2025 MidSchoolMath National Conference: Full Schedule

Explore the Agenda for the 2025 MidSchoolMath National Conference!
Register today at www.midschoolmath.com

Session sign-up for registered attendees will open in January of 2025; registered attendees will be notified by email when you have the ability to log in and sign up for sessions.

Agenda is subject to change.

10:00am MST

Creating Classroom Culture: Eliminate the Chaos

Friday March 7, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am MST

TBA

Ever wonder how to create an environment to boost student thinking? Or how can one get middle schoolers to actually embrace their mistakes? Or get them to just work together?

It’s possible! This session will focus on how to create a classroom climate that celebrates mistakes and where the focus is on learning, not just the grade. You'll gain ideas and activities to support implementation of Building Thinking Classrooms, with Core Curriculum by MidSchoolMath and other Curriculums. The session will explore how to create a safe classroom culture, use non-curricular tasks to increase student thinking, and even housekeeping suggestions to get your classroom up and running smoothly!

Speakers

Trissa McCabe

8th Grade Math Teacher, Reno Valley Middle School, Hutchinson KS

Trissa McCabe has taught middle school math for 30 years. She is currently an 8th grade mathematics teacher at Reno Valley Middle School in Hutchinson, KS. Starting in 2020, using the MidSchool Math Core Curriculum and then a year later implementing the strategies of Building Thinking... Read More →

Friday March 7, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am MST
TBA

Building Thinking Classrooms, Featuring Core Curriculum by MidSchoolMath

10:00am MST

Moving from "Do Now" to "Think Now": Leveraging Tools and Strategies to Achieve Specific Engagement

Friday March 7, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am MST

TBA

How do you start class? Homework review? A “Do Now” question? Does this really actively engage the thinking minds of your students or does it instead just fit into a section of the lesson plan template?

This session will explain why the traditional "Do Now" start to class may not be the best way to get the best out of your students! You'll gain a better understanding of cognitive engagement tools and strategies, and leave with new techniques for moving your students from Do Now to Think Now!!

Speakers

Dr. Denis Sheeran

Assistant Teaching Professor, Montclair State University

Dr. Denis Sheeran is a faculty member in the Mathematics Department at Montclair State University, and is the author of two books for teachers, Instant Relevance, Using Today's Experiences to Teach Tomorrow's Lessons, and Hacking Mathematics: 10 Problems That Need Solving. He teaches... Read More →

Friday March 7, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am MST
TBA

Culture of Conversation

10:00am MST

Start the Conversation: Using Unexpected Information to Get Students Talking

Friday March 7, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am MST

TBA

Learn how to use unexpected information with students to get them talking about mathematics! This engagement strategy can be used in a variety of settings and spaces as a way to spark students' interest and to get them engaged in mathematics discourse with one another.

During this session, we will look at sources of unexpected information (including expired math rules) to use with students. We will also discuss the best times and ways during instruction to introduce the unexpected information. You'll even have the opportunity to practice teaching students to engage in “friendly controversy”!

Speakers

Kate Degner

Secondary Mathematics Curriculum Coach, Iowa City Community School District

Hello! My name is Kate Degner! The 24-25 school year marks my 21st year in secondary mathematics education. Over the course of the last 20 years I've had the opportunity to learn from my colleagues, my experiences, and most importantly my students! I'm particularly interested in student... Read More →

Friday March 7, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am MST
TBA

Culture of Conversation

10:00am MST

Ten Clear, Common-sense Answers to the Challenge of Higher Math Achievement

Friday March 7, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am MST

TBA

It is so frustrating to travel from a high-performing school to a low- or medium-performing school and note the structures, culture, collaboration and leadership in one and their absence in the other -- regardless of socio-economic status.

This fast-paced, example laden discussion will highlight ten non-negotiable accessible elements associated with significantly higher math achievement. One-by-one we will look at these structures, actions and practices related to high levels of mathematics teaching and learning. Consider this a session to start framing your 2025-26 to-do list!

Speakers

Steve Leinwand

AIR

Steve Leinwand is a principal research analyst at AIR and has over 40 years of leadership positions in mathematics education. He currently serves as mathematics expert on a wide range of AIR projects that focus on high quality mathematics instruction, turning around underperforming... Read More →

Friday March 7, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am MST
TBA

Equity & Learning for All

10:00am MST

Developing Deep Proportional Reasoning in Every Student

Friday March 7, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am MST

TBA

In this session, we'll explore the cognitive demand of proportional reasoning by guiding participants. Using thoughtfully selected tasks from the California 2023 Mathematics Framework, we'll look at how the importance of rigor, sense-making, and flexible thinking that go beyond procedural algorithms.

Drawing on insights from Susan Lamon’s “Teaching Fractions and Ratios for Understanding”, we will highlight the importance of fostering students’ deep reasoning around ratios, fractions, and proportions. Instead of relying solely on algorithms, we will look at how to equip students with tools such as ratio tables, tape diagrams, double number lines, hundred grids, graphs, and equations to help them understand and reason proportionally. Additionally, we’ll discuss how these concepts progress from elementary to high school and the importance of building a solid foundation in proportional reasoning. You'll leave feeling confident in empowering your students to become problem solvers and critical thinkers by deeply engaging with proportional reasoning.

Speakers

Marco Aquinde

Middle School Math Teacher, UCSD Mathematics Project

Marco is currently working with the math and science department at Bishop's Middle School. Previously, he worked as a Math/ Science teacher at High Tech Middle Chula Vista. He has served diverse student populations and heterogeneous classrooms all across San Diego County ranging from... Read More →

Genevieve Esmende

Middle School Math Teacher, UCSD Mathematics Project

Genevieve Esmende is a middle school math teacher at Wangenheim Middle School since 2003. She is involved with the UCSD Mathematics Project, Math for America San Diego, Park City Mathematics Institute, MATHCOUNTS, Mathematics Diagnostic Testing Project, and DoD STEM Ambassador for... Read More →

Sandhya Raman

Middle School Math Teacher, Morrill Middle School, Berryessa Union School District

Sandhya's inspiration is her mother, a veteran teacher. She has an engineering degree in computer science from India, a Master's in teaching from USC, and is a National Board-certified teacher. Sandhya self-identifies as a “carb-ivore” and strongly believes that travel is the... Read More →

Friday March 7, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am MST
TBA

Lessons & Take-Away Tasks

10:00am MST

The Transformative Power of Inquiry

Friday March 7, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am MST

TBA

How can we make mathematics more engaging yet increase productive struggle? How do we help students learn to believe in themselves? How can we teach for understanding and still meet the state standards?

