United Way of Metropolitan Dallas will use a $300,000 multiyear gift from the Texas Instruments (TI) Foundation to launch I Rock Math, a new education initiative that supports innovative teaching in public schools throughout North Texas.

I Rock Math is designed to expand the impact of effective science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) teaching practices — and help more students excel in math during middle and high school so they are better prepared for success in college and their careers.

The TI Foundation will give $300,000 over three years to support I Rock Math, which will provide grants and expert coaching to outstanding North Texas teachers. United Way expects to present the awards to more than 30 sixth- and seventh-grade teachers in the next three years. The first set of grants will be awarded in January 2013.

"Great breakthroughs are happening in North Texas math classrooms — the key is to find them and replicate them," says Sam Self, TI Foundation chairman. "Investing in the work United Way does to strengthen math and science education helps teachers today to change the lives of their students permanently."

Education experts regularly call algebra a "gateway class" because students who pass it in eighth or ninth grade are more likely to succeed in math and science in high school, college and beyond. Individuals and teams of public school teachers who use innovative teaching practices can apply for I Rock Math grants that will enable them to help more students develop the skills to be successful in algebra.

Individual teachers can receive grants up to $5,000 and teaching teams are eligible for as much as $25,000. Examples of innovative practices include using technology to help students better understand complex concepts and interdisciplinary projects that fully engage students.

"Sixty percent of the jobs created in the 21st century will require math and science skills understood by only 20 percent of the current workforce," says Jennifer Sampson, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas CEO and President. "Strengthening the math skills of today's children empowers them to succeed in their future careers."

In addition to the grants, teachers selected for I Rock Math will receive expert coaching from Laying the Foundation, a division of the National Math and Science Initiative. Grant recipients will learn how to mentor their colleagues and encourage them to replicate successful teaching strategies in their classrooms. United Way volunteers who work in STEM careers will visit I Rock Math classrooms to help inspire students to explore fields that use math and analytical skills.

"With this generous gift, the Texas Instruments Foundation continues its commitment to improving education in North Texas," says Sampson. "United Way looks forward to working together to help students develop these important math skills."

To apply for I Rock Math grants, teachers must work for public schools in Dallas, Collin, Rockwall and southern Denton counties. Teachers interested in applying for I Rock Math grants can download the request for proposals and an application form at UnitedWayDallas.org/IRockMath.