Session Presenters

Building a Math Community 

In this presentation, we delve into the transformative power of building a strong math community within 9-12 classrooms. Mathematics isn't just about numbers and formulas; it's about cultivating a mindset of inquiry, 

Th 2:05-3:00

Building Math Numeracy wth SPLAT! 

We will explore a free math resource (created by Steve Wybourney) that engages students, builds fluency, and leaves students asking for more! In this session, participants will get an overview of available resources and will be part of an interactive lesson to see how these simple-to-use tools can increase students' math reasoning skills, collaboration, and build math enjoyment for all ability levels.

Th 1:00-3:00

Illustrative Math & Pear Deck  

Come learn about how to integrate Pear Deck with the Illustrative Math Curriculum. You will leave with some ready to use materials and knowledge of this powerful tool! 

W 2:05-3:00

Th 2:05-3:00

Inquiry-Based Activities for Building Math Communities 

Build relationships with students, foster a math community that allows students to express their mathematical ideas and communicate their mathematical thinking to others, and cultivate a sense of fun through inquiry-based activities in the first days of math class.

T 2:05-3:00

Understanding Base Ten Numeration and Place Value

Educators deepen their understanding of base-ten numeration and place value. This includes some work on rounding numbers using base-ten benchmarks as well. Educators see how these core concepts connect to how number knowledge develops from understanding whole numbers to understanding other rational numbers including fractions.

T 1:00-1:55

W 1:00-1:55

Th 1:00-1:55

Mathematical Mindsets

This session is for teachers who love math; for those who don’t like math; and, for those who have previously not been successful with math. Join our session to experience mindset math activities and learn how it has impacted our teaching in the classroom. 

Th 1:00-3:00

Building Thinking Classrooms in Action

This two-hour session will start with a fast and furious overview of the 14 practices outlined in Dr. Peter Liljedahl's "Building Thinking Classrooms," but the bulk of time is intended to actively support teachers who are interested in implementing BTC into their classrooms but are unsure exactly how to do it.  I have taught everything from 7th grade math through calculus, and I've been fully committed/converted to the BTC framework for three years, and in fact being a BTC teacher was foundational for my pursuit of my National Board Certification!  I'm here to help you make BTC your own, to share some of what I've learned and about how my teaching practice has evolved, and ultimately to help you figure out what BTC could look like for you in your classroom.  Come with questions and come ready to plan!

Th 1:00-3:00

Hands-On Strategies for Conceptual Understanding

How can you help students truly explore mathematics without exploring yourself? Inspired by the work of John Van de Walle, Marilyn Burns, and others, this hands-on session will engage educators in meaningful inquiry-based activities. From building number sense to exploring geometric concepts, participants will leave with techniques to transform their math instruction. Join us to discover how to foster deep conceptual understanding in students while promoting mathematical reasoning and critical thinking. 

T 1:00-3:00

Mastering Mathematics: Best Practices for Effective Teaching and Learning 

Join us as we unlock the secrets to effective mathematics teaching and learning. Become equipped with insights to create a vibrant, engaging math classroom where all students thrive! We will delve into each of NCTM’s eight effective teaching practices, providing practical examples, classroom strategies, and collaborative discussion. 

W 1:00-3:00

Th 1:00-3:00

Owning Their Learning: The Journey to Student-Centered Classrooms

 Discover how to empower students through engaging teaching practices that foster collaborative experiences and deep mathematical reasoning. Join us as we explore essential strategies to create vibrant, student-driven mathematics classrooms where learning truly takes center stage. Leave with resources that you can implement tomorrow!

T 2:05-3:00

W 1:00-1:55

Th 2:05-3:00

Outdoor Learning 101

Triple your results...Embed SEL naturally...In this session we will discuss the research behind taking your students outdoors and strategies to support your transition to teaching and learning outside.

