Laura Roberson, second from right, is congratulated as elementary math specialist by Stacy Blair, from left, Dr. Dee Fowler and Judy Warmath at a recent Madison Board of Education meeting. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Madison City Board of Education has chosen Laura Roberson to fill a new position as elementary math specialist.

Roberson’s directive is to help boost the district’s math proficiency for younger students.

“I have a deep passion for math and want to see that children have the best instruction possible,” Roberson said. “I’ve served on the District Math Leadership Team since its inception, and, through this experience, I have gained a passion for the goals and expectations set forth for our teachers and students.”

Since 2004, Roberson has taught at Columbia Elementary School. Previously, she taught at Lascassas Elementary School in Murfreesboro, Tenn. and Thurman Francis Arts Academy in Smyrna, Tenn. She has served as a math coach and sponsor, tutor and in various roles with Alabama Math Science and Technology Initiative (AMSTI).

In her new job, Roberson can confirm that issues “are followed through on” and that elementary schools “continue to increase our vigor in math. I want to see the children excel and develop a love for math.”

Recently, the Madison district hired math specialists for secondary schools with a Department of Defense education grant. “The elementary schools don’t have this grant so superintendent Dr. Dee Fowler and the board used local funding to create the (elementary) position,” public relations manager John Peck said.

Judy Warmath, elementary education coordinator for Madison City Schools, said Roberson comes with a proven record in improving students’ math scores in every grade in which she has taught.

Roberson plans to work closely with classroom teachers “to provide support in comprehending and utilizing data, as well as maintain the high expectations set forth by (the district).” She will collaborate with secondary math specialists to confirm that students “are mathematically prepared for the transition from elementary school to middle school.”

Roberson earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Middle Tennessee State University. She and husband Scottie, who is self-employed, have a two-year-old son, Presley.