In this hands-on session, you'll experience a wide range of inquiry activities designed to help students discover mathematics, build confidence, and transform their idea of what a math class is. We will look at math content you already know but from an inquiry lens, with activities that will help students discover the formula for the area of a circle, how to simplify polynomials and even why the Pythagorean theorem looks the way it does. You'll leave ready to introduce these activities in your classroom and with a deeper understanding of why inquiry works!

Note: Bring your calculator!

Speakers

David Weber

The Transformative Power of Inquiry, The Preuss School UC San Diego

David has been teaching mathematics and Physics in both Canada and the United States for 35 years. He is passionate that every child should feel confident and believe in themselves and that the best way to make that happen is through active learning (inquiry and real-life applications... Read More →

Friday March 7, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am MST
TBA

Lessons & Take-Away Tasks

10:00am MST

Tiered Assessments: Creating Opportunities for Students to Exceed Our Expectations

Friday March 7, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am MST

TBA

Join the discussion about how we can open the door to rigor and challenge for all of our students. In this session, we will share our journey to build a "tiered" assessment that provides students with the scaffolding to demonstrate general competency, while also inviting them to dig deeper using their problem-solving skills. By giving students choice and agency, we can open the door to authentic challenge to all of our students.

In this workshop, we will investigate our own assessment practices. We will discuss the values in our classrooms and then consider how we reinforce or reward these values. This approach, which can be used at any age and applied to any standards-based metric, is a powerful way to improve transparency and access in systems with leveled groupings. It can also help mitigate implicit bias, opening access to challenging material to all students and giving them a chance to exceed our expectations.

You will leave this session with examples of how we have used a tiered approach in our school and ideas for how you might implement this tool in your own classroom.

Speakers

Whitney McMurtry

Algebra and Geometry Teacher, Kent Denver School

Whitney currently teaches Algebra and Geometry at Kent Denver School, in Denver, Colorado. She has over 25 years of experience in 6-12 education and over the course of her career has served in the Math, World Language, Science, and Visual Arts departments.

Friday March 7, 2025 10:00am - 11:15am MST
TBA

Meaningful Feedback & Assessment

12:30pm MST

Building Student Thinking Through Creative Questioning

Friday March 7, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST

TBA

Through creative questioning we can find ways for all students to engage in math through inquiry, find the fun in
thinking and create opportunities for authentic discourse and confidence building.

Using the Building Thinking Classroom approach, we'll look at content and non-content based problems, looking for more ways to engage our students in thinking rather than memorizing facts or being passive learners. We will discuss the techniques to keep students engage and thinking and how to extend problems so that we can differentiate within the room.

You'll leave ready to share these ideas with your students!

Speakers

Andrew Walter

Math Curriculum Specialist, Stockton Unified School District

My high school teaching career started over 30 years ago; My first 25 years were spent teaching PreAlgebra through AP Calculus. Over the last 5 years I have been the district Mathematics Curriculum Specialist. In 1993, I earned my BS in Mathematics from the University of the Pacific... Read More →

Friday March 7, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
TBA

Building Thinking Classrooms

12:30pm MST

Language Tools for Math

Friday March 7, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST

TBA

Join this interactive workshop designed to enhance math literacy in secondary math classrooms! You'll explore powerful strategies like Number Talks and Novel Ideas, which encourage students to verbalize their reasoning and deepen math understanding. Discover how Interactive Problem-Solving Guides can help students organize their thinking and work through complex problems collaboratively, while Debate Math fosters critical thinking through structured argumentation on mathematical concepts.

Through hands-on activities, collaborative discussions, and practical examples, you'll learn how to integrate these literacy-focused strategies into your lessons to support students’ mathematical learning journeys. By the end of the session, you'll leave with new approaches to cultivate deeper mathematical understanding, enhance student engagement, and improve achievement in your secondary math classrooms.

Note: BYOD: Please bring a device such as a Chromebook or laptop to this session.

Speakers

Jen Loescher

Regional Math Coach & Trainer, Southern Nevada Regional Professional Development Program

Jen Loescher has worked within the Clark County School District since 1999. In 2018, she joined the Southern Nevada Regional Professional Development Program team as a Math Coach & Trainer and is currently a CREATEd Knowledge Broker Fellow. From 2009-2018, she served Sedway Middle... Read More →

Friday March 7, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
TBA

Culture of Conversation

12:30pm MST

Math Vocabulary for Algebra Success

Friday March 7, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST

TBA

During this session, we'll explore how important vocabulary is for any mathematics lesson, but especially for laying the foundation for algebraic exploration. The formula for success in algebra is often said to be solid number sense. However, this foundation is well structured around a rich and deep understanding of mathematics vocabulary.

Using four Mathematical Language Routine strategies, we'll discuss how we can engage our students in mathematical discourse and discourse and empower all students with the strength of literacy in the language of mathematics, to make algebra accessible for all.

Speakers

David Brancamp

Professor, University of Nevada, Reno

I recently retired as the Director of the Standards and Instructional Supports Office at the Nevada Department of Education (NDE). Prior to this position I worked as the director of the Northwest Regional Professional Development Program in Nevada. Preceding my return to the NDE... Read More →

Friday March 7, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
TBA

Culture of Conversation

12:30pm MST

Empowering Thinkers, Not Reflectors: A Leadership Approach to Cultivating Independent Thought in the Thinking Classroom

Friday March 7, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST

TBA

Cultivating thinking classrooms requires more than just curriculum; it’s a culture shift…from passive compliance to active engagement and a mindset shift…from fixed expectations to growth opportunities. A “Thinking Classroom” is the intentional result of data-driven decisions made by “Thinking Educators” who are supported by “Thinking Administrators” who understand that thinking is hard work, but so rewarding and well worth the time it takes nurture.

