Describing experiences that enrich mathematics teacher learning

Abstract

This editorial considers two perspectives on the task of mathematics teacher education: the first relates to the nature of our professional community, and the second to the overall challenge of offering prospective and practising teachers experiences that can enrich their subsequent teaching. With regard to the first perspective, the publication of rigorously peer-reviewed research and reflection makes an important contribution to mathematics teacher education and to our professional community. The aims of the Journal of Mathematics Teacher Education are published on its website, and the record of the quality of the contributions to the journal is evident in the 11 previous volumes, and in the issues of volume 12. I wish to acknowledge some particular contributions to this, and to inform readers of changes to the editorial team. We have previously acknowledged the wonderful contribution that Terry Wood made not only to this journal but also to mathematics teacher education in terms of edited collections, scholarly articles, and conference presentations. I now wish to acknowledge the wonderful contributions made by Konrad Krainer and Dina Tirosh who are now standing down as editors. Konrad started as associate editor with the then editor Tom Cooney from the very beginning of the journal (1998, Vol 1, No. 1) and has worked continuously since then. Dina began with the second editor, Barbara Jaworski, in 2004 and has been an editor since. In addition to this work, both Konrad and Dina have also made distinguished contributions to mathematics teacher education in their own writing, publishing, and work with teachers. Many contributors have benefited from their insights, their sensitivity, and their commitment to encouraging authors. We thank them for the many hours of their personal time that they gave of so generously in the interests of the discipline of mathematics teacher education. I have previously welcomed to the editorial team Olive Chapman and Anne Cockburn, who are both highly recognised for their research and writing. They have now been editors for over a year and have made a wonderful and active contribution. Contributors have benefited from their insights and attention to the standards of the journal.