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Welcome!
On behalf of the Hawaiʻi Department of Education’s Office of Curriculum and Instructional Design, it is an honor to welcome you to our inaugural State Mathematics Conference. We are thrilled to gather educators, leaders, and innovators from across the islands to collaborate, learn, and redefine the landscape of mathematics education in Hawaiʻi. This year, we are grounding our work in the theme: "Kākou: Math for the Whole Community".
Date: Friday - March 20, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Location: Moanalua High School (2825 Ala Ilima St, Honolulu, HI 96818)
Speakers
Rachel Lambert
Rachel Lambert, author of Rethinking Disability and Mathematics, is an Associate Professor in Special Education and Mathematics Education at the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education at the University of California Santa Barbara. Her goal is to increase access to meaningful mathematics for students with disabilities. Dr. Lambert worked as a special educator and inclusive general education teacher for over ten years. Her work has focused on critical analysis of research in special education and mathematics education using a disability-study-in-education lens, as well as mathematical identity development and intersectionality for students of color with learning disabilities.
Latrenda Knighten
Latrenda Knighten, President (2024 - 2026) of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) is a retired Mathematics Supervisor from Baton Rouge, LA. She has been an educator for more than 30 years during which she has been a classroom teacher, science specialist, mathematics coach, instructional coach, and a mathematics coordinator. An active member of many professional organizations, Latrenda is a past member of the NCTM, NCSM (Leadership in Math Education) and the Benjamin Banneker Association (BBA) Board of Directors. She is also the co-author of three books: Classroom-Ready Rich Math Tasks, Grades K - 1, Five to Thrive: Answers to Your Biggest Questions About Teaching Elementary Math, K-5, and Proactive Mathematics Interventions Grades 2 - 5: Priming for Success Through Engaging Tasks and Purposeful Design.
Steve Leinwand
Steve Leinwand is a retired principal research analyst at AIR, the American Institutes for Research. He has a 50-year career of leadership positions in mathematics education including teacher, presenter, consultant, mentor, coach, evaluator, researcher, podcast contributor, critical friend and change agent. At AIR, he has served as mathematics expert on a wide range of projects that focus on high quality mathematics instruction, turning around underperforming schools, evaluating programs, developing assessments and providing technical assistance for school improvement.
Hannah Weissman
Hannah Weissman serves as Manager of Strategic Initiatives at Data Science 4 Everyone (DS4E). DS4E is a national initiative based at the University of Chicago, advancing K-12 data literacy skills. Previously, Hannah served as the Senior Policy Director at Code.org, where she led national efforts to broaden participation in K–12 computer science, including the successful passage of the Computer Science Advancement Act in Minnesota, which is her home state. Hannah began her career in the classroom, teaching high school mathematics in Massachusetts.
Joleigh Honey
Joleigh Honey is an author and consultant and is in her 30th year as a mathematics educator. She is the Immediate Past-President of the Association of State Supervisors of Mathematics, serves on the Executive Committee of the Conference Board for Mathematical Sciences, and is a current director-at-large of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Joleigh has been a secondary math classroom teacher, academic coach and specialist, PK-12 district and state level mathematics supervisor, and the PK-12 STEM Coordinator and Equity Specialist for the state of Utah.
Hannah Kurzweil
Hannah Kurzweil was the top graduate from Colorado School of Mines her graduating year and after gaining valuable technical experience and a global perspective as an engineer, Hannah transitioned into education and earned her Master's in STEM Education from Louisiana State University. Hannah's educational career began in the K-12 system as a math department head where she honed her leadership skills in curriculum development, educational administration, and created innovative data literacy initiatives, equipping students with essential skills for the modern, data-driven world. Hannah then moved on to teach mathematics at Fort Lewis College, enhancing the same data literacy skills at a higher level. Now, as the newly appointed Community Manager for DS4E, Hannah brings a wealth of diverse experience in data literacy education, STEM, and engineering to her role.
