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Previously Shared Resources
Revisit these resources from earlier issues, and check out the Mathematics Links in the upper-right corner for additional tools and information.
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The Iowa Department of Education has published a vision for mathematics instruction: “Every student is mathematically proficient, confident in problem-solving and prepared to thrive in an increasingly data-driven world.” The vision includes high-quality instructional materials (HQIM), balanced work on conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, and application, strong number sense in early grades, purposeful tasks that build reasoning, and timely interventions so that every student stays on a clear path to grade-level success. The Iowa Comprehensive State Mathematics Plan outlines how Iowa will work toward this vision.
We are wrapping up our fall in-person sessions for the mathematics cohort of the HQIM Leadership Academy. District leaders have been working together to clarify their vision for mathematics instruction and identify how high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) can help bring that vision to life.
Teams considered what strong implementation looks and sounds like in mathematics classrooms, what students should experience when materials are used well, and how leaders can support consistent implementation across classrooms and schools. They also explored how a district mathematics leadership team and the Comprehensive Needs Assessment can help identify priorities and guide next steps.
The Department will share materials developed and vetted through the Academy with schools across Iowa. For new resources and upcoming professional learning opportunities, visit the Department’s HQIM webpage.
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In October, Christina Tondevold’s final Flexibility Formula coaching module went live. It shows how to design hands-on professional learning around eight number sense concepts. Log in to watch or register for the Flexibility Formula to get started.
The Department’s Flexibility Formula Facilitation Guide helps leaders and coaches plan professional learning, and the Flexibility Formula Individual Reflection Workbook helps educators apply what they learn.
The Department’s mathematics team will host optional Zoom sessions for instructional leaders from 8:30–9:30 a.m. on the dates below.
Zoom Link: Join the Flexibility Formula Implementation Support Zoom
November 16, 2026
December 21, 2026
January 19, 2027
February 15, 2027
March 15, 2027
April 19, 2027
May 17, 2027
For questions, contact April Pforts at april.pforts@iowa.gov.
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The theme for the 12th annual Emerging Educators Academy is “Teaching is Better Together.” The Academy takes place on Jan. 8, 2027, at Drake University in Des Moines. Teachers who are in their first three years in the field, teacher mentors and preservice teachers are highly encouraged to attend this premier learning and networking event. Attendees of the academy will have several opportunities to participate in breakout sessions to learn about best practices, make new connections and find inspiration and encouragement. Led by teachers for teachers, the Emerging Educators Academy will also feature several top educators, including current and former Iowa Teachers of the Year and Regional Teachers of the Year and the 2026 National Teacher of the Year, Leon Smith. Registration is now open through December 22, 2026.
 Kristin Grotewold and Tamara Bane will lead monthly Zoom meetings around the 8 Effective Teaching Practices on the second Monday of each month from 8:30–9:30 a.m.
2026–27 Schedule:
December 14 – Use and Connect Mathematical Representations
January 11 – Pose Purposeful Questions
February 8 – Facilitate Meaningful Mathematical Discourse
March 8 – Build Procedural Fluency from Conceptual Understanding
April 12 – Support Productive Struggle in Learning Mathematics
May 10 – Elicit and Use Evidence of Student Thinking
Guest speakers throughout the year include Graham Fletcher, John SanGiovanni, Dr. Raj Shah, Mike Flynn, Kevin Dykema, Chase Orton, and more!
New to the Network?
Kristin is the current president of IA-NCSM. Tamara is the current president of ICTM. Together, they host the Sum Kind of Math podcast. Email Kristin at kgrotewold@waukeeschools.org or Tamara at tbane@winterset.k12.ia.us to be added to the list and receive the Zoom link.
 Are you an early-career high school mathematics or science teacher? The four-year Knowles Teaching Fellowship offers mentoring, professional learning, a national community of educators, and up to $7,000 annually in grants and stipends. Teachers entering their first, second, or third year in September 2027 may be eligible. The next application deadline is January 19, 2027. Learn more and apply at knowlesteachers.org.
Presented by the Iowa Council of Teachers of Mathematics (ICTM)
February 23, 2027 | 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Bayer (Huxley Learning Center)
1551 IA-210, Huxley, IA 50124
Whether you teach core mathematics, provide mathematics intervention, or work somewhere in between, this practical workshop will help you support students with unfinished learning.
In this workshop, you’ll
- Explore two popular mathematics intervention models.
- Identify essential grade-level content.
- Build an intervention plan you can use right away.
Space is limited—register today!
Juliana Tapper is a former Title I high school mathematics intervention teacher who now provides professional development to schools, districts, state departments of education, and juvenile justice systems. She is the bestselling author of Teaching 6–12 Math Intervention: A Practical Framework to Engage Students Who Struggle and hosts the annual virtual K–12 Mathematics Intervention Summit.
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Looking for a quick way to stay connected to mathematics teaching and learning in Iowa?
Join mathematics instructional coaches Tamara Bane and Kristin Grotewold for 10-minute episodes featuring practical reflections and conversations about mathematics teaching and learning.
Featured episodes:
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Have new educators (teachers, coaches, administrators) joined your district/school? Help them sign up for the Mathematics Update newsletter!
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