Chapter 8: A Brief Note On The Origin And History Of The Saskatchewan Mathematics Teachers’ Society

The Saskatchewan Mathematics Teachers’ Society (S.M.T.S) is perhaps the first special subject council of the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (S.T.F.), or at least the first to be organized on a provincial basis. It may even be true that it provided the stimulus for S.T.F. to determine guidelines concerning such special subject councils, their role under the S.T.F. and their position in the S.T.F. structure. It is 25 years since the S.M.T.S. was organized, so perhaps now is a good time to look back and recall how the society originated.

The suggestion that such a society be established arose at the conclusion of a four-week seminar for teachers of mathematics sponsored by the International Nickel Company of Canada (INCO) in 1961. (INCO provided funds for a number of such seminars, including Physics in 1959 and 1963, Chemistry in 1960 and 1964, Mathematics in 1961 and 1965 and Biology in 1962 and 1966). Thirty-six teachers were selected from those who applied, and were given scholarships of $150 each to assist them to attend the 1961 Mathematics seminar. During the last week of the seminar, a party was given by Hector Trout at his home. Mr. Trout was then Executive Assistant of S.T.F. After a delightful evening of games, good food, and lively conversation, Hector posed the question, “Well, does this die after tonight, or should some way be found to continue this association of people interested in mathematics education in Saskatchewan?” Those present agreed that it would be wise to form an organization of mathematics teachers in Saskatchewan, and a few days later a small ad-hoc executive was elected and charged with the responsibility of organizing a founding convention in the spring of 1962. Those named to this executive were: