Mathematics

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 an elementary mathematics and science curriculum specialist in northwestern 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.

Chris is a dynamic presenter and educator with over three decades of education experience. His vision and guidance have led schools to significant improvements in teacher efficacy and student learning.

Amanda Hathhorn, district math specialist and mentor for the Aspiring Instructional Coaching Academy at Pasadena ISD, has over 20 years of experience in education. Notably, she played a pivotal role in successfully implementing the Professional Learning Communities (PLC) at Work® process and subsequently earning a Model PLC at Work school distinction at V. W. Miller Intermediate.

In this session, we will explore how teams develop effective mathematics instruction using 6 elements of lesson design. The process of designing engaging, targeted, and high quality instruction allows teams to dig deeply into both best practices in mathematics and grow in content knowledge. Participants will leave with a set of tools and discussion protocols to enhance their instructional planning and teaching of mathematics.

Sean Nank, PhD, is a presidential awardee, professor, presenter, and educator. He teaches at California State University San Marcos and the American College of Education.

Patrick L. Sullivan, PhD, is an associate professor of mathematics at Missouri State University. He is a former principal, mathematics teacher, and a mathematics department head.

Chepina Rumsey, PhD, is an associate professor of mathematics education at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI). In addition to teaching, Chepina leads professional development initiatives and contributes as a consultant for curriculum development companies.

Jody Guarino, EdD, is manager of the Teaching, Learning and Instructional Leadership Collaborative at the Orange County Department of Education and a School of Education lecturer at the University of California, Irvine (UCI).