In this Issue . . .
- Black History Month
- Celebrating Oregon's Presidential Awardees
- Professional learning opportunities: 'Counted Out' film screenings, NCTM 2025 Virtual Conference, AI for Educators Winter Series
- Networking opportunities: OCTM Learning Sessions, Oregon Math Leaders Network
February is a time to celebrate and honor the profound contributions of Black individuals to history and society, and Black History Month offers an important opportunity for educators to engage their students in exploring the rich legacies of Black scholars, mathematicians, and innovators.
In the classroom, educators can help bring this history to life by highlighting the lives and achievements of mathematicians and scientists such as Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson, a physicist whose work in telecommunications helped shape modern technology, and Dr. Benjamin Banneker, a self-taught mathematician and astronomer. The work of Black mathematicians and scientists remind us that mathematics is not only about numbers and equations but also about the people who shape our understanding of the world. Learn about hundreds of other Black mathematicians in Mathematically Gifted & Black’s Circle of Excellence.
The Oregon Math Project is built on a cornerstone of belonging. Every student deserves to be welcomed and included in our schools in ways that recognize their unique strengths and assets, and to be met by caring educators committed to inspiring and empowering learning through culturally responsive curriculum and instructional practices. The SABES Black History Month Resources not only acknowledge the significance of Black history but also provide practical tools for teaching math in a way that cultivates a sense of belonging. This month is an opportunity to celebrate Black diversity and encourage a deeper connection between students and the subject of mathematics.
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ODE Announcements
Celebrating Oregon's Presidential Awardees
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2023 7-12 Math – Krishnan Ranjani – Lincoln High School, Portland
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2022 K-6 Math – Emily Lazur – Hucrest Elementary School, Roseburg
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2022 K-6 Math – Stephanie Johnson – Pine Ridge Elementary School, Bend
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2021 7-12 Math – Nick Nohner – Ida B. Wells High School, Portland
These awardees are recognized for their outstanding contributions to teaching and learning, as well as their ability to help students excel in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science. The awards program aims to showcase the highest standards of STEM teaching.
Awardees receive a certificate signed by the President of the United States, a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation (NSF), and a trip to Washington, D.C. During their visit, they attend a series of recognition events, participate in professional development opportunities, and discuss ways to improve STEM education with policymakers. They also join a prestigious cadre of over 5,100 fellow teacher-awardees.
Thank you to Krishnan, Emily, Stephanie, and Nick for your commitment to excellence in math education in Oregon!
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Research and Resources
Counted Out Film Screenings
Register now for an upcoming screening of “Counted Out” which explores some of society’s most critical issues through the lens of math. These events are open to the public and suitable for all ages.
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Wednesday, February 26, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. PT. Register to view on Zoom, hosted by Creating Balance in an Unjust World.
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Tuesday, March 11, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. PT, at Clackamas Community College in Oregon City, OR. Reserve your spot here for the screening.
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Opportunities for Educators
NCTM 2025 Virtual Conference
The NCTM 2025 Virtual Conference, held April 2 – 5, 2025, offers educators a valuable opportunity to improve instructional practice, explore the latest trends in mathematics and in mathematics education, and to gain insight that will transform learning and teaching mathematics.
Classroom teachers, administrators, math coaches, supervisors, college professors, and preservice teachers will benefit from the sessions, workshops, learning opportunities, and connections available. Register for the 2025 Virtual Conference here.
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AI for Educators Winter Series
Oregon educators are invited to register for the final two sessions in the “AI for Educators” winter series, facilitated by Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth and hosted by Southern Oregon ESD. This professional development opportunity is designed to support educators in integrating emerging and innovative technologies into their teaching practices.
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Tuesday, February 18, 2025, 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. PT: AI for Student Use with Tools
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Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. PT: AI for Administrators
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Empower Your Students: Participate in MathWorks Math Modeling Challenge
The MathWorks Math Modeling Challenge (M3 Challenge) is a free online contest for students in grades 11 and 12 to use math and data to solve real-world problems. The M3 Challenge, hosted by the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM), presents teams of 3-5 students with an open-ended challenge over a 14-hour window between February 28 and March 3, 2025.
Scholarships totaling $100,000+ will be awarded as students learn how math can address global issues, preparing them for future endeavors. Teamwork and creativity are rewarded, and free resources are available. SPARK Awards honor teams from Title 1 schools for excellence and creativity. Register for the 2025 Challenge before February 21, 2025.
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Modifying Math Perspectives: Everything That Can Go Right When Students Get It Wrong
Join Dr. Dan Meyer, Vice President of User Growth at Amplify, on February 18, 2025, from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. PT as he discusses the importance of viewing students’ wrong answers as valuable learning opportunities rather than mistakes to be quickly corrected. Key topics of the session include demonstrating real-life examples of how wrong answers can be used constructively, strategies for integrating this perspective into existing curricula, and developing teaching methods that embrace and utilize students’ errors. Learn more and register here.
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OCTM/ODE Afternoon Learning Sessions
The Oregon Council of Teachers of Math (OCTM) partners with ODE to offer afternoon learning sessions for teachers on the third Thursday of each month at 4:00 p.m. PT. Each month, a different speaker will feature a topic that connects with the cornerstones of the Oregon Math Project. Register for each session below.
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Join the Oregon Math Leaders Network
The Oregon Math Leaders Network is a community of math practitioners who work together to implement and support math teaching and learning in Oregon. Participants include teacher leaders, TOSAs, program administrators, college faculty, and math community partners. If you identify as a math leader, you are invited!
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Stay Connected!
If you have an opportunity or announcement to share statewide, please contact the ODE Math Team.
The materials contained in the Department of Education’s Oregon Math Educator Update are drawn from both internal and external sources and inclusion of external materials does not necessarily indicate Oregon Department of Education endorsement.
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