W 2:05-3:00

Introduction to Grading for Equity

The grades students receive profoundly affect their learning experiences, opportunities, and even life trajectories. The Introduction to Grading for Equity will inspire and empower teachers to create a more equitable and effective grading system that supports all students, particularly those historically underserved. Participants will feel a greater sense of urgency and motivation to tackle the complexity of improving grading with an overview of the why, the what, and the how of equitable grading! 

T 1:00-3:00

W 1:00-3:00

Owning Their Learning: The Journey to Student-Centered Classrooms

 Discover how to empower students through engaging teaching practices that foster collaborative experiences and deep mathematical reasoning. Join us as we explore essential strategies to create vibrant, student-driven mathematics classrooms where learning truly takes center stage. Leave with resources that you can implement tomorrow!

T 2:05-3:00

W 1:00-1:55

Th 2:05-3:00

Principles to Action:

A Closer Look at Representation and Using Evidence of Student Thinking

An excellent mathematics program requires effective teaching that engages students in meaningful learning through individual and collaborative experiences that promote their ability to make sense of mathematical ideas and reason mathematically.

Join this session where we review the NCTM Principles to Actions through a math classroom case-study. We focus on how to analyze and connect multiple mathematical representations and take a look at student work to find and use evidence of mathematical thinking in classroom discourse.

T 1:00-1:55

Principles to Action:

A Closer Look at Representation and Using Evidence of Student Thinking

An excellent mathematics program requires effective teaching that engages students in meaningful learning through individual and collaborative experiences that promote their ability to make sense of mathematical ideas and reason mathematically.

Join this session where we review the NCTM Principles to Actions through a math classroom case-study. We focus on how to analyze and connect multiple mathematical representations and take a look at student work to find and use evidence of mathematical thinking in classroom discourse.

T 1:00-1:55

Let’s Talk Tasks; Elementary Thinking Classrooms

Over the past year, Maegan Giroux, alongside Peter Liljedahl, has been investigating tasks while writing their upcoming book, ‘Mathematics Tasks for the Thinking Classroom, K-5’. Their book covers everything about tasks, from the launch script to consolidation to tips for making your own tasks, all viewed through a uniquely elementary lens. In this workshop, Maegan will lead participants through a task beginning to end and explore crucial micro and macro moves for an elementary thinking classroom.

Th 1:00-1:55

Th 2:05-3:00

Redefining What It Means To Be Good At Math

Gone are the days of prioritizing memorization over conceptual understanding. Are your students truly fluent? What is fluency anyway? This session seeks to challenge traditional pedagogical paradigms by placing emphasis on cultivating deep conceptual understanding, as well as fostering mathematical reasoning skills that encourage fluency. 

T 1:00-1:55

Redefining What It Means To Be Good At Math

Gone are the days of prioritizing memorization over conceptual understanding. Are your students truly fluent? What is fluency anyway? This session seeks to challenge traditional pedagogical paradigms by placing emphasis on cultivating deep conceptual understanding, as well as fostering mathematical reasoning skills that encourage fluency. 

T 1:00-1:55

W 2:05-3:00

"Tell Me Why": Understanding the Math Behind the Tricks 

Why does a negative times a negative equal a positive? Why does 'keep change flip' work? Why does this mental math trick work? Math is so much more than tricks! In this talk, we will discuss the math behind not only common tricks shown in math class, but mental math tricks as well.

W 1:00-2:00

W 2:00-3:00

Amaze-ing! Using Robotics to Enhance Algorithmic Thinking in Applied Mathematics

In groups, participants will code Spheros (small robots) to move through a maze. Participants will use block-coding to guide their robots using the coordinate graph. Spheros will be raffled off during the session for participants to use in their own classroom. 

W 1:00-1:55

Nutrition in the News:

Why we really can't "eat just one" & more insight into our culture of food

Join this fascinating session on the history of how research for soldiers and industrialization led to our current food culture. We'll discuss "nutrition in the news" and break down food cults and diet fads and share the recipe for a balanced, holistic approach to good health and great nutrition.

W 2:00-3:00

Desmos Art Projects: Transforming Math into Visual Masterpieces

In this session, you'll explore the logistics of teaching graphing and function transformations using Desmos. Then, participants will have time to work on their own graphing projects so that they can understand the student experience and be prepared to guide their students through a similar project the following school year.

T 1:00-3:00

Unveiling Mysteries: Connecting Artificial Intelligence with The X-Files in Middle School Math

Join us for an engaging professional development session that merges the realms of artificial intelligence (AI) with the Join us for an insightful session where we delve into leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to unearth and integrate student passions into mathematics education. Discover innovative strategies and cutting-edge tools designed to personalize learning experiences, making math instruction more captivating and pertinent to each learner. Equip yourself with the expertise to harness AI's power in identifying and nurturing student interests, fostering a dynamic and engaging classroom environment.

Th 2:05-3:00

Building Thinking Classrooms: Integrating Elements of BTC into Classroom Practice

This session will explore several elements of Peter Liljedah's Building Thinking Classrooms. Teachers will experience a BTC task as well as explore and consider how they might implement some of the 14 BTC teaching practices into their classroom. 

T 2:05-3:00

Numerical Nurturing: Fostering Number Sense Through Number Talks 

Number talks are 10 -15 minute discussions around how to solve purposefully chosen problems using mental math. This strategy helps students build numerical fluency - allowing them to make connections between math concepts and setting the groundwork for understanding properties of algebra. Participants will engage in a number talk, reflect on how this could work in their classroom, and consider how to apply number talks in their classroom at any level of mathematics.

W 2:05-3:00

Data Talks: Incorportating Data Literacy Into Your Classroom 

Data talks are short 10-15 minute discussions to help students develop data literacy skills. In this session, participants will engage in a data talk, reflect on how this might work in their context, and explore some resources for finding data visualizations to use.

Th 2:05-3:00

Let's Give Them Something to Talk About-Math Language Routines 

Math discourse is incredibly important to developing conceptual understanding and content communication skills. Using the Mathematical Language Routines as a basis we will engage in practices for your classroom that will help promote students' mathematical curiosity and development in meaningful, authentic ways. Please join us in giving your students "something to talk about" in math class!

Th 1:00-3:00

The Pina Colada Song...Escape Again!

If you've ever wanted to run an escape room scenario in your math classroom but were unsure how to start, this session is for you! Or even if you've attended a previous PD where escape rooms were introduced, I'll have some new options including digital scenarios that could enhance your experience. Please join us and ESCAPE!

T 1:00-1:55

Identify & Inclusion: Critical Elements of Culturally Responsive Teaching

The session will address prioritizing equity in classrooms and what equity in mathematics classrooms looks like. Research from culturally responsive pedagogy in classrooms will also be shared, and attendees will have the opportunity to discuss, and engage in tasks with peers, that can be taken back to classrooms.

T 1:00-1:55

Joyful Journeys & Identity and Inclusion

The joy of teaching can be reignited when educators focus on building these relationships and prioritizing the well-being of their students. This session will explore various strategies that can help educators bring back the joy of teaching and build positive relationships with their students. 

T 2:05-3:00

I Spy Math in Everyday Surroundings, Manipulatives and Books

The K-3 session:

(1) brings Concrete-Representational-Abstract (CRA) math experiences to your students, who are born explorers, using their surroundings, hands-on materials, and books to solve problems; (2) grows your knowledge about math and the priority standards and their connections to literacy and language; and (3) presents CRA math and literacy-based practices with funny stories, clever characters, and amazing plots that promote sensemaking, math vocabulary, and computational math skills.

T 1:00-1:55

T 2:05-3:00

Unveiling Mysteries: Connecting Artificial Intelligence with The X-Files in Middle School Math

Join us for an insightful session where we delve into leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to unearth and integrate student passions into mathematics education. Discover innovative strategies and cutting-edge tools designed to personalize learning experiences, making math instruction more captivating and pertinent to each learner. Equip yourself with the expertise to harness AI's power in identifying and nurturing student interests, fostering a dynamic and engaging classroom environment.