Join us in this interactive session, as we explore how administrators, coaches, and teachers can work together to make “thinking” the norm! Learn how to create a culture of deep mathematical inquiry that drives systemic change within your school community. You’ll gain practical strategies to empower teachers to foster independent thinkers rather than passive reflectors of information. Together, we’ll engage in discussions and activities that address major obstacles to building a thinking culture while highlighting shifts successful leaders and teachers make to sustain this transformation. By intentionally developing educators who think deeply about their own practices, you’ll consistently produce positive, lasting outcomes in student learning.

Caution: Lots of thinking required!

Speakers

Claudisha Harriel

Growth Culture Coach, Abundant Fruit Educational Services

Claudisha Harriel, CEO and founder of Abundant Fruit Educational Services, LLC is a growth culture guru who works with educators to produce classroom cultures conducive to productivity and academic growth. Claudisha believes that when educators understand that mistakes are learning... Read More →

Friday March 7, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
TBA

Equity & Learning for All

12:30pm MST

Going Deep With Integer Addition: From Observing Patterns to Proving Generalizations

Friday March 7, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST

TBA

Learn alongside a group of 7th grade students as they work on integer addition! In this session, you'll look at the 5 Phase Teaching Model from But Why Does It Work? by Susan Jo Russell et al from both the seat of the learner and as an analyst of instructional decision-making.

This interactive session will include opportunities for you to explore the mathematics of integer addition, analyze student-created representations, discuss how to use the student work as a basis for instructional decisions and examine the student-articulated general claims. You'll have the opportunity to practice making instructional decisions at a key moments in a students' journey and be able to consider implications for their own instruction.

Speakers

Erin Wahler-Cleveland

Math Education Consultant, Roots and Wings Math

After starting her teaching career teaching 5th grade on the Zuni reservation, Erin relocated to join the founding staff of Atlas Preparatory School, an independent charter school serving Southeast Colorado Springs. In her many years as a middle school math teacher there she transformed... Read More →

Friday March 7, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
TBA

Lessons & Take-Away Tasks

12:30pm MST

Problem Solving & Puzzling it Out: Highlights from Ten Years of Presentations at the MidSchoolMath National Conference

Friday March 7, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST

TBA

In celebration of the tenth in-person MidSchoolMath National Conference, we'll share our favorite mathematical and collaborative activities from their long history of MSM sessions. From our experience we have found these to be effective, motivating, engaging problem solving activities involving probability, function, fairness and graphs.

You'll make and defend mathematical conjectures, explain your thinking and reasoning in the context of collaborative problem solving, and identify mathematical concepts in puzzles and games. Table and whole-group discussions will reinforce appropriate application of the activities, and you'll leave with handouts, take-home activities, and links to online resources.

Speakers

Thomas Evitts

Professor(retired), Shippensburg University

I am excited to be returning to the MidSchoolMath conference for another opportunity to interact with colleagues who have the incredible and rewarding task of teaching mathematics to middle school students! I am a retired mathematics teacher educator and a former high school math... Read More →

Martha Hildebrandt

Professor(retired), Chatham University

As a mathematics educator I have had the privilege of sharing my love of math with both students and teachers. I have served as the mathematics coordinator for a K-6 school, taught math to middle school, high school, and college students, have been involved in teacher preparation... Read More →

Friday March 7, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
TBA

Lessons & Take-Away Tasks

12:30pm MST

Student Agency and Ownership with QFT

Friday March 7, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST

TBA

How can we achieve student agency while focusing on a subject’s syllabus and content?

Question Formulation Technique can be a successful tool in achieving student agency and ownership without losing scope of the subject’s syllabus. I'll share examples from my own experience of using this strategy in a diverse school of international learners.

Speakers

Dania El-Iraqil

Mathematics Teacher and HOD at ISL, International School of Lusaka, Zambia

Dania El-Iraqi is currently a Mathematics teacher and HOD at the International School of Lusaka. Before that she was an MYP Mathematics Teacher for 5 years at Leaders International College, Cairo, Egypt. Ms El-Iraqi holds an MSc in Operations Research from Cairo University.Ms El-Iraqi... Read More →

Friday March 7, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
TBA

Mathematical Identity

2:00pm MST

Cultivate Student Brilliance: Embracing Pattern Generalization and Exception-finding in a Thinking Classroom

Friday March 7, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm MST

TBA

Middle school students are natural pattern-finders and exception-finders. In a mathematics classroom built on thinking and reasoning, we want students doing both! Come and participate as we walk through two mini-lessons meant to harness both the generalization- and snark-making machines that are middle schoolers.

The session will start with a Problem String, an instructional routine developed by Pam Harris that exposes students to high-dose patterning as they reason about adding integers. Problem Strings ask a series of intentionally-sequenced, easily understood questions and allow students to see a relationship made visible through teacher modeling, repeated in ways that are similar enough to encourage generalization and different enough to keep the interest of students coming from all levels of experience. As teachers we want to ask more of what Peter Liljedahl calls “keep-thinking questions” to help students reason about relationships without overgeneralizing. With this in mind, the second portion of this session will look closely at how exception-finding emerges as a natural and powerful extension of pattern-finding in mathematics, specifically through the lens of geometric “prove or disprove” statements.

Throughout the session, you'll have the opportunity to share strategies and ideas with each other, in partners, small groups, and as a whole group. Together, you'll learn from one another's perspectives and strategies as we do math by experiencing what one aspect of the mathematics of thinking classes could look like.

Speakers

Kourtney Peters

Math Teaching Consultant, Math is Figureoutable

Kourtney has been teaching middle schoolers math since she was a middle schooler herself. She is now a mother of four and a member of the Math is Figureoutable team, working to support teachers in their journeys to support students to think and reason about math rather than memor... Read More →

Friday March 7, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm MST
TBA

Building Thinking Classrooms

2:00pm MST

Look Inside Core Curriculum by MidSchoolMath

Friday March 7, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm MST

TBA

Take a peek inside a classroom to see what makes Core Curriculum by MidSchoolMath so effective and why it integrates so well with Building Thinking Classrooms . Find out how students are able to easily recall lesson and standards from months prior, and see how they can be engaged in problem solving through The Math Simulator.

Led by Jacqueline Johnson, Director of Professional Development for MidSchoolMath, this session will provide you with an in-depth, in-person curriculum tour. You'll leave this session with trial access to Core Curriculum by MidSchoolMath, an understanding of the curriculum's components that drive learning and the research behind them - plus a special MSM hat!

Note: this session is specifically designed for educators who want to learn more about adopting and implementing Core Curriculum by MidSchoolMath with their students.

Speakers

Jacqueline Johnson

Director of Professional Learning, MidSchoolMath

Friday March 7, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm MST
TBA

Building Thinking Classrooms, Featuring Core Curriculum by MidSchoolMath

2:00pm MST

To Get Our Students Talking, Let’s Focus on Our Questions!

Friday March 7, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm MST

TBA

We know that our students learn far more wrestling with our questions than listening to our lectures!

This fast-paced, example-laden discussion will model a range of questioning techniques that foster student discourse.

Speakers

Steve Leinwand

AIR

Friday March 7, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm MST
TBA

Culture of Conversation

2:00pm MST

What to do when Students Struggle with Problem-Solving Based Math?

Friday March 7, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm MST

TBA

Have you ever implemented a problem-solving based lesson, encountered situations where students disengage, and been unsure how to resolve the situation? This session will prepare you to resolve this!

Together, we'll complete a low floor - high ceiling simultaneous equations activity that can be solved in multiple ways, then discuss our own struggles in the activity and reflect on their students’ experience of struggles. We'll then take a closer look at the structure and theory of identifying 5 unique types of struggle: cognitive load, opting-out, expressive language, perseverance and fatigue. We'll talk about what to do - and what not to do - for each type of sturggle. Learning disabilities will also be addressed, to help support all students in problem solving.

You'll walk away with a better understanding of types of struggle that occur and be prepared to support your students during these moments of struggle!

Speakers

Elizabeth Powell

Learning Specialist, Remediation A-Z

Beth Powell loves working with students who hate math! She is passionate about finding the approach that allows students to understand math and gain confidence as a math student. Beth has worked in math education for 25 years. She received her BA in Math at SJSU, where she tutored... Read More →

Shamila Roy

Independent Consultant, UC Santa Cruz Extension

Current Roles:Program Chair and instructor, Educational Therapy certificate program, UCSC Silicon Valley Extension, Santa Clara, CAProfessional Advisory Board Member, National Center for Learning Disabilities, Washington D.C.Educational Therapist (Professional) in private practice... Read More →

Friday March 7, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm MST
TBA

Equity & Learning for All

2:00pm MST

Beyond Base 10: Deepening Students' Understanding Through Exploring Number Systems

Friday March 7, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm MST

TBA

In this session, we'll present a didactic sequence designed for Middle School students, focusing on various number bases such as base 3, 5, and 8, so you can learn how to initiate this sequence with an investigation using concrete materials, such as colored sticks, plastic pieces, or other readily available resources to equip your students with the conceptual understanding necessary for navigating these systems.

Through this hands-on exploration, students achieve several key objectives: they generalize properties of different number systems and learn to perform operations within them. This approach empowers students to transfer their understanding across diverse number systems. By varying the bases, they develop a more comprehensive grasp of the properties of operations and the functioning of mathematical algorithms. You'll leave with practical strategies and resources to replicate this sequence with your students.

Speakers

Monica Kulessa Galvão

Mathematics Coordinator, Escola Mobile

Monica Galvão is a mathematics educator with degrees in Mathematics and Pedagogy, experienced in teaching different grades. Currently, she is a Mathematics Curriculum Coordinator at a private bilingual school in São Paulo, where she works on curriculum development and teacher training... Read More →

Friday March 7, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm MST
TBA

Lessons & Take-Away Tasks

2:00pm MST

Math Anxiety Affects Accelerated Learners Too: How to Reframe the Struggle and Rebuild a Student's Math Identity

Friday March 7, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm MST

TBA

A student’s mathematical identity and how they situate themselves as a mathematical learner are framed by their early experiences and interactions with mathematics. Mathematics anxiety can alter a student’s attitude towards the content, detouring academic pursuits and career choices.

Accelerated learners are not devoid of confidence issues and struggles with mathematical identity. When students are accelerated into high school math courses in middle school, such as Algebra 1, our learners may have gaps in essential knowledge that predicate the content of future math courses. Students who may have a positive self-perception of their mathematical ability may become overwhelmed with the increase in content complexity, causing a shift in how they view themselves as mathematical learners.

As mathematics teachers and leaders, how can we help students reframe the struggle and rebuild their mathematical identity? Together, we'll discuss research and strategies and you'll leave with handouts and more!

Speakers

Dr. Julia Keith

Mathematics Teacher, Orange County Public Schools, Orlando FL

Dr. Julia Keith is a seventh and eighth grade mathematics teacher at Timber Springs Middle School. She has been a teacher with OCPS for 15 years, teaching all courses from sixth grade mathematics to Algebra 2 Honors at the middle school level. Dr. Keith earned her Doctorate in Curriculum... Read More →

Friday March 7, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm MST
TBA

Mathematical Identity

2:00pm MST

Note Taking vs. Note Making: The Impact of Visual Notes and Identity

Friday March 7, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm MST

TBA

Compared to the traditional fill-in-the-blank note taking methods of middle school math, visual note taking can support student engagement and influence mathematical identity. We explored this idea with our students, as members of the MidSchoolMath Certified Teacher program, and want to share our findings how how this approach impacted student engagement and learning outcomes!

You'll actively engage in the visual note-making process, practicing this strategy using a Core Curriculum by MidSchoolMath lesson to gain a deeper understanding of its structure and application. You'll leave equipped with strategies to integrate visual note-making in your teaching practices, enhancing student engagement and comprehension. You'll also receive access to digital resources to adapt this process for your students, with any math lesson from any curriculum!

Speakers

Andrea Huggett

6th Grade Math Teacher, Edison Middle School

Andrea Huggett is a sixth-grade mathematics teacher at the largest middle school in Green Bay, Wisconsin. She is a two-time Green Bay Area Golden Apple winner and has been teaching for 16 years.

