|
To: Oregon Educators, District and School Leaders, Regional Partners
From: ODE Math Team
Date: March 13, 2026
Re: March Oregon Math Educator Update
In This Message
-
Spotlight: Pi Day - March 14
-
Key ODE Opportunities: Educator and Student surveys.
-
New resources and professional learning: Pi Day, Women's History Month math and STEM resources, and upcoming conferences and workshops.
Key Dates
- NWMC: Submit a session proposal for the 2026 NWMC to elevate Oregon educator expertise by March 31, 2026.
- Save the Date: Oregon Math Leaders conference on August 4-6, 2026
- Complete the Elevating Voices in Education (EVE) Workforce survey by March 31, 2026.
Upcoming Events
- Oregon Math Leaders Network - third Thursday monthly at 8:30 AM
- OCTM/ODE Afternoon Learning - April 14, 2026 at 4 PM
Newsletter Spotlight
Pi Day - March 14
Happy Pi Day 2026! March 14th is here once again, offering a great opportunity to celebrate the mathematical wonder of Pi (π) with your students. Pi Day invites classrooms to explore the beauty of circles, investigate the infinite nature of π, and engage in meaningful, playful mathematics. This celebration also provides a natural space to highlight the Oregon Math Project cornerstones: ensuring engagement so every learner can participate in rich mathematical experiences; fostering belonging through collaborative, hands-on, curiosity-driven exploration; providing focus as students model, measure, and make sense of circular relationships appropriate to their grade-level standards; and grounding activities in pathways that give students opportunities see the application of mathematics in ways that align with their future goals. Pi Day is the perfect moment to bring joy, wonder, and purpose together in the math classroom!
Resources to Make Pi Day Special:
-
Pi Day Activities: NCTM has gathered a variety of pi-related activities from their publications and resources suitable for different grade levels. These activities include hands-on projects, problem-solving tasks, and creative ways to explore the concept of pi.
-
NASA Pi Day Challenge: Solve the same problems NASA scientists and engineers do using pi! Check out the NASA Pi Day Activities for engaging lessons and problem sets.
-
WeAreTeachers Pi Day Activities: Kick off your Pi Day celebration with free downloadable resources, including worksheets on the history of Pi Day, vocabulary, news, art, fractions, and more. Explore the WeAreTeachers Pi Day Activities.
-
Exploratorium Pi Day Activities: Try these engaging activities from San Francisco’s Exploratorium.
Share your Pi Day activities and celebrations at ODE.MathProject@ode.oregon.gov!
|
ODE Announcements
New ODE Mathematics Assessment Specialist
Jennifer Bell joined ODE as the new Mathematics Assessment Specialist in February. Jennifer taught middle school math in Lake Oswego for 15 years before joining the Oregon City School District, where she served as a Math TOSA and later took on roles in coaching, assessment, curriculum, federal programs, and data work. She got her start student teaching at Alsea High School and has been deeply involved with the Oregon Council of Teachers of Mathematics, including over a decade helping lead the Northwest Mathematics Conference. Jennifer is a frequent conference presenter focused on empowering teachers and supporting historically underserved students. A lifelong Oregonian, Jennifer is excited to partner with educators statewide to strengthen math assessment and support meaningful learning for all students.
Please reach out with any mathematics assessment questions: jennifer.bell@ode.oregon.gov!
|
The EVE Survey and Student Voice Survey on Cell Phones and Learning
The Elevating Voices in Education (EVE) Workforce Survey is an annual and anonymous survey. It includes questions on topics such as workplace climate, professional learning, well-being, students and families, impacts on the restrictions of cell phones in schools, equity, and job satisfaction. The survey window is February 2 to March 31, 2026.For more information, click here.
Also, the Oregon Department of Education and the Youth Advisory Council invite students in grades 6 to 12 to take a 15-minute survey about the cell phone and personal electronic device policy at their school. The survey runs from March 16 to April 8. Student input will guide future updates and improvements to state guidance. For more information, click here.
