The Georgia Council of Teachers of Mathematics, Inc.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) regarding the Summer Mathematics Academies

What if I don't know what grade I'm teaching next year?
We suggest you speak with your principal prior to registration and let him/her know that you are furthering your education this summer and would like to know this information. If this isn’t possible, attend the grade you anticipate teaching and have a colleague (or colleagues) attend other sessions so you can share information. The more we all know about CCGPS, the more successful our students will be.
What if my session is full/closed? Is there a waiting list?
If your session is sold out, we suggest that you choose another grade level at that site or choose another site with that grade level. If this isn’t possible, find colleagues that are attending the academy at that grade level and ask them to share their information with you. You are welcome to email Peggy Pool at academies@gctm.org and request to be put on a waiting list, however this does not guarantee that openings will occur.
Will I receive a stipend and/or PLU credit?
Stipends will not be given through GCTM nor GaDOE. However, your local system might have such an option. Please check with them for stipend information.

Participants attending an academy can be awarded 2 professional learning units (PLUs), provided they have the prior approval form completed by their school system before they attend the academy. Such participants will need to bring this form with them to the academy for our documentation.
What are the directions to the site?
Addresses of Academy sites are listed on the registration page for your grade selection. They are also posted in your confirmation email. Signs will be posted near the facility on Day 1 of each academy. Please check with maps.google.com/help/maps/gadgets/directions or www.mapquest.com/directions mapquest.org for specific directions.
Where do I go once I get there?
All academies will begin the first day in the auditorium. Look for the GCTM/GaDOE Summer Academy signs once you get to the building. There will be a registration area near the entrance to the auditorium.
If I need to stay overnight, what hotels are nearby?
Note: Neither GCTM nor GaDOE will be providing hotel or travel reimbursements for any participants. Check with your local system for reimbursement policy. A list of hotels near the sites will be added here soon. Please know they will not be endorsed by GCTM nor GaDOE, but will be provided as local suggestions.
Where do I park and is it secure?
Locations have parking available at or near the site and it should be marked. Neither GCTM nor GaDOE will be responsible for parking security. Therefore, please do not leave any valuables in your vehicle.
If I get lost, who do I call?
Please call the phone number at the site. In an emergency situation contact Peggy Pool at 1-855-ASK-GCTM extension 4.
What time does the academy actually start?
Registration for the academy begins at 7:30 AM the first day of the academy. The first session of the academy will begin promptly at 8:00 A.M. and will end promptly at 4:00 P.M. each day. You will not want to miss a second of these engaging and informative sessions.
What if I need to miss part of the academy?
You will not want to miss a second of these engaging and informative sessions, however if you cannot avoid a conflict or if an emergency arises, please inform your facilitator prior to your departure. Missing part of the academy will affect eligibility for PLUs.
What do I wear?
Appropriate attire is business casual. Whatever you wear to school as a teacher is OK. Remember, however, that most schools are air-conditioned so it might be advisable to bring a sweater no matter what the temperature is outside.
What do I need to bring?
A notebook will be provided with materials needed for your sessions. However, you should bring a writing utensil and paper for notes. Participants taking the high school and/or statistics classes will need a graphing calculator as well.
Will food be provided?
At this time, food is not being provided at any site.
Who is facilitating my session?
Facilitators are GCTM members who have applied, gone through a rigorous selection process (including recommendations), have experience providing excellent professional development in the past, and have been trained to present the CCGPS curriculum.
Will this academy be offered again?
GCTM plans to offer this academy again next summer based on demand.
May we register all of our teachers for the academy in our area?
How we wish we could offer an academy in each school district within the state. However, we do not have the capacity to do so. Therefore, we ask that each system be considerate of their neighboring systems and leave some seats for them. We would like all teachers to have an opportunity to attend an academy this summer.
What if my system wants to pay using a Purchase Order?
GCTM does not take Purchase Orders. If this is the method of choice for your system, please register as though you are paying by check. Please understand the check will need to be sent to the below address along with a list indicating the names of the teachers from your system being paid for by that check.

GCTM
P.O. Box 5865
Augusta, GA 30916
May teachers that work in private schools also attend an academy?
The GCTM/GaDOE Summer Mathematics Academies are for all Georgia teachers of mathematics. You are welcome to join us.
If I cannot attend the academy in my region, may I attend a different one?
You may attend the academy location of your choice. Please know, however, that neither GCTM nor the GaDOE will pay for any travel expenses. Check with your local school system to obtain approval for this kind of reimbursement.
What is the cost to attend an academy?
The registration fee to attend an academy is $25 per teacher. This includes three full days of CCGPS training and all materials.
If I am not a GCTM member, how can I register to attend an academy?
There is no membership requirement to attend an academy. However, we would love for you to become a member of this wonderful organization. Please visit http://gctm.org to join.