Communities of Practice for Canadian University Mathematics Instructors

Communities of practice (CoPs) that support the teaching and learning of mathematics in Canada are discussed. In particular, why CoPs are needed for mathematics instruction in Canadian universities, as well as some examples of these CoPs and what they offer, their target audience, and how they benefit mathematics education. CoP examples aimed to reach nationwide include the Canadian Mathematics Society, Canadian Mathematics Education Study Group, and First Year Mathematics and Statistics in Canada. There are also examples of regional and institutional-specific CoPs, such as the Fields Math Ed Forums located in Toronto and online, that are discussed. We conclude with some comparisons of these CoPs and what may lie ahead for CoPs and their impact on university mathematics instructors in Canada.