Mathematics

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).

Charly Baker has 15 years of experience in middle school mathematics. She specializes in guiding collaborative teams through the professional learning communities process. Charly’s focus is on ensuring equitable access to high-quality initial instruction, followed by targeted interventions and extensions driven by data.

Cory A. Bennett, PhD, is a passionate educator who supports teachers and teacher leaders to create learning-centered experiences for all students by focusing on improving instructional and assessment practices.