Lifelong Learning
As a life long learner, I am constantly seeking out resources and trainings to improve my skills. Through out the last few years I have attended a variety of professional development opportunities where I have had the opportunity to learn from the amazing educators around me. I have compiled a list which includes some of the conferences or training opportunities which I was able to take advantage of.
Math Wars Bootcamp
This training looked at how to reach struggling learners through gradual release in a predictable gamified format. This method focuses on collaboration to make students feel successful in math In this training I was able to apply knowledge of the gradual release model while making it more engaging for my students. The format in this workshop made it easy to instantly create and apply scaffolded practice for students.
Middle School Math Summit
This training looked at tricky pre-algebra skills and strategies that can be used to tackle them with students. As opposed to other PD opportunity experiences I had this focuses specifically on how to teach specific math concepts rather then strategies for overall teaching. One of my biggest take aways was how to incorporate digital manipulatives with students. I was able to apply this by using counters to teach integer operation with emphasis on zero pairs.
Math In Action
This is an annual conference which offers sessions for math educators from K-12. My favorite sessions were on incorporating stories into math, problem based learning, and technology applications for math. This February when I attended I was able to develop strategies for engagement through high interest math routines such as "Which One Does Not Belong" and estimation activities. I have found that these have bene beneficial activities to get my students talking about math.
Making Math Moments Summit
This math conference featured many key presenters and was focused on math from K-12. My Favorite sessions were on "Building Thinking Classrooms", "Ish" numbers, and promoting collaboration and communication in math class. This training introduced me to some discovery story tasks which have helped my students gain a conceptual understanding. From this training I have also applied strategies that allow students to engage with approximations in math and not become stuck on an exact answer.
AVMR Fractions Training
This training broke down the progression of fraction skills for students. In this training I learned how to assess students to determine how they approach problems and ways to intervene if needed. Through this training I was able to assess some of my struggling students to identify what part of fractions had them stumped. This has also helped me to use this data to shape students progression of fraction skills.
Educating Outside the Box
This is an annual conference targeted towards teachers in alternate settings. It looks at strategies to support at risk students. My favorite sessions were on project based learning and Executive Functioning skills. When I attended last fall I was able to learn more about project based learning in order to create an engaging unit which helps students apply math concepts to real world situations.
Digital Resource Challenge
This was a one time training focused on using google sheets to create self checking pixel art assignments. I was able to apply what I learned in order to create assignments for students. One of the assignments I made with this was an interactive to do list that included a picture reveal when they completed each assignment.