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Botetourt teachers honored; board hears ‘Making Math Magical’ presentation on collaborative math instruction
Summary
Gloucester County School Board recognized grade-level teachers from Botetourt Elementary for a collaborative math program that uses planning, manipulatives and classroom routines to improve outcomes for students with and without disabilities.
The Gloucester County School Board recognized teachers Katie Cava and Lineta (Lineeta) Hicks of Botetourt Elementary and heard a classroom presentation the district described as “Making Math Magical.”
Cava, a grade teacher with a master’s and math specialist endorsement, and Hicks, who works with core teachers and special education students, outlined a coordinated approach that blends planning, small-group front‑loading, manipulatives and common vocabulary to move students from concrete to representational to abstract understanding.
The teachers said they collaborate using shared Google Drive lesson plans, coordinate accommodations via an annual accommodations chart accessible to all teachers, and emphasize guided practice, feedback and “building thinking classrooms” — a strategy that rotates students in daily random groups to increase peer feedback and collaboration.
Teachers showed short student comments recorded in class highlighting improved engagement and strategies learned. Board members praised the pair’s teamwork and the school’s master schedule that provides a shared block for math planning and intervention.
Superintendent Dr. Vladue and several board members thanked the teachers and noted the presentation as an example of curriculum-aligned, data-informed instructional practice aimed at raising achievement and engagement.
The board acknowledged the program during the recognitions portion of the meeting; no formal action or vote was required.
