Mathematics

Gabriel Ward is an elementary math specialist for the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District in Los Angeles, California. Previously, Gabriel taught at the preschool, elementary, and middle school levels.

Suyi Chuang is the professional learning supervisor for Loudoun County Public Schools in Ashburn, Virginia. Suyi also serves the school district as a certified project-based learning (PBL) facilitator and formerly served the district as a supervisor of K–12 mathematics.

Heidi Eisenreich, PhD, is an assistant professor of mathematics education at Georgia Southern University. She currently works with K–8 preservice teachers to help deepen their conceptual understanding of mathematics content.

B. Michelle Rinehart is an assistant superintendent, mathematics specialist, and instructional coach. As a former high school mathematics and science teacher, she is passionate about helping educators leverage high-impact teaching practices.

Aline Zghayyar Abassian, PhD, is an associate professor of mathematics at Seminole State College in Sanford, Florida, where she teaches mathematics and statistics courses. Dr. Abassian has previously taught high school mathematics.

Emily Bonner, PhD, is a professor of curriculum and instruction in mathematics education and the associate dean for research and faculty affairs at the University of Texas at San Antonio.

Makini Sutherland, EdD, is a mathematics educator with experience at the elementary, high school, and collegiate level. She has also facilitated training elementary teachers for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Jamaica mathematics project.

Whitney K. Freije is an elementary school principal at A.F. Palmer Elementary, a Model PLC at Work® school in the Windsor Central School District, located in upstate New York. She specializes in empowering teachers with effective instructional practices to promote high levels of literacy and mathematics.

Rea Smith is a mathematics facilitator in northwest Arkansas. She passionately supports the work of professional learning communities with a focus on common assessments to improve student and teacher learning.

Without strong social and emotional skills, students can really struggle in math class. From approaching word problems with self-confidence and determination to embracing their mistakes with a growth mindset, building strong Social-Emotional Learning skills is a critical component to helping students achieve in math. This session explores six overarching SEL skills and provides teachers with immediately implementable, high-leverage strategies to help students achieve in math.