Blair Swiekatowski

Math Curriculum Specialist, Green Bay Area Public School District

Blair Swiekatowski is a Math Curriculum Specialist with the Green Bay Area Public School District. He supports the implementation and utilization of the mathematics curriculum from 4K to 8th grade district-wide.

Friday March 7, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm MST
TBA

Mathematical Identity, Featuring Core Curriculum by MidSchoolMath

3:05pm MST

Anchoring Connections: Meaningful Math Tasks

Friday March 7, 2025 3:05pm - 4:20pm MST

TBA

When students explore visual, tactile, and relevant problems before a unit of study, they are able to use their prior knowledge, construct new understandings, and connect their learning to the world! In this session, we'll explore some anchor problems using Building Thinking Classrooms practices, and talk about how to make exploration and learning memorable and durable.

We'll then discuss how then displaying mathematical representations of these problems around the room allows you to refer to the math throughout the year, intentionally helping students look for patterns and connections, deepen their learning, and build conceptual understanding. You'll leave having deepened your understanding of the Building Thinking Classrooms practices and resources to use with your students.

Speakers

Jana Rupp

Middle School Instructional Coach, Georgetown Day School

Jana is a passionate math educator with over twenty years of experience as a middle school educator. After teaching in Mexico, New Mexico, and China, she moved to Washington DC, where she was the Middle School Math Department Chair at Georgetown Day School and recently became the... Read More →

Friday March 7, 2025 3:05pm - 4:20pm MST
TBA

Building Thinking Classrooms

3:05pm MST

Showcase: Ideas from the The MidSchoolMath Certified Teacher Cohort

Friday March 7, 2025 3:05pm - 4:20pm MST

TBA

Join us to see how educators engaged in an action research project using Core Curriculum by MSM over the course of a school year. This session will showcase teachers from Wisconsin, New Mexico, Colorado, and California, who dedicated their time and talents to collaborate with peers in order to support student learning in their classrooms, as the first-ever cohort of MidSchoolMath Certified Teachers . Whether or not you use Core Curriculum by MidSchoolMath, in this session you will learn practical and powerful instructional strategies that can be used with your students.

Moderators

Angie LaCombe

Director of Curriculum, Green Bay Area Public Schools

Angie La Combe is the current Director of Curriculum for Green Bay Area Public Schools. She has served as a elementary classroom teacher, a literacy coach, and a curriculum coordinator.

Friday March 7, 2025 3:05pm - 4:20pm MST
TBA

Building Thinking Classrooms, Featuring Core Curriculum by MidSchoolMath

3:05pm MST

Knock knock! Who is there? MLRs! MLRs who? Mathematical Language Routines

Friday March 7, 2025 3:05pm - 4:20pm MST

TBA

The session will address one essential element in meaningful mathematics: Mathematical Language Routines (MLRs) that help not just the English language learners, but any students who can benefit from a scaffold to understand and connect with mathematics.

You'll have the opportunity to learn about the 8 different MLRs in mathematics, while deep diving into a few, seeing the impact of these MLRs on math tasks. hose already familiar with using MLRs in the classroom, will have the opportunity to share and interact with others, and learn from each other.

You'll leave with an understanding of MLRs, plus templates and resources you can begin using with your students immediately!

Speakers

Sandhya Raman

Middle School Math Teacher, Morrill Middle School, Berryessa Union School District

Friday March 7, 2025 3:05pm - 4:20pm MST
TBA

Culture of Conversation

3:05pm MST

The Power of a Sheltered Story: How to Create a Language Rich Math Classroom

Friday March 7, 2025 3:05pm - 4:20pm MST

TBA

Stories activate multiple areas of the brain, including the visual processing centers, emotion, and motor cortexes. This makes the experience more immersive and memorable. However, what if our students struggle to access the story? In this session, we'll share and explore strategies for sheltering stories to allow this powerful experience for all of our students. You'll learn how to enhance your teaching with specific language structures and routines to unlock the power of a sheltered story, so that not only will students engage in Math in a deep way, but they will be able to connect their own stories to the context of the classroom!

During this session, you'll engage in a story as a student, engaging in sheltered instruction strategies that will not only model the effectiveness of this important practice, but to create a lasting experience you can draw upon when planning Math lessons. The story excerpt “Salvador Late or Early” by Sandra Cisneros will prompt educators to examine themes, such as equity, trauma and the student perspective. Teachers will examine bias as we change aspects of the story to reflect new meaning. We will discuss word choice and word meaning as we connect the story to teaching. The team will identify barriers to student’s accessing the story and the power of a classroom discussion to foster understanding.

Speakers

Sarah Hayden

Curriculum Coordinator, Hood River County School District

Sarah Hayden has presented professional learning around the state as well as nationally. Her passion is advocating for teacher and student centered instruction. Sarah holds a bachelors degree in Communications and a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from Portland State University... Read More →

Shayla Moline

Middle School Instructional Coach, Wy'East Middle School

Shayla has spent the last 20 plus years teaching math! She taught Math at Hood River Valley High School for fifteen years before moving to WYMS where she had the opportunity to teach middle school learners for six years and is beginning her 7th year there as instructional coach. Shayla... Read More →

Friday March 7, 2025 3:05pm - 4:20pm MST
TBA

Culture of Conversation

3:05pm MST

Amplifying Voices: Centering Black Female Students in Middle School Math through Equity-Driven Practices

Friday March 7, 2025 3:05pm - 4:20pm MST

TBA

In this session, middle school math educators, coaches, and school leaders will explore how to create equitable and thinking-centered math classrooms by centering the experiences of black female students. Using a real case study as the foundation, we will delve into the systemic challenges these students face and learn how intentional classroom practices can empower them to succeed in mathematics.

The session will focus on how educators can foster growth mindsets, encourage meaningful classroom conversations, and build thinking classrooms to support the unique needs of marginalized students. You'll leave with actionable strategies to transform your classrooms into spaces where all students - regardless of race or gender - can thrive.

