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SILVER SPRING, Md., [December 16, 2013] - Discovery Education is pleased to welcome three mathematics education experts to the team creating the new Discovery Education Math Techbook series.  Supporting the creation of the latest addition to the company's award-winning digital textbook line are Patrick Vennebush, who has been named Director of Mathematics Content and Marjan Hong and Peggy Hartwig, who have been named Mathematics Techbook Content Specialists.

As members of Discovery Education's curriculum team, Vennebush, Hong, and Hartwig are developing digital assets and curriculum materials for the new Math Techbook series.  Launching in 2014, the Math Techbook series includes Techbooks for sixth, seventh and eighth grade mathematics, along with Algebra I, Algebra II and Geometry for high school and is built from the ground up to be aligned to both individual state and Common Core State Standards.

Vennebush, Hong and Hartwig join a team of experts creating engaging learning experiences that support students' development of mathematical conceptual understanding, procedural skills and fluency, and ability to solve real-world problems. Featuring an approach to mathematics instruction that is student-centered and inquiry-based, Discovery Education's Math Techbook series is being designed with a rigorous framework that will build lasting proficiency and provide real-time data to personalize learning. In addition, this team plays a critical role in the development and alignment of mathematics resources on all Discovery Education services.

"Patrick, Marjan, and Peggy's extensive knowledge and understanding of effective instructional practices in mathematics education will be invaluable as we continue to support school districts in transforming teaching and learning through dynamic digital content," said Dale Fulton, Chief Academic Officer at Discovery Education, to whom the curriculum team reports. "Their combined expertise and vast experience will ensure we provide the highest level of support to educators using Math Techbook."

As Director of Mathematics at Discovery Education, Vennebush leads the development of digital media and curriculum materials for all Discovery Education mathematic services. Prior to joining the company, Vennebush was online projects manager at the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), where he developed mathematics content for Illuminations, a professional development website providing free standards-based lessons and online activities for teachers. He has also worked for Educational Testing Services, PBS TeacherLine, Math Resources, Inc. and MATHCOUNTS. Vennebush began his career in education as a mathematics teacher at the Mercer Area Junior/Senior High School in Pennsylvania. Among his many industry achievements, he currently sits as chair of the MATHCOUNTS Question Writing Committee, frequently speaks at local, regional, and state mathematics conferences, and has been published on multiple occasions in NCTM's journals. He is the author of Math Jokes 4 Mathy Folks and maintains a popular blog of the same name. Vennebush holds a bachelor's degree from Pennsylvania State University, where he received an Alumni Achievement Award, and a master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Maryland.

In her new role as content specialist, Hong is responsible for ensuring the high quality and fidelity of both high school and middle school Math Techbooks.  Prior to joining Discovery Education, she worked as a project manager for the Mathforward program at Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools and as an educational consultant for IPST in Thailand, where she created and provided professional development for mathematics teachers. A recipient of the State of Utah's Teaching Excellence Award, Hong taught in public schools throughout North Carolina and Utah for over 15 years, and also served as a mathematics instructor at Salt Lake Community College and ITT Technical College. She earned a B.S. in Mathematics and a secondary teaching certificate from Westminster College of Salt Lake City. Hong also holds a M.Ed. in Teaching and Learning from the University of Utah.

As a content specialist at Discovery Education, Hartwig helps monitor and maintain the exceptional quality of Discovery Education mathematics resources. Prior to joining the company, she worked as a STEM Math Educator and Technology Integration Specialist at Marshfield High School in Wisconsin, where she instructed various mathematics courses and assisted K-12 educators with effective 21st century technology integration. During her tenure at Marshfield, Hartwig initiated the development of Project Based Learning and Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) throughout the school district. A member of NCTM for over 20 years, she holds National Board Certification for A-YA Mathematics and was a state finalist for the 2005 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). Hartwig earned a B.S. in Mathematics from the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point and an M.A. in Education from Silver Lake College.

The Discovery Education Techbook series is a digital textbook solution for K-12 teachers and students. Dynamic, interactive resources are organized around the inquiry-based 5E model of instruction and capture digitally native students' attention. Built from the ground-up to be specifically aligned to Common Core and state standards, the Discovery Education Techbook series creates learning environments that promote collaboration, creativity and participatory learning. More than 700,000 students across the U.S. and Canada currently have access to the Discovery Education Techbook series. 

For more information about Discovery Education's Techbook series or other services and resources from Discovery Education, visit www.discoveryeducation.com.

About Discovery Education

Discovery Education is the global leader in standards-based digital content for K-12, transforming teaching and learning with award-winning digital textbooks, multimedia content that supports the implementation of Common Core, professional development, assessment tools, and the largest professional learning community of its kind.  Available in over half of all U.S. schools, community colleges and in 50 countries around the world, Discovery Education partners with districts, states and like-minded organizations to captivate students, empower teachers, and transform classrooms with customized solutions that accelerate academic achievement. Discovery Education is powered by Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK), the number one nonfiction media company in the world. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com.