Atrium
Cracking the Code of Rigor: Challenging Students without Overwhelming Them
Stuart Bradshaw & Patty Dudley
K-6
In this interactive workshop, we will explore what rigor truly looks like in the elementary classroom and how to create meaningful learning experiences that challenge students while still providing the support they need to succeed.
Room 113
Trix are For Kids...Not Math Class
Joelle Cooper
4-12
Keep Flip Change. FOIL. Alligators and Butterflies. These are common tricks that most kids have learned but they can cause more harm than good for mathematical fluency and number sense. During this session we will look at tricks at various grade levels, discuss future implications, and find ways to teach without these tricks.
Room 115
Teaching Algebra with Data Tables & Desmos
Kathleen Carter
10-12
This interactive session will explore data tables as a powerful foundation for algebraic thinking. Participants will build conceptual understanding of linear, quadratic, and exponential functions. Analysis of data tables using the Desmos Graphing Calculator will be used to investigate rates of change, and organize word problems. Participants will leave with ready-to-use classroom strategies that leverage free Desmos technology to deepen conceptual understanding and encourage mathematical connections.
Room 116
Designing Accessible Fraction Manipulatives Through Digital Fabrication Using Universal Design for Learning
Ethan Yingling & Dr. Holly Rougeaux
K-9
Participants will learn about fraction manipulatives that have been 3D printed using Universal Design for Learning principles, then have an opportunity to create their own simple manipulatives using Tinkercad. Tinkercad is a free, user-friendly online 3D design application. Participants will need a laptop to participate in the demonstration.
Room 117
Teaching for Engagement and Eliciting Evidence of Student Thinking
Marian Avery
7-12
An example lesson, at the request of some of my Pre-Service Teacher friends, utilizes formative assessment, building new knowledge on past learning, eliciting evidence of student thinking, empowering students with their own learning, getting students out of their seats to demonstrate their understanding, the strength of student collaboration within small groups, and the development of a positive classroom learning climate. The lesson centers on solving algebraic equations from simple one step to complex multi-step equations involving symbols of enclosure, fractions, and variables on both sides of the equation while utilizing “sticks” and individual white boards.
Room 119
Predict & Plan Using CDT and Firefly Assessments
Ronald Gallagher & co-presenter
General
Transform static CDT reports into actionable routines. Learn to bridge the gap between diagnostic results and high-impact instruction using AI as a force multiplier. Discover how to leverage data to rapidly generate targeted learning paths, scaffolded activities, and flexible grouping instruction to meet every math student exactly where they are.
Room 120
Through Their Lens: What Parents Can Teach Us about Elementary Math at Home
Rebekah Ulmer
General
How can elementary educators transform homework frustration into collaborative partnership? This session bridges the home-school gap by sharing insights on a photovoice study on how parents navigate math. Discover six key themes - from functional math to emotion tension - and walk away with practical tools to ease family anxiety and build trust.
Room 113
Partitioning the First Nine Counting Integers as the Sum of Positive Integer Addends to Solve an Open Middle Problem
Jay Schiffman
4-12
We place addition in context for pre-service teacher candidates. This activity known as an open middle problem attributed to Robert Kaplinsky represents a low floor, high ceiling task with multiple entry points and multiple solutions. The use of Cuisenaire rods and systematic counting aids in joyful multiple solutions.
Room 115
Calculated Engagement: High Impact Desmos Graphing Calculator Strategies
Andrea Sisk
7-12
Discover how the Desmos calculator can enhance instruction while helping students build confidence and efficiency for the SAT and other digital standardized tests. Participants will explore time-saving Desmos calculator techniques that students can apply on the SAT alongside practical classroom strategies using the Desmos calculator without sacrificing conceptual understanding.
Room 116
Beyond Worksheets: Building Math Fluency Through Board Games
Michael Lanigan
4-12
Discover how board games can turn mathematical thinking into meaningful, engaging play. Participants will explore strategies for developing number sense, flexible problem-solving, strategic decision-making, and mathematical discussion. Experience a classroom-ready game firsthand and leave with free lesson plans and practical ideas for strengthening fluency across grade levels.
Room 117
Building rich mathematics lessons effortlessly for Scripted and Non-Scripted Curricula
Rachel Ayieko & Melissa Boston
General
Students should have opportunities to learn from rich mathematics lessons. However, the time to plan rich mathematics lessons is limited and sometimes the curriculum that is available may not adequately provide for rich lessons. As a beginning teacher, an AI tool build from carefully selected mathematics curricula is available. Let us come together to learn more about the colleague AI tool for building rich mathematics lessons.
Room 119
The Art of Teaching Mathematics
Dr. Pearline Sturdivant
General
Students should have opportunities to learn from rich mathematics lessons. However, the time to plan rich mathematics lessons is limited and sometimes the curriculum that is available may not adequately provide for rich lessons. As a beginning teacher, an AI tool build from carefully selected mathematics curricula is available. Let us come together to learn more about the colleague AI tool for building rich mathematics lessons.
Room 120
Teaching Mathematics, Shaping Tomorrow
Preparing Students for a World of Data, AI, and Endless Possibilities
Michael Fierle
What an extraordinary time to be a mathematics teacher! As data and artificial intelligence reshape how we live, work, and make decisions, mathematics educators have an unprecedented opportunity to prepare students not only for the world they know today, but for a future filled with possibilities.
