Content excerpted from U of M press release. Read the full release here.

Mike and Sue Jandernoa of the Jandernoa Foundation, recently gave $4.3 million to improve the mathematics proficiency of Michigan school children through a partnership with the University of Michigan.

About $3 million of their gift will be used to expand a TeachingWorks partnership in Grand Rapids focused on preparing and coaching teachers, particularly in mathematics education.

The goal is to better prepare Michigan teachers and enhance students' mathematical capabilities, ultimately improving the number and quality of jobs.

"Just at the time when the current workforce needs better math skills, our high school graduates have significantly less math understanding and proficiency,” Mike Jandernoa said. “We must help these students in math now, so they can have successful jobs in the future.”

TeachingWorks is a national organization, focused on advancing equity and social justice and based at the U-M School of Education, dedicated to raising the quality of entry-level teaching and the learning of students in beginning teachers' classrooms.

The Jandernoas’ support will also establish a need-based scholarship at the Stephen M. Ross School of Business and expand fellowships at the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy.