Session 2

Title: Let’s sketch diagrams to solve word problems!

Presenter(s): Fawn Nguyen

Room: Susquehanna/Yellow Breeches

Description: In this session, you'll be asked to resist the urge to write equations to solve problems and instead create meaningful diagrams that show your understanding. You'll experience firsthand how a good diagram can reveal an elegant solution. This approach matters because word problems and writing equations to solve them are notoriously difficult for students—so difficult that many struggle to even start.

Grade Level Focus: Secondary focus (6-12)

Bio: Fawn Nguyen is Director of STEM Initiatives at Amplify. A retired math teacher with 30 years of classroom experience, she was named 2014 Ventura County Teacher of the Year. She presents at math conferences nationwide, writes on Substack about math education, and created visualpatterns.org, offering 400+ activities for educators. She co-founded the Math Teachers' Circle in Thousand Oaks.

Related Math Topics: Math Instructional Practices

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Title: Supporting Mathematical Thinking with AI: Feedback, Discourse, and Planning

Presenter: Karen Ditzler

Room: Keystone

Description: High-quality math instruction builds mathematical fluency through consistent routines, feedback, purposeful questioning, and opportunities for students to explain their thinking. In this interactive session, educators will explore how AI can be used as a feedback partner and tutoring support to strengthen mathematical reasoning while keeping the cognitive work with students. We’ll also explore how AI can support teacher planning through thoughtful task design, adapting tasks to meet student needs, and guardrails to prevent overreliance. Drawing on evidence-based math practices, participants will examine ways to use AI to support mathematical discourse, guided practice, and revision—without giving answers!

Grade Level Focus: Overall focus (K-12)

Bio: Karen Ditzler is an Instructional Technology Specialist and Educational Consultant with 30 years of experience in education. For the past 20 years, she has worked closely with teachers and students to integrate technology in meaningful ways that support learning. Her current work focuses on Instructional Technology, STEM, and AI, with an emphasis on practical, thoughtful classroom implementation. Karen is passionate about supporting educators as they experiment, reflect, and discover what works best for their students. Outside of work, Karen loves spending time with her children. She enjoys traveling, cooking, eating, and biking.

Related Math Topics: AI with Math, Instructional Technology/ Math Tools

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Title: From UDL to SDIs:  Making Accommodations Work in the Math Classroom

Presenters: Samantha Forsythe and Lauren DeLellis

Room: Meadow

Description: This session explores how to bridge Universal Design for Learning (UDL) with Specially Designed Instruction (SDIs) to effectively support learners in the math classroom. Participants will learn the difference between accommodations and modifications, and how  to promote access without lowering expectations. Practical strategies, real-world examples, and helpful resources will be shared to support instruction and student success. Educators will leave with tools they can immediately implement to make math instruction more inclusive, engaging, and accessible for all learners.

Grade Level Focus: Overall focus (K-12)

Bio: Samantha Forsythe is an Educational Consultant with the CAIU Training and Consultation team and a former middle school Autism Support Teacher. She specializes in inclusive practices and autism-focused supports, partnering with educators to design accessible, supportive learning environments. Through coaching, professional development, and collaborative problem-solving, Samantha helps schools implement practical strategies that empower all students to thrive.

Lauren DeLellis has been a part of the Training and Consultation team at the CAIU for 8 years.  While her primary initiative is Secondary Transition, Lauren participates in supporting teachers address a variety of student needs, as well as IEP writing/compliance.  Lauren is passionate about helping teachers create an environment where students can become their own self advocate and practice skills crucial for more successful post-secondary outcomes.

Related Math Topics: Students with Disabilities/ Struggling Learners/ Dyscalculia

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