly improve the teaching and learning of mathematics in grades PreK-12.

Since its inception in 1999, the VMI has partnered with local school districts, the Vermont Agency of Education, business representatives and Vermont colleges and universities to ensure the VMI Masters Program stays relevant to current school and district needs. During the three years, VMI Masters Program participants:

  • deeply examine the mathematics content central to high quality mathematics instruction and meaningful leadership.
  • study effective mathematics instructional practices, skills and concepts.
  • read, understand and interpret current educational research and conduct individual action research
  • develop leadership knowledge and skills needed to support systemic change

Most importantly, VMI participants are encouraged and supported as they apply their learning in their own classrooms, and at the school or district level to improve student learning for all students.

The VMI Masters experience is dedicated to supporting highly effective mathematics instruction so that all children can learn the rigorous mathematics needed for success in higher education and the workplace. 

Math tattoo on teacher's arm

VMI Staff, Instructors, and Mentors--Built on Partnerships

The VMI Master’s Program is built on the strength of partnerships, a fundamental feature across all aspects of the experience.  Mathematicians from higher education institutions across Vermont—Northern VT University (NVU)-Lyndon, NVU-Johnson, St. Michael’s, Middlebury College, and UVM—join Vermont mathematics educators and educational experts to develop the VMI programs, instruct VMI Graduate level courses, and mentor participants. This partnership of mathematics educators and mathematicians infuses all aspects of VMI and allows the VMI to bring high-level mathematics and high-leverage instructional approaches together in a unique way.

Student working on assignment

A Few Program Details

For each of the three calendar years a teacher is enrolled, the VMI teacher will complete 12 graduate credits through a combination of 1, 2 or 3 credit courses held during a two-week summer session and throughout the academic year.  Academic year courses are held on Friday/Saturday “weekends”: three during the fall semester and three during the spring semester. Classroom-based fieldwork, including work with a VMI mentor, runs concurrently with each course.  All classes are held in the Burlington area.

To encourage participation from educators traveling from afar, the VMI offers double occupancy hotel accommodations at no cost to the participant (single occupancy rooms are available for a modest fee).

The VMI provides lunch each day of class – summer, fall and spring semesters—at no cost to participants.

Upon completing the full three-year program, a teacher will have earned 36 graduate credits and will have completed all of the requirements for a Master of Education (M.Ed) degree in Educator Practices with a focus on mathematics from VTSU.

VMI group photo

Interested in Joining the next Master’s Cohort?

Are you

  • A Pre-K–12 educator, classroom teacher, special educator, interventionist, math coach, or administrator searching for a comprehensive content-based master’s program in mathematics education?
  • Looking to earn a master’s degree in a supportive environment with a close group of educators from across the state?
  • Dedicated to improving math instruction and learning for all your students?
  • Enthusiastic about increasing your mathematics content knowledge and pedagogy in a supportive environment?
  • Eager to reach outside your classroom walls to contribute to your school or district mathematics goals?
  • Excited to share new and growing knowledge of mathematics content, effective teaching, and educational research with school/district colleagues through mentoring, peer coaching or other forms of teacher leadership?

If this describes you, consider joining the next VMI Master’s Degree Cohort! 

The application and additional information are available by clicking the button below.

Download 2024 VMI Master's Degree Program Application Packet