2015 Candidates for District 2 Director

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Becky Rahm

Current Position
Math teacher at Luverne Public School – 8th grade and dual credit college classes for Seniors

Education
B.S. Mathematics with Education,  Univ. of South Dakota, Vermillion
M.S. Educational Leadership,  Southwest Minnesota State Univ.
Graduate Level Math Emphasis courses, Southwest Minnesota State Univ.

Goals as MCTM Officer
As an educator I have grown so much as a result of MCTM and its members.  I feel it is time to give back.  One of my goals would be to help District 2 math teachers become more aware of the benefits of MCTM.  Another goal would be to promote collaboration among members.  I feel that we all have something to share with our colleagues as well as gain, and collaboration is the key.  And finally, if elected, I would make sure to represent the interests of smaller districts in greater MN on the board.

Professional Affiliations

  • Minnesota Council of Teachers of Mathematics
  • National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Education Minnesota
  • Education Minnesota

Involvement in MCTM and Mathematics Education

  • MCTM spring conference presenter and delegate
  • Co-writer of 8th grade SciMath MN Frameworks
  • SMART Exemplary Educator
  • Certified Instructor for AFT’s Thinking Math Journey to Algebra
  • District PLC trainer

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Chris Sieling

Current Position
7-12 Math Teacher, JH & HS Math Coach, First Robotics Coach
Lakeview, Cottonwood

Education
BA, University of Minnesota – Morris
MEd, Teaching, Leading, and Learning & Math Double Emphasis, Southwest Minnesota State University

Goals as MCTM Officer
To increase collaboration between educators via social media (@CjSieling34) and blogging (cjsieling.blogspot.com)

We currently participate in PLCs in our school district right now. While they are great and we have many amazing discussions that lead to direct change in classroom and student learning, they simply can not match my PLN (