Providing proven and effective strategies
Your RightStart Math team will work with you and your school to ensure that you have the tools and information you need to promote student learning. RightStart Math will provide you with proven and effective elementary and middle school math instructional strategies to teach all students in the general math classroom, the inclusive classroom, and special education or MTSS/RTI programs.
The entire RightStart Math team is an integral part to helping you bring these effective methods and strategies into your classroom. To ensure teacher confidence, RightStart Math provides FREE professional development courses for your teachers, parent classes, and year-long support.
Dr. Joan A. Cotter, Curriculum Developer
The founder of Activities for Learning, Inc., holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, an AMI Montessori diploma for ages 3-6, a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from College of St. Thomas, Minnesota, (now University of St. Thomas) and earned a Ph.D. in mathematics education from the University of Minnesota.
She devised card games that were published in her first book, Math Card Games: 300 Games for Learning and Enjoying Math.
After starting a Montessori preschool, Dr. Cotter taught in several Montessori schools. She also taught mathematics in grades 6-8 and worked with children with special needs.
Dr. Cotter designed the double-sided Cotter Abacus and wrote RightStart Mathematics, a comprehensive elementary and middle-school mathematics program that incorporates visualization, the Cotter Abacus, math card games, and drawing board tools. The RightStart curriculum is an outgrowth of her doctoral research and her continued studies on brain research and how it affects learning. Dr. Cotter speaks at conferences across the US and worldwide.
Teresa Foltin, School Liaison
Teresa has a B.A. in English Literature and an M.S. in Student Affairs in Higher Education. Previously the Director of Student Activities at an American university in Germany, she also taught for several years in a classroom in Colorado. She is responsible for supporting teachers and administrators by providing product recommendations, quotes, and professional development. Theresa very much enjoys helping teachers and students flourish in their math education. She can be reached at [email protected].
Rachel Anderson, Intervention and Learning Specialist
Rachel has a B.A. Music and an M. Ed. in Special Education. She has taught children with learning disabilities and coached families and teachers of students with special needs. Rachel enjoys helping teachers and administrators by providing excellent customer care and curriculum support. She can be reached at [email protected].
Kathleen Cotter Clayton, Vice President
Kathleen has a B.S. from the University of Minnesota and has an MBA and a Masters in Management from the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota. She is the daughter of Dr. Joan A. Cotter, author and creator of the RightStart™ Mathematics program. She was one of the first students to grow up under the RightStart principles.
Kathleen is responsible for program development, sales, and general management. She enjoys helping teachers and administrators by providing professional development courses and curriculum support. She also teaches online middle school math classes. Kathleen travels across the US and Canada, sharing the RightStart mission of helping students understand, apply, and enjoy mathematics. She can be reached at [email protected].
Maren Ehley, General Manager
Maren has a B.A. Degree in Design and Art from North Dakota State University. She is responsible for helping teachers and administrators with order processing, professional development, and curriculum support. She also teaches online middle school math classes. Maren travels to conventions within the US and Canada to help children benefit from using RightStart Math. She can be reached at [email protected].
