The new year is off to a busy start, and I already feel a bit behind! But I’m glad that as 2017 starts to unfold, I found some time to reflect on my professional experiences from 2016.
Speaking
I did quite a bit of traveling and speaking this year. In Kansas City, I gave an invited address at the KC Math Tech Expo titled “Using Mathematics to Create”. I presented at the inaugural SIAM Conference on Applied Mathematics Education, the 2016 Scratch@MIT conference, and the Teaching Contemporary Mathematics conference at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics.
In October, I was honored to introduce Henry Segerman’s Math Encounter at the Museum of Mathematics. I also participated in a panel on Computer Science Education in New York City, and ran a workshop on Desmos at the Math for America offices earlier in the year.
There’s already a lot on the schedule for 2017, but those with speaking inquiries can find out more here.
Writing
I was very proud to have my essay, “I Love Teaching Math, Maybe You Will Too” published in the November, 2016 issue of Math Horizons magazine. The piece appeared both in print and at the Aftermath editorial website here.
This past year saw another round of media appearances from Andrew Hacker, and the accompanying round of responses from mathematicians and educators. My contribution was “When it Comes to Math Teaching, Let’s Listen to Math Teachers” for Math for America’s Teacher Voices blog. I was thrilled with the positive response it received from teachers.
I also continued my work with the New York Times Learning Network, publishing a mathematics lesson tied to the American Statistical Association’s 2016 Election Prediction Contest.
Teaching
As always, I invited my students to create with mathematics and write about their mathematical experiences this past year. I also continued to integrate mathematics and computer science in my classrooms, something I’ll be doing more of this coming year. You can find out more about my approach to mathematics and teaching here.
And without a doubt, a highlight of 2016 for me was a surprise visit from New York State Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul to our high school graduation ceremony to present me with the Empire State Excellence in Teaching Award. It was quite a surprise, and quite an honor!
I’m glad to have a productive 2016 behind me, and I’m looking forward to the new challenges and opportunities 2017 will bring.
Related Posts
On Wednesday, February 15th, I’ll be participating in a webinar hosted by the National Science Foundation for teachers who are applying for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST).
I’m excited to be heading to San Antonio in April for the 2017 NCTM Annual Meeting!