Shannon Olson
Shannon Olson has done a little bit of everything in math education—teaching, coaching, writing curriculum, supporting teacher education, and serving in district and state leadership roles. Today, she partners with schools and systems across the country to help teachers, coaches, and leaders strengthen math teaching in ways that feel practical, collaborative, and doable. Shannon blends research with real-world classroom experience, turning big ideas into simple, actionable strategies that make teaching more joyful and learning more meaningful for every student.
Loren Ayresman
Current Math and Computer Science teacher, Loren Ayresman, strives to integrate CS concepts into everyday classes. His vision and technological expertise has attracted large numbers of students into AP Computer Science Principles, and he is the 9-12 BKKM Complex lead for Computer Science. He is also a Presidential Award Winner for Mathematics, and a National Board Certified teacher.
Laurie James
Dr. Laurie James is a Professor of Mathematics Education at the University of Hawai’i–West O’ahu and teaches courses for the Education Division. Laurie has over 20 years of teaching in the public school system, where she developed a deep understanding of K–12 pedagogy and curriculum development. Since August 2016, Laurie has become a facilitator of the Math Teachers’ Circle of Hawaiʻi. Through her teaching, mentorship, and outreach, Laurie remains dedicated to preparing future educators and supporting mathematics teaching across Hawaiʻi.
Kuulei Kaluhiokalani
Kuulei Kaluhiokalani is an early childhood educator with over 25 years of experience in the field. She has taught in special education and inclusive classrooms supporting play-based child centered learning. Her focus is to provide support for educators who want to create joyful, inquiry focused spaces for young learners.
Janel Marr
Janel Marr is the Math/STEM Resource Teacher for the Hawaii Department of Education’s Kailua-Kalāheo Complex Area for the past 9 years. Prior to that, Janel was the an intermediate math teacher for 16 years. In her current role, she supports PK-12 teachers in teaching math and STEM via developing and facilitating professional learning. In her personal life, she enjoys spending time with family and her pets.
Travis Mukina
Dr. Travis Mukina is an Associate Professor of Mathematics Education at Chaminade University of Honolulu. Along with teaching preservice teachers in the School of Education & Behavioral Sciences, he also teaches Calculus courses to all science majors in the School of Natural Sciences & Mathematics. He also teaches mathematics courses to high school students in the Chaminade Early College Program at Kapa’a High School and Sacred Hearts Academy.
Phyllis Nakama-Kawamoto
With over 40 years of teaching experience, Phyllis Nakama-Kawamoto is a National Board Certified Teacher and recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence In Mathematics and Science Teaching. She is now a coach/mentor with the Executive Office on Early Learning. Phyllis is passionate about helping educators nurture young children's natural curiosity and joyful mathematical thinking.
Jason Nagaoka
Jason Nagaoka is a Test Development Specialist with the HIDOE Assessment Section, where he serves as the team lead for mathematics and co-lead for interim assessments. His work is informed by 15 years of experience as a math teacher at Moanalua High School, including 12 years as Department Chair.
Rob Nickerson
Rob Nickerson has dedicated the past 36 years to elementary - mathematics education. He served 20 years in Jeffco Schools (Colorado) as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, and district mathematics content specialist. For the past 11 years, he has worked with ORIGO Education supporting teachers and students. He and his colleagues design professional learning around current topics and trends in education to support the classroom teacher.
Yannabah Weiss
Yannabah is a Desmos Fellow who appreciates how Desmos Studio tools empower people to freely explore and discover creative, joyful approaches to mathematics. She has taught a wide range of high school math courses and received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching in 2009 and the Milken Educator Award in 2007. She has been with HIDOE for over 30 years.
Program
Schedule
7:30 - 8:15 am Registration
8:15 - 8:30 am Welcome
8:30 - 9:30 am Keynote
9:40 - 10:25 am Proposed Standards
10:35 - 11:35 am Session #1
11:35 am - 12:35 pm Lunch
12:45 - 1:45 pm Session #2
1:55 - 3:00 pm Session #3 / Closing
Session Strands
Fluency
Assessment
Instructional Leadership
Modernization (Pathways, Data Science, Technology)
Mathematics for All (Inclusive Practices, Real Life Application)
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