Drawing upon insights from Pennsylvania's statewide Data Literacy Action Summit, this keynote will explore why developing data literacy from the earliest grades is essential to helping all students become confident thinkers, informed citizens, and creative problem-solvers. Participants will discover how mathematics education can open doors to emerging careers and opportunities across Pennsylvania's rapidly evolving economy.
Through inspiring examples of innovative professional learning and partnerships connecting schools, universities, and industry, we'll explore how educators can bring mathematics to life through authentic, real-world experiences.
Whether preparing to enter the classroom or bringing years of teaching experience, participants will leave inspired by a powerful reminder: The future of mathematics education and the opportunities it creates for students, begins with us.
Antonian Hall
Atrium
Atrium
Engaging Students Through Open Instructional Routines
Emily Mainzer & Mackenzie Fritz
K-6
Open instructional routines like Number Talks, Which One Doesn't Belong, and Notice and Wonder invite student engagement through their emphasis on student thinking and creativity. In this session, we will engage in a routine, explore a variety of examples, and share facilitation resources (including a planning template).
Room 113
Emphasize the "Fundamental Theorem of Arithmetic" (factor trees) when Teaching Fractions
Timothy W. Young
4-12
In Part 1 of the presentation, I will focus on solving simple fraction problems which are normally contained in all arithmetic textbooks in the U.S. involving the natural numbers from 1-10. In Part 2 of the presentation, I will focus on solving more challenging fraction problems, using the numbers from 1-100. I will focus on the importance of using "Factor Trees" in both situations. In Part 3 of the presentation, I will use the same rules and procedures just discussed to simplify Rational Expressions (Algebra Fractions) using FACTORS.
Room 115
Empowering Persistent Problem Solvers
Courtney Nagle
General
What helps students persist when mathematics becomes challenging? This session explores the characteristics of persistent problem solvers and classroom experiences that cultivate them. Through student vignettes, practical strategies, and rich discussion, participants examine how sense making, decision making, and mathematical empowerment help students develop the understanding, agency, and authority to tackle meaningful problems.
Room 116
Purpose Before Procedure: Designing Mathematics Experiences That Give Students a Reason to Think
Nicole Hamilton
7-12
Too often, students experience mathematics as disconnected procedures rather than meaningful reasoning. This session explores how teachers can design purpose-driven mathematics experiences that begin with authentic questions and problems. Participants will examine classroom examples and strategies for creating opportunities where students develop conceptual understanding, mathematical reasoning, and confidence.
Room 117
Teaching Geometry Concepts with Patty Paper
Marian Avery
7-12
Make Geometry come alive with the use of “Patty Paper” investigating concepts such as parallel lines, perpendicular lines, angle bisector, segment bisector, circumcenter, incenter, centroid and more. The patty paper becomes the student notebook as they work through geometric concepts in a visual-tactile way while using a discovery discourse.
Room 119
Stress-Test Your Homework: Low-Prep Ways to Make Math Tasks AI-Restrictive
Dr. Nichole Scarlett
General
Can a chatbot do your homework? Bring an assignment and find out. We'll test real math tasks with AI, then revise them using quick, low-prep moves that make AI less useful and student thinking more visible. No overhaul required. Leave with before-and-after examples and a checklist you can use Monday.
Room 120
Level Up Mathematics: AI Meets Classroom Practice
Andy Lim Jing Han
K-6
Explore the AI Level-Up Tool alongside Singapore’s approaches to mathematics teaching. Through demonstrations, hands-on activities, and discussion, discover how AI, educational technology, and pedagogies can support conceptual understanding and the development of 21st Century Competencies.
Room 113
Teaching Data Literacy with Transparent Health Care Data
Jake Muskovitz
General
PHC4 will demonstrate the value of public health care reporting with developed learning materials. The session will include example content for K-5, 6-8, and 9-12. Small groups will explore PHC4 data through slow reveal graph exercises. Links to material and PHC4's publicly available data will be shared.
Room 115
The In's and Outs of Teaching in a Cyber School
Dr. Katelyn Taggart
General
Have you ever wondered what it is like to teach a full schedule online? Did you experience COVID and wonder how teachers do this every day? As a 10-year veteran math teacher, I will discuss the ins and outs of teaching math online.
Room 116
Taking Action to Promote NCTM’s Effective Teaching Practices in High School Mathematics Classrooms
Melissa Boston
7-12
This session will explore NCTM's effective teaching practices in high school mathematics classrooms, with a focus on "tasks that promote thinking and reasoning" and "building procedural fluency from conceptual understanding."
Room 117
The Role of Growth Mindset as a Mitigating Factor On Teacher Burnout in the Secondary Math Classroom
Grant Butler
7-12
Why do some mathematics teachers remain resilient while others experience burnout? Drawing on a mixed-methods study of secondary mathematics teachers, this session explores the relationship between mindset and burnout, shares teachers’ experiences with professional demands and support, and considers practical ways schools can strengthen teacher agency, professional growth, and resilience.
Room 119
From Reports to Routines: Using CDT Insights and AI to Fuel Flexible Grouping
Ronald Gallagher & Carrie Soliday
General
Transform static CDT reports into actionable routines. Learn to bridge the gap between diagnostic results and high-impact instruction using AI as a force multiplier. Discover how to leverage data to rapidly generate targeted learning paths, scaffolded activities, and flexible grouping instruction to meet every math student exactly where they are.
Room 120
Atrium