Mathematics Speakers Bureau

Structure and goals

The Mathematics Speakers Bureau is composed of dedicated mathematicians who volunteer to speak to students and faculty of regional middle schools, high schools, colleges and universities on topics reaching beyond the traditional mathematics curriculum. The primary goals of the Mathematics Speakers Bureau are to stimulate the interests of local youth in mathematics, provide opportunities for students to meet active and enthusiastic mathematicians, motivate students towards careers in the mathematical sciences, and encourage cooperation between corporate and academic institutions in the mathematical education of area youth. Volunteers provide information about talks they are willing to give and the Bureau, in turn, advertises these talks to the faculty of local area schools. Schools contact speaker volunteers directly to make specific arrangements for a visit. Volunteers determine the number of presentations they give in any given academic year and always maintain the right to refuse a school invitation for any reason.

Current Bureau speakers and talks

Click here to see the current listing of available Bureau speakers and descriptions of their talks. Institutions desiring to hear a specific talk should contact the speaker directly. Although the services of the speaker are free, we suggest that you offer reimbursement for any travel expenses. Some institutions prefer to offer a small honorarium. Any financial arrangements should be made prior to the speaker's visit.

One of the goals of the Mathematics Speakers Bureau is to encourage cooperation between corporate and academic institutions in the mathematical education of area youth. In light of this, host institutions are encouraged to arrange some informal time (tea, lunch, or dinner, for example) to allow the visitor, host faculty and students to share their thoughts, knowledge and experience.

How to volunteer

Volunteering to be a speaker in the Bureau is easy. Simply fill out this Google form with your contact information and proposed talk information, and we'll get back to you if there are any questions.

History of the Bureau

At its annual meeting in April, 1958, the Metropolitan New York Section of the Mathematical Association of America approved the formation of the Mathematics Speakers Bureau. The original charge of the bureau was to assist secondary school and college staffs in motivating able students towards careers in mathematics.

Director

Currently the Bureau is directed by Ben Gaines, Associate Professor of Mathematics at Iona University, who welcomes questions, comments and suggestions as to ways to make the Bureau a more valued resource for the greater metropolitan New York community.