Celebrating Women’s History Month
Women’s History Month celebrates the influence women have had on history, culture, and society. The United States has observed it each March since 1987. This month offers a chance for math teachers to highlight the work of women in mathematics and to broaden the voices and perspectives students encounter in math classrooms. These stories show students that mathematical thinking belongs to everyone and grows richer when diverse perspectives are included.
You can use the resources below to help students explore women’s contributions in mathematics and STEM. These resources support lessons, discussions, and projects that connect math learning to real world innovation.
|
Opportunities for Educators
Supporting Personal Finance and Higher Education Career Path Skills Courses
Join us for the Supporting SB 3 Implementation Webinar to explore training opportunities and resources for teaching Personal Financial Education and Higher Education and Career Path Skills. This collaborative event, hosted by various Oregon state agencies, is designed to help educators and partners navigate, connect, and implement statewide supports effectively.
Webinar Details (Flyer with Registration Links):
-
Session 1: Friday, March 20 | 8:30–10:00 AM (PT) | Registration
-
Session 2: Friday, April 3 | 8:30–10:00 AM (PT) | Registration
Both sessions will cover the same content and will be recorded for future reference.
Don’t miss this chance to enhance your teaching strategies and empower students with essential life skills!
For questions, contact: ODE.StateGraduationRequirements@ode.oregon.gov
 The 65th Annual Northwest Mathematics Conference will take place October 9–10, 2026 at the Columbia River Holiday Inn in Portland, Oregon. The conference website provides registration information, keynote and featured speaker listings, and event updates.
- Educators are encouraged to review event details and seek permission to attend early.
- The Oregon Council of Teachers of Mathematics is also accepting session proposals. This call invites presenters who can speak to strands such as pedagogy and practice, equity and identity, assessment and action, or systems and success.
-
An OCTM scholarship option is available through the organization’s website, offering financial support for eligible educators interested in attending.
Don’t miss this opportunity to get inspired and learn the most up-to-date strategies to support your students!
Save the Date: 2026 Oregon Math Leader Conference
The 2026 Oregon Math Leaders Conference is happening again this summer!
-
Save the Date: August 4-6, 2026, in Corvallis, Oregon - hosted by Oregon State University.
-
Prepare for Registration: Scholarships are available for OCTM members: all math teachers are encouraged apply. Conference Registration opens later this spring. Details coming soon!
Oregon Middle School Math Statewide PLC
A virtual statewide PLC for middle school math educators began March 3, 2026. The PLC supports teacher collaboration, strengthens instructional practice, and promotes equitable and ambitious math teaching.
Meeting Schedule
- First Tuesday of each month from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. PST
- Upcoming dates: April 7, May 5, June 2
Why Join
- Align curriculum with Oregon math standards
- Engage in ambitious math teaching practices that support discourse and equity
- Increase rigor through lesson revision
- Collaborate with educators statewide and access a shared resource hub
Questions Contact Heather Armstrong at heather_armstrong@soesd.k12.or.us.
OCTM/ODE Afternoon Learning Sessions – Additional Links
In addition to the monthly Oregon Math Leaders Network meetings occurring in the morning, the Oregon Council of Teachers of Math (OCTM) will be partnering with ODE to offer afternoon learning sessions for teachers. Each month will feature a different topic and speaker available for all teachers and will occur on the third Thursday of the month at 4:00 PM PT unless noted otherwise. Watch the ODE Math Homepage as speakers and topics are identified throughout the year. Register for the next one HERE.
Session 7: April 14th, 4-5pm PT
Topic: "Using SEED Data to Strengthen Math Learning: Insights, Applications, and Collaboration"
Presenters: Oregon Department of Education
 |
|
Exploring Computer Science: Summer 2026 Opportunity for Oregon Teachers
A paid, five day residential Exploring Computer Science workshop will be offered from July 27 to July 31, 2026 in Bend. The workshop is open to Oregon high school teachers certified in any subject. No computer science background is required. Rural educators in all subject areas are especially encouraged to apply.
Apply now for ECS 2026
Teachers can learn more about the opportunity through the following resources:
|
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!
The virtual meetings will continue to take place on the third Thursday of each month at 8:30 AM on Zoom. Register now for the 2025-26 Virtual OML Network Meetings.
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.
|
