The Speakers

Liberation or Oppression: The Truth about Mathematics

Description: It is no secret that mathematics can be used as a tool to liberate communities but also to oppress. We will take a journey together through the history of how mathematics has perpetuated inequities in Black and Brown communities as well as those experiencing poverty. Using liberatory practices in the mathematics classroom, we see the humanity and brilliance of learners and their ability to individually and collectively get free! 

Bio: 

Crystal M. Watson, Ed.M is an innovative, passionate mathematics educator and life long learner who you can count on to always ask “What do the students think?” Her work is centered around providing space for student voice and identity development in order for everyone, particularly those from diverse backgrounds, to experience high quality, deep, and personal mathematics. Crystal is dedicated to continuing her own development while continuing to center her work with student experience in mind. She is most excited about the connections and relationships she builds while engaging in transformational work!

“I Teach Math!” What does that mean?

Description: When we say, “I teach Math!”, what does this mean to us? To students? To the outside world? How do our beliefs connected to this phrase impact the conscious and unconscious decisions we make every day? Let’s consider several small but powerful shifts to this phrase that will position students as knowers and doers of mathematics.

Bio:
Sara Van Der Werf is an Educational Consultant with 30 years of experience in math education and leadership. Sara taught middle and high school mathematics for Minneapolis Public Schools. During her time in Minneapolis, she led K-12 Mathematics for the district. Sara is the past-President of the Minnesota Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Sara has a calculator museum and taught herself to ride a backwards bike that changed how she taught. Currently Sara Van Der Werf works at the Minnesota Department of Education in addition to speaking and providing professional development throughout the United States. Sara writes about mathematics on her blog at saravanderwerf.com

The Secret Language of Mathematics

Description: For many people, math is a mysterious collection of symbols and vocabulary. Looking at the history of mathematical symbols helps explain how math became a “secret” language and how we should teach it.

Bio:

Bobson Wong has taught high school math in New York City public schools since 2005. He is the co-author of two books: The Math Teacher’s Toolbox (Jossey-Bass, 2020) and Practical Algebra: A Self-Teaching Guide, 3rd edition (Jossey-Bass, 2022). Bobson is a four-time recipient of the Math for America Master Teacher Fellowship and a recipient of the New York State Master Teacher fellowship. He is currently the chair of NCTM's Nominations and Elections Committee. As an Educational Specialist for the New York State Education Department, he writes and edits questions for the state’s Algebra II Regents exams. He also served on New York State’s committee to revise the Common Core standards. Bobson has degrees in history (B.A., Princeton; M.A., University of Wisconsin-Madison) and mathematics education (M.S.Ed., St. John’s University).