Speakers

Dr. Mary-Grace M. Cianci

Secondary Mathematics Coach, Middletown Public Schools

Mary-Grace M. Cianci, Ph.D., is a seasoned secondary mathematics coach in Middletown, CT, with almost three decades of experience working with middle school students—because who doesn’t love the joyful chaos of the middle school brain? After spending years dedicated to special... Read More →

Yvonne Daniels

Math Curriculum Supervisor, Middletown Public Schools

Friday March 7, 2025 3:05pm - 4:20pm MST
TBA

Equity & Learning for All

3:05pm MST

Tangrams: Geometric Puzzles Revealed!

Friday March 7, 2025 3:05pm - 4:20pm MST

TBA

Tangrams pieces can be a good tool to provide students opportunities to explore and use their imagination with geometric shapes.

We will share geometric puzzles tricks you can use to help students develop spatial sense. You'll learn strategies to easily make a 7-piece Square, Triangle, Parallelogram, Trapezoid, and a rectangle from 5-piece square using tangram sets.

Speakers

Geok Ng

Professor, Minnesota State University Moorhead

I teach Math content and method courses for Education majors.

Chin Ng

Math Instructior, Central Community College, Hastings, Nebraska

Friday March 7, 2025 3:05pm - 4:20pm MST
TBA

Lessons & Take-Away Tasks

3:05pm MST

Providing (non-AI) Feedback That Goes Beyond “You should already know how to do this.”

Friday March 7, 2025 3:05pm - 4:20pm MST

TBA

“You should already know how to do this.” We’ve all offered that feedback to students more than we are willing to admit to our peers (or ourselves). In most cases, that feedback is probably true. And, arguably, that feedback is immediate, relevant to the task, and non-comparative - it may even “lead the way to some next steps.” It’s even likely that the student(s) needed to hear it.

But if we are really being honest, we have to admit that there is more to this story. Students need much more specific feedback that helps them to grow, allows them to fail safely, and ultimately encourages them to acquire the skills they need. We also have to admit that the best way to do this is one-on-one with a student. In most cases, the best time to meet one-on-one with a student is outside of school hours, and it takes more than just a few minutes. Who has time for that?

So… how do we do it? How do we ensure students receive the feedback they need and deserve without compromising our own time or simply “passing the buck” to somebody or something else? We'll explore my quest for a solution to this challenge, trade ideas and (hopefully) share success stories!

Speakers

Jon Ail

7th Grade Math Teacher, Buena Vista Middle School, CO

My first year teaching was in 2000, and I was primarily a middle school math teacher. Since then, I have taught high school math, been a high school principal, and even worked in central office. I've acquired a master's degree and most of a doctoral degree, served in a variety of... Read More →

Friday March 7, 2025 3:05pm - 4:20pm MST
TBA

Meaningful Feedback & Assessment

9:35am MST

Captivating Practice - Practice Printable Ideas

Saturday March 8, 2025 9:35am - 10:20am MST

TBA

Practicing math can become redundant. It’s easy to fall into the same routine: assign the page number, assign the math problems, and students get to work. Suddenly students are zoning out, their heads are down, they are engaging in off-topic conversations and now it feels like you are “putting out fires” and math practice comes to a halt.

In this session, we'll share what happened when we trialed and tweaked our approach to practice problems to allow for increased fun, increased engagement, and a highly collaborative MidSchoolMath Component: the Practice Printable. We have found these activities to include little to no prep and are perfect for Multi-lingual Students. Our strategies are designed especially for Core Curriculum by MidSchoolMath but will hold value in any math classroom.

Speakers

Laura DeBouche

8th Grade Math Teacher, Edison Middle School, Green Bay Area Public Schools

My name is Laura DeBouche and I have been teaching since 2014, the last 5 years I have been a math teacher which has always been the dream/goal. I have been specifically teaching MidSchoolMath for the past three years. I was born and raised in the Green Bay Area and currently reside... Read More →

Ryan VandenBoom

7th Grade Math Teacher, Edison Middle School (Green Bay Public Schools)

My name is Ryan VandenBoom. I have been a 7th grade math teacher for the last 5 years. Last year I became a MidSchool Math Certified Teacher. I love finding ways for my classroom to more engaging, and for students to build relationships in the classroom. I live in Green Bay Wisonconsin... Read More →

Saturday March 8, 2025 9:35am - 10:20am MST
TBA

Building Thinking Classrooms, Featuring Core Curriculum by MidSchoolMath

9:35am MST

Choreographed Collaboration: Teaching students effective collaboration routines

Saturday March 8, 2025 9:35am - 10:20am MST

TBA

We know we want our students to collaborate and work together but aren't sure how to facilitate this? In this session, I'll share how I move beyond saying "work with your group or partner" with collaboration routines!

I'll share three collaboration routines I have implemented and assessed in my own classroom: Collaboration Cards at vertical surfaces, Everyday Language Routines to apply to any problem, and Competitive Collaboration for game based engagement. You'll get to experience the collaboration routine as a student, discuss the impact, then review my collected data related to student perception and preference of the strategy. These strategies complement the recommended macro and micro moves for Building Thinking Classrooms while troubleshooting areas of concern.

Speakers

Keara Cochran

7th Grade Math Teacher, Aurora Public Schools

Keara is a Colorado native who has been passionate about improving math education in her community for her entire career. Since graduating from University of Northern Colorado, she has been teaching seventh grade math and instructionally coaching math educators for the last 9 years... Read More →

Saturday March 8, 2025 9:35am - 10:20am MST
TBA

Building Thinking Classrooms, Featuring Core Curriculum by MidSchoolMath

9:35am MST

Look Inside Core Curriculum by MidSchoolMath

Saturday March 8, 2025 9:35am - 10:20am MST

TBA

Speakers

Jacqueline Johnson

Director of Professional Learning, MidSchoolMath

Saturday March 8, 2025 9:35am - 10:20am MST
TBA

Building Thinking Classrooms, Featuring Core Curriculum by MidSchoolMath

9:35am MST

Miles of Math Language on the Tongue

Saturday March 8, 2025 9:35am - 10:20am MST

TBA

Join us for an engaging and interactive session focused on research-informed strategies to support multilingual students in their mathematical learning journey—by getting miles on the tongue! As Jen York-Barr states, “The person who is doing the talking is doing the learning.”

