Project NExT

What is Project NExT?

Project NExT (New Experiences in Teaching) is a professional development program for new or recent Ph.D.s in the mathematical sciences. It addresses all aspects of an academic career: improving the teaching and learning of mathematics, engaging in research and scholarship, finding exciting and interesting service opportunities, and participating in professional activities. It also provides the participants with a network of peers and mentors as they assume these responsibilities. Since 1994 there have been over 1700 Fellows, who have appeared in all capacities in the academic mathematical profession.

Apply for Our NExT Cohort!

The applications for next summer's MAA Project NExT cohort will be due on April 15th. For the last few years, we have had two deadlines, one in October and another in April. Moving forward, we will return to having just a single deadline. Everyone should apply by April 15th, no matter if you are new to your position or have been there for a few years already.

Application Information

The Project NExT Program 

Project NExT at MAA MathFest 2012.

Each cohort of Project NExT Fellows will participate in (either remotely or in person):

• A three-day Project NExT Workshop in late July / early August, preceding MAA MathFest (the summer meetings of the MAA).
• Project NExT sessions during MAA MathFest.
• A one-day Project NExT Workshop preceding MathFest (and more during MathFest) the following year.
• An electronic network that links Project NExT Fellows with one another and with seasoned mathematicians and award-winning teachers.

At these workshops and other Project NExT sessions throughout the year, Fellows will explore and discuss issues that are of special relevance to beginning faculty, such as:

• Innovative approaches to a variety of introductory and advanced courses;
• Strategies for engaging students in specific mathematics courses;
• Supporting students from historically underserved groups;
• Involving undergraduates in mathematical research;
• Preparing future K-12 teachers of mathematics;
• Writing grant proposals; and
• Balancing teaching and research.

Teaching Support Groups

As part of our continuing support for Project NExT Fellows, we’ve created teaching support groups. Groups will be made up of one facilitator and 6-10 NExTers who will meet virtually once a month throughout the year to discuss issues, act as thought partners to construct solutions, share ideas, and provide ongoing support for teaching evaluation and improvement. Themes for these meetings include grading, DEIJ in mathematics, making sense of student evaluation data, course revision, and understanding (and exceeding) your institution’s tenure and promotion expectations. We hope to build community through these teaching support groups, and ensure that NExTers have a network of support for their work in the classroom.

Outcomes

Past MAA President and Blue 1996 dot, Francis Su.

MAA Project NExT'ers have earned teaching awards at their institutions, in their MAA Sections, and nationally. This includes more than two dozen Alder and Haimo Award winners. Many more have served in the leadership of their MAA Sections and of the MAA nationally, and several serve as Vice Presidents or Presidents of their institutions. The MAA's past presidents Francis Su and Michael Dorff are both Project NExT'ers. More about our amazing NExT'ers here. 

Timeline

For each Project NExT Fellow, the timeline looks like this:

Afterwards, Project NExT Fellows continue to participate in the program in many ways: through their MAA Connect Community, organizing events, attending Project NExT events at MathFest & the Joint Meetings, and (eventually) returning to participate in programs for future "dots."

Support for MAA Project NExT

Want to ensure that the next generation of college students experiences the type of engaging, energizing, and informative mathematics experience that makes them want to continue in STEM fields? Join the many organizations below and help us make that dream a reality: Support Project NExT.

Major funding for Project NExT is provided by the Mary P. Dolciani Halloran Foundation, the Educational Advancement Foundation, the American Mathematical Society, the American Statistical Association, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the American Institute of Mathematics, the Association for Symbolic Logic, the National Science Foundation, & and individuals and sections of the Mathematical Association of America.