Mid-career professionals and others holding a bachelor's degree with solid content knowledge in science and mathematics are recruited to become highly qualified, certified teachers. The fast-track program includes distance learning courses and workshops that incorporate standards-based instruction, creative problem-solving, and critical thinking, supplemented by the Math Forum mentoring and learning activities, as well as periodic group meetings. Research-based skills in using creativity and a heuristic diagnostic pedagogy are used to help the new teachers diagnose their students' learning strengths and special needs and teach to strengths.