Paula Johnson
Math Education Associate, Intercultural Development Research Association

Paula Johnson, M.A., is a math education specialist at IDRA. Ms. Johnson holds a master of arts in education with a concentration in instructional technology from the University of Texas at San Antonio, a master of science in progress with a concentration in mathematics from Prairie View A&M University, and a bachelor of science in math and a minor in computer science from Prairie View A&M University. She is certified in secondary mathematics and has successfully completed the LEAD (Leadership Experiences for Aspiring Deans) program of the Northside Independent School District.

Ms. Johnson is implementing IDRA’s Math Smart! professional development program that focuses on increasing access to mathematics for all students. Math Smart! presents a shift in mathematical thinking for instructors that develops the five dimensions of mathematical proficiency using scientifically-based researched strategies. Math Smart! is an interactive, high-tech model that addresses teacher knowledge, teacher practice and parent-school collaboration. The impact has been significant with the majority of schools meeting AYP within one to two years of implementation, and teacher leadership and instructional transformation evident through classroom observations and improved student achievement, as demonstrated through student success on state-mandated tests.

Ms. Johnson also provides professional development for one of IDRA’s Transitions to Teaching projects, MASS (Math and Science Smart), funded by the U.S. Department of Education to recruit and prepare elementary school teachers. Similarly, she creates and delivers professional training on assessment of curriculum standards, technology, student engagement, and differentiated instruction.

Ms. Johnson has served in the education field for more than 15 years. From 2001 to 2010, she has held positions as a district curriculum and instructional specialist, mathematics department chair, academic coach and instructor at the high school level. In addition to her high school experience, she was a PREP program logic and problem solving instructor for many years. This University of Texas at San Antonio Pre-freshman Engineering Program encourages young potential engineers to develop skills in the areas of computer science, engineering, logic and problem solving.

Ms. Johnson has developed and directed two summer transition courses for incoming ninth graders, Algebridge (Cypress-Fairbanks ISD) and Algebra CAMP (Northside ISD). These summer programs were designed to provide a solid foundation of Algebra I for students who had had difficulty with middle school math or assessments. Both programs supported a strong concentration on hands-on activities and high student engagement in an effort to model the level of rigor students would face in Algebra I.

IDRA is an independent, private non-profit organization, directed by María Robledo Montecel, Ph.D., dedicated to strengthening public schools to work for all children. As a vanguard leadership development and research team for more than three decades, IDRA has worked with people to create self-renewing schools that value and empower all children, families and communities. IDRA conducts research and development activities, creates, implements and administers innovative education programs and provides teacher, administrator, and parent training and technical assistance.

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