Traci Gardner is the Director of Mathematics at the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. With 14 years of classroom teaching experience, including roles as both a classroom teacher and Title 1 math interventionist, she is dedicated to ensuring students grasp conceptual mathematics and see its relevance in their lives. She holds a Master's degree in Science in Education from Lesley University and a Bachelor's in Multidisciplinary studies from Eastern Oregon University. Passionate about making math meaningful for all students, she strives to empower teachers to help them become active do-ers of math.

Debbi Goldstein is a dedicated education leader with nearly 30 years of experience in teaching, mentorship, and program development. In higher education, she teaches courses in teacher preparation, mathematics education, and culturally responsive instruction. She also supervises student teachers, providing coaching and feedback to strengthen their instructional practice.

Beyond the classroom, Debbi has played a key role in building partnerships between universities and K-12 schools. She works closely with districts and charter schools to support teacher preparation, create meaningful field experiences, and develop professional development opportunities that address local educational needs. In her current position at WashU, she enjoys engaging with the community and linking the university with local programs to foster the growth and success of K-12 partnerships.

Tim is in his 10th year of teaching, with 5 years at Hazelwood West and 5 years at Webster Groves High School.  Throughout his career, he has looked for ways to get students more engaged and get students thinking. Currently he is teaching freshman in Algebra 1 and Seniors in Statistics. This is year 3 of using a Building Thinking Classrooms model for the structure of his classes.  

Sherri Lorton has dedicated over twenty years to public school education, specializing in math curriculum and instructional design. Driven by her commitment to ensuring a guaranteed and viable K-12 math curriculum, Dr. Lorton aligns assessments, instruction, and resources with state expectations. As a district leader, she developed high-quality curricula and a robust Multi-Tiered Support System (MTSS) to develop systematic and appropriate math interventions, working with teachers and administrators to use student data to drive instructional decisions. Dr. Lorton has also contributed to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education by creating high-stakes assessments and educational resources. Her dedication ensures that every student receives a top-quality math education.

Ann McLaughlin is a National Board Certified Teacher and a Supplemental Math Teacher with over 20 years of experience in elementary education. She specializes in supporting students and teachers in developing deep mathematical understanding through conceptual instruction, number sense routines, and engaging problem-solving strategies. Currently pursuing a doctorate in Teacher Leadership, Ann is passionate about professional collaboration, equity in mathematics, and fostering environments where all learners thrive. Her work includes leading math-focused professional development, implementing intervention, and supporting curriculum alignment efforts across grade levels. Ann believes in the power of teacher collaboration and student discourse to enhance mathematics learning for both educators and students.