The Teacher who Teaches Mathematics and their Education: an experience in Portugal

Abstract

This paper discusses the characteristics
of continuing education for polyvalent teachers in mathematics,
which may lead to changes in their attitude towards mathematics and
their classroom practices. It approaches the Continuous Education Program
in Mathematics (PFCM), developed in Portugal. It discusses the
knowledge of the teacher to teach mathematics, the types of knowledge
required for a proficient teaching, and relates them to the development
of a confidence attitude in the teacher as the one who teaches
mathematics. It presents the case of a teacher, trainee of PFCM for two
years, highlighting the contribution of the program for the development
of her knowledge and position as a teacher who teaches mathematics.