VMI Master's Program - VMI Mathematics Initiative

The VMI Master's Program

applications are currently being accepted for the Next cohort which starts in July 2026.

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 Master’s Program stays relevant to current school and district needs. During the three years, VMI Master’s 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.

VMI brings together like minded educators that are ready to stretch their thinking and bring about mathematical changes in their schools. The cohort structure allows participants to build lasting relationships that are beneficial far past the ending of the program.

My experience with VMI has been transformative. It has been one of the most impactful and relevant professional development experiences I have participated in. The content is directly applicable to my everyday teaching, the cohort of educators has been supportive and welcoming, and the instructors are highly knowledgeable.

It has been a life changing experience for me and the way I teach and view my profession today.

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— Vermont State University (VTSU), 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.

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 two-week summer sessions and throughout the academic year.

Summer courses are held for two weeks during July each summer. 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 Arts in Liberal Studies degree from VTSU with a concentration in Advanced Teaching and Learning of Mathematics.

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.

VMI Master’s Program