Th 2:05-3:00

Mathematical Mindsets

This session is for teachers who love math; for those who don’t like math; and, for those who have previously not been successful with math. Join our session to experience mindset math activities and learn how it has impacted our teaching in the classroom. 

Th 1:00-3:00

Math in the Garden- It's Elementary!

Discover practical strategies to integrate math and gardening as we explore engaging activities that will make math relevant and enjoyable for young learners.  Participants will gain innovative ideas to build lessons that take students to the garden to deepen their understanding of mathematical concepts.

Th 1:00-1:55

What are the Devices in my Room and What are they Good for? Utilizing the TI Nspire and Navigator Software

This session will cover the basics of how to set up and get started with the TI Nspires in your classroom. If you've had them sitting in your room unused or have just been using the basic functions, come and get some ideas of how to expand the use of the devices that you already have.

W 1:00-1:55

Making Math Irresistible

Learn five principles to make math irresistible for kids. We will explore why students lose interest in math and how we can spark curiosity and increase engagement. In addition, you’ll learn the key requirements to crafting an experience that encourages productive struggle. In addition, math should be surprising and spark curiosity. We will reconnect with how amazing school math can be as we explore simple strategies to supercharge the curiosity factor of your lessons. Watch his Ted Talk! 

T 1:00-3:00

Building Mathematical Identity: Empowering Elementary Math Teachers

Mathematical identity forms the foundation of a student's relationship with mathematics. As elementary math teachers, nurturing a positive mathematical identity in our students is not only crucial but transformative. This workshop invites elementary math educators to delve into the intricacies of fostering a robust mathematical identity within their classrooms.

Empowering Middle School Math Teachers: Cultivating Mathematical Identity

Mathematical identity plays a pivotal role in shaping students' attitudes, beliefs, and achievements in mathematics, especially during the crucial middle school years. This workshop is tailored for middle school math educators who are committed to fostering a positive mathematical identity among their students.

T 1:00-2:00 (6-8)

T 2:00-3:00 (K-5)

W 1:00-2:00 (6-8)

Th 2:00-3:00 (K-5)

Raising Student Voices: Utilizing the 5 Practices for Orchestrating Mathematical Discourse

Empower your students to take center stage in their mathematical learning journey with an immersive workshop on harnessing the "5 Practices" for orchestrating vibrant and inclusive mathematical discourse.  Experience and purposefully plan stronger mathematical discussions by anticipating, monitoring, selecting, sequencing, and connecting student strategies. Combine theoretical insights with practical strategies to be equipped to invigorate mathematical discourse in your classrooms!

T 2:05-3:00 (K-5)

Th 1:00-1:55 (9-12)

Differentiation of Math Tasks and Incorporation of UDL in the Classroom

This session will look at the Accessibility Toolkit for Math and use it to address tasks in the math classroom.We will also look at UDL tools, both lo-tech and hi-tech, to address the needs of all students.

W 2:05-3:00

Fractals: Inspiring Interest in Science and Math

Fractals are math made fun, exciting, interactive, and beautiful! They also describe the natural world, and therefore make learning math relevant. Learn how to use geometric and algebraic fractals to inspire your students to learn. Fractals are infinitely complex, self-similar patterns. They are also often extraordinarily beautiful and intriguing. Explore the exciting field of fractals in an engaging interdisciplinary presentation that demonstrates the enormous potential for inspiring interest in science and math. Covering the art and science of fractals, we explore the fractal patterns in nature, seen at scales from the microscopic to the galactic. The simple, repetitive natural processes that give rise to fractals all around us can also be harnessed by computer simulations to generate mathematical fractals, which are simple to explore and breathtakingly beautiful. Learn to create fractal art yourself using available free software. The presentation includes dazzling animated zooms, choreographed with original music, into infinitely deep mathematical fractals, which can be seen as objects much, much larger than our universe.

Th 1:00-1:55