This session will explore strategies to increase student engagement and scaffold mathematical discourse, while considering the unique way mathematical vocabulary develops. You'll have the opportunity to collaborate in discourse routines, examine current research on math vocabulary instruction, and learn lesson design principles that support all students in developing a deep understanding of mathematics. This session will also demonstrate how to transform traditional vocabulary practices—such as the copy-definition format—into a dynamic, student-centered learning environment.

Let’s build student agency with collaborative, structured oral routines and card sorts to help students get miles of math language on the tongue!

Speakers

Evalena Leitz

Secondary Math Instructional Coach, Gresham-Barlow School District

Evalena Leitz was born and raised in Portland, Oregon and now serves as Gresham-Barlow School District’s Secondary Math Coach specializing in curriculum and instruction. She taught math for 16 years, including time as a Title I Math Specialist. She has served her state department... Read More →

Saturday March 8, 2025 9:35am - 10:20am MST
TBA

Culture of Conversation

9:35am MST

The Write Stuff: Integrating Quality Writing into Math

Saturday March 8, 2025 9:35am - 10:20am MST

TBA

Integrating writing in the math classroom can deepen the learning for all students. In this session, we'll look at ways to creatively integrate writing, first starting with low-risk topics and then (over time) moving into math tasks that push students to reflect and connect their math knowledge to the new learning

You'll have the opportunity to participate in introductory writing tasks, then move into the creation of larger tasks that require deeper mathematical connections including reflective writing. Leave with handouts and the knowledge needed to implement academic writing to support math knowledge with your students.

Speakers

Shannon Mashinchi

HS Math Teacher, Rex Putnam High School

Clair Thiel

High School Math Teacher, Reynolds High School

Saturday March 8, 2025 9:35am - 10:20am MST
TBA

Culture of Conversation

9:35am MST

Dreaded Division? Rethinking DMSB to answer the question: Does My Strategy Build critical thinkers?

Saturday March 8, 2025 9:35am - 10:20am MST

TBA

In this session, we'll look at two key strategies to support students in understanding and doing long division. We'll move away from the basic DMSB acronym, and look different ways attack division through the lens of multiplication/creating equal groups and counting up.

Using the question "How many groups of X fit inside Y?" and partial quotient strategies will prepare you to be able to teach division without the use of DMSB. These strategies can be used to teach division to students, whether it is the first time it's being taught or data suggests there is an intervention needed. You'll leave with experience in the strategies and handouts so that you can use these approaches with your students.

Speakers

Agyei Green

Math Equity Program Specialist, San Bernardino City Unified School District

Hello all, my name is Agyei Green. I am a proud alum of UCLA with a degree in Statistics. I am an educator who has always chosen and will always choose to work within our middle school grades. They say it takes a special person to work in a middle school - and I truly believe that... Read More →

Saturday March 8, 2025 9:35am - 10:20am MST
TBA

Lessons & Take-Away Tasks

9:35am MST

Exploring Metacognition through Reflection in the Math Classroom

Saturday March 8, 2025 9:35am - 10:20am MST

TBA

In this session, we'll share how our school has created a culture of seeing the opportunities in mistakes, using tools such as reflective journals, templates, and prompts, ultimately fostering a culture of continuous learning.

You'll engage in interactive discussions and activities that model these techniques, allowing you to see firsthand the impact of metacognitive strategies in the math classroom, including metacognitive awareness, error analysis, and reflective writing By the end of the session, you'll have with practical tools and actionable strategies to implement reflection and error analysis with your own students.

Speakers

Emily Noblesala

Middle School Math Teacher, Kent Denver School

"I enjoy teaching because of the community you can create in a classroom. Every day is an opportunity to challenge ourselves to think critically, learn from our mistakes, and grow with the support of those around us. I am always learning just as much as my students. Teaching is an... Read More →

Anne Sterry

High School Teacher, Kent Denver School

Ms. Sterry came to Kent Denver in 2020 from KIPP Denver Collegiate High School, where she taught and developed curriculum for courses including Algebra, Pre-Calculus and AP Calculus AB. A passionate, highly-qualified teacher in secondary mathematics, she is committed to creating a... Read More →

Saturday March 8, 2025 9:35am - 10:20am MST
TBA

Mathematical Identity

10:40am MST

Just Do It: Integrating Building Thinking Classrooms into your Mathematics Instruction

Saturday March 8, 2025 10:40am - 11:55am MST

TBA

Are you ready to transform your math classroom into a dynamic learning environment but you can’t help but think of all the reasons why it can’t work in your room? Do you have concerns about the budget? Is your space or furniture challenging? Join us for this session when we'll confront those excuses and concerns explore how to apply the principles of Building Thinking Classrooms to any classroom.

We'll address common concerns and provide practical solutions to help you overcome challenges such as limited budget, space constraints, and resistance from colleagues. Discover how to repurpose existing materials, find affordable options, and secure funding for classroom improvements. Learn creative ways to maximize your classroom space and create a sense of openness and flexibility. Gain strategies for building buy-in and overcoming resistance to change.

By the end of this session, you'll feel empowered to break free from the traditional classroom setup and create a space that truly inspires and engages your students -- and a toolkit of practical strategies to implement with your students!

Speakers

Amy Jessie

6th Grade Teacher, Meadow View School

With 21 years of experience in upper elementary and middle school education, Amy Jessie is a passionate 6th grade teacher committed to creating dynamic and inclusive learning environments. She emphasizes the importance of collaborative learning, believing it fosters critical thinking... Read More →

Brandon Johnson

8th Grade Teacher, Meadow View School

Brandon Johnson is a dedicated educator with 13 years of experience teaching a variety of subjects in both middle and high school. He is passionate about fostering a love of learning in his students and has seen remarkable transformations in his classroom through Mid School Math and... Read More →

Eric Wright

7th Grade Teacher, Meadow View School

Eric Wright brings 16 years of experience in middle school education, specializing in math and science. Throughout his career, he has enjoyed the challenge of teaching diverse subjects to 7th and 8th graders, continually refining his approach. A strong advocate for the role of community... Read More →

Saturday March 8, 2025 10:40am - 11:55am MST
TBA

Building Thinking Classrooms, Featuring Core Curriculum by MidSchoolMath

10:40am MST

Math Study Cycles for School Improvement

Saturday March 8, 2025 10:40am - 11:55am MST

TBA

Learn how math study cycles can be an effective tool to develop teacher leaders as change agents in their school and districts, and how this continuous improvement design helps ensure equitable access to high quality mathematics instruction for all students.

