Mathematical Association

The Mathematical Association is a professional society that helps improve mathematics education in the UK. It brings together teachers, educators, and people who love math to share ideas and tips.

The association gives teachers resources, training, and support. This helps students of all ages learn math better and have more fun with it.

The Mathematical Association was started to help make teaching and learning math better. It wants math to be easy and fun for everyone. It holds conferences, publishes journals, and makes learning materials. These help teachers improve their lessons. By creating a community of math fans, the association makes sure math stays an important and exciting subject in UK schools.

History

The Mathematical Association was started in 1871 to help improve how geometry was taught. It was called the Association for the Improvement of Geometrical Teaching. In 1897, it changed its name to the Mathematical Association. It was the first group for math teachers in England. In 1951, Mary Cartwright became the first woman to lead the group. In the 1960s, the Association supported the 11-plus system when new ways of schooling were being tried.

Function

The Mathematical Association helps improve the teaching of mathematics. It makes it easier for students and teachers to talk about math. Since 1894, the group has published The Mathematical Gazette. Every four years, it joins the British Congress of Mathematics Education, organized by the Joint Mathematical Council. The Association meets each year during this Congress for its annual meeting.

Structure

The Mathematical Association is in the south-east of Leicester on London Road, near De Montfort University. It has seven specialist committees as well as its main council.

Its branches often work together with the Association of Teachers of Mathematics. They are located in areas such as Birmingham, Cambridge, East Midlands, Exeter, London, Greater Manchester, and Yorkshire.

Past presidents

The Mathematical Association has had many leaders over the years. Some early leaders include Thomas Archer Hirst in 1871 and Robert Baldwin Hayward in 1878.

More recent presidents include Mary Cartwright in 1951, Michael Atiyah in 1981, and Professor Hannah Fry in 2020. The association continues to have new leaders, with Professor Paul Glaister serving as president in 2025.

Arms

The Mathematical Association has its own coat of arms. This symbol shows the organization's identity and history. The emblem represents its work in supporting math education and its long time in the United Kingdom.