Instructional Planning, Math, Professional development

October 2023

Math: Educators Attend the NCTM 2023 DC Annual Meeting

In October, math educators across the country gathered in Washington, D.C. to attend the 2023 NCTM Conference. Attendees highlighted the value of attending sessions ranging from best practices for strong math instruction to supporting the cultivation of strong math identities for both students and teachers, as well as the value of quality professional learning experiences.

• “‘Write it, prove it.’ -Olga Torres… ‘It’s not my responsibility to tell you if you are right or wrong.’ YES! How can we help all teachers adopt this mindset? [Let/encourage] students make sense of their learning and own it! #NCTMDC23” —Math Educator in Florida
• “Presenting at 9:30 at #NCTMDC23! If you are interested in the idea that language competence and math understanding develop interdependently, join us!” —Middle School Math Coach in Illinois
•  “Why is the ‘brain lady’ talking about math identity at @NCTM and @MathEdLeaders this year? Because a student’s emotional relationship with math is foundational to their cognitive relationship with math. My session is on Friday at 2:30pm. I hope to see you there.” —Math Educator in California
• “As math’s best & brightest commune in DC, one hope is that the conference provides teachers with strategies that enhance their instruction. Interested in your thoughts: What are you hoping to take away from your experience? What does your current instructional practice need?” —Math Educator in Maryland
  • “I hope to take away more K-3 strategies to use in my coaching educators in my building. We need innovative ways to reach children.” —Math Educator in Ohio
  • “I’m looking for many reminders and examples that the way forward in math education involves a wide array of different approaches, perspectives, and people” —Math Teacher in New York
• “Hey! Get some steps in after lunch and head over to the Monument Marriott room. I’d love to see you to chat about how we can create the math experience you wish you had as a student! #NCTMDC23” —Math Educator in Virginia 
• In response to NCTM prompting attendees to share their favorite memories
  • ‘“Meeting my math idols and those who inspire me.” —Math Teacher, N/A
  • “Connection is my favorite memory. Connecting with such passionate people.” —Math Educator in Ohio
  • “Exploring and experiencing the 4️ levels of inquiry.” —Math Educator in Texas
  • “Too many favorite memories!!! Meeting people who I admire is my favorite memory!” —Math Educator, N/A
  • “Getting to spend time with current and former colleagues and getting new ideas for the classroom!!!” —Math Teacher in Virginia 
  • “First timer! My favorite memory is feeling so welcomed and encouraged to get back in the classroom with a bigger toolkit by the #NCTMDC23 community.” —Math Educator in New York
• “Still on a high from #NCTMDC23. Things I learned/had affirmed:
  • 1. Community is powerful 
  • 2. Black women hold each other up 
  • 3. There is fight in us all 
  • 4. Children are evolving – we (and math ed) should too.” ” —Math Educator in Ohio