In partnership with our Math Teacher Leader Network (MTLN) teacher leader colleagues, we co-developed an approach to support the effective implementation of mathematics lessons in the classroom–math study cycles. Firmly grounded in this research and in support of NCTM’s Effective Mathematics Teaching Practices, math study cycles are conducted in three parts: (1) the planning - teachers plan the lesson together, do the math, anticipate students’ strategies, and develop meaningful questions; (2) the observation - teachers observe the lesson as a group collecting data on how students engage in the mathematics practices; and (3) the debriefing - teachers use a protocol to provide feedback on the lesson. Members of the MTLN testify that this professional learning process has been the most effective approach to improving their practice and the mathematics outcomes for their students.

During this session, we'll share video testimonials from our teacher leader partners in Blanco Elementary School, and then analyze a completed Math Study Cycle Template/protocol.

Speakers

Zachary Leonard

Professional Development and School Improvement Specialist, Los Alamos National Laboratory Math and Science Academy Math Teacher Leader Network

Zachary co-directs the Northern New Mexico Math Teacher Leader Network (MTLN), an association of math teacher leaders and their principals and LANL’s Math and Science Academy designed to facilitate and strengthen high quality mathematics teaching and learning in elementary and middle... Read More →

Lynda Spencer

Principal, Blanco Elementary School

Saturday March 8, 2025 10:40am - 11:55am MST
TBA

Equity & Learning for All

10:40am MST

Transforming Education: Persistence and Tenacity

Saturday March 8, 2025 10:40am - 11:55am MST

TBA

Meaningful change requires persistence and resilience. By embracing feedback loops and iterative improvement processes, we, as educators, can overcome barriers and cultivate a climate of continuous learning and growth.

In this session, we'll explore how to build a culture of valuing data; how a “top down” approach requires persistence and patience and to embrace the idea of continuous improvement. We can all learn from the mistakes and successes to create long-term plans on how to use data as part of shifting your schools and districts to a culture of continuous growth!

Speakers

Scott Hampton

Curriculum Coordinator, Antelope Valley Union High School District

Scott Hampton is currently serving as the curriculum coordinator for the Antelope Valley Union High School district. Mr. Hampton has served as the president of the Antelope Valley Mathematics Council for 7 years, served as Secretary for the California Mathematics Council Southern... Read More →

Saturday March 8, 2025 10:40am - 11:55am MST
TBA

Equity & Learning for All

10:40am MST

Equations are Counting Games: A Math Metaphor

Saturday March 8, 2025 10:40am - 11:55am MST

TBA

This session will begin with a short introduction to conceptual metaphor as a lens for thinking about mathematics teaching and learning. For example, our spatial understanding of up and down, along with our experiential understanding of stacks of objects, leads to a metaphor “up is more”, which we see in phrases like “above average” or “higher test score.” Drawing from this work, I will share some examples suggesting that metaphor is a normal part of teacher language in a math classroom, and that we can use metaphors strategically to improve student understanding.

Following the conceptual overview, we will play several counting games to find different patterns, leading to metaphors for variables, evaluating expressions and solving equations. During the games, specific teacher moves and mathematical extensions will be discussed, ensuring you can envision how this story and games can develop foundational algebraic ideas. You'll leave with an understanding of how to use this game with students, how elements of the game become metaphors for mathematical concepts, and how to involve game concepts into future math lessons.

Speakers

David Buitenveld

Math Teacher, Nisqually Middle School

David Buitenveld, NBCT, has taught middle school math for nine years, including core, support, and accelerated classes. David earned his Master in Teaching in 2015 and was a 2021 regional teacher of the year. In addition to teaching, David is currently a second year Ph.D. student... Read More →

Saturday March 8, 2025 10:40am - 11:55am MST
TBA

Lessons & Take-Away Tasks

10:40am MST

Math in 4-D: The 4 operations in 4 directions.

Saturday March 8, 2025 10:40am - 11:55am MST

TBA

What began as The Daily Dice and Domino Do Now (4-D Now) many years ago, has become a go-to activity in math classes, from the elementary grades through high school algebra.

In this session, I'll introduce and explore one of my favorite formats to use for openers, main lessons, reviews, at-the-board games, and full classroom engagement, participation, and discussion. 4-D lessons involve all students -- we'll use dice and dominoes to practice operations, explore the distributive property, long division and even the eight Mathematical Practices! You'll leave with an understanding of this versatile and adaptable lesson.

Speakers

Eric LeMasters

HS Health Careers Instructor and Department Head, Santa Fe Indian School

I began my teaching career as adjunct-faculty teaching math and science courses at the community college for two years. I then taught math and science for six years at a Title I middle school, followed by six years as a 3rd - 7th grade teacher in a private Montessori school. All along... Read More →

Saturday March 8, 2025 10:40am - 11:55am MST
TBA

Lessons & Take-Away Tasks

10:40am MST

Beyond the Numbers: Design Thinking in Math

Saturday March 8, 2025 10:40am - 11:55am MST

TBA

This session explores the intersection of mathematics and design thinking, challenging the traditional perception of math as rote learning. The session will incorporate the human-centered principles of design thinking to address problem-solving and innovation. We'll follow the design thinking protocol to empathize, define identify, ideate creatively, generate solution as prototype and test to refine solutions, and iterate on the design process.

You'll get an overview of the Design Thinking process and use it to problem-solve real-world situations in your learning environments. Practical tools and techniques for creating innovative and user-focused solutions will be discussed for a deeper understanding of the intersection between mathematics and design thinking. Through examples and interactive exercises, you'll gain the tools and mindset to apply design thinking to their mathematical work, leading to more innovative, user-centered, and impactful solutions.

Speakers

Sandhya Raman

Middle School Math Teacher, Morrill Middle School, Berryessa Union School District

Saturday March 8, 2025 10:40am - 11:55am MST
TBA

Meaningful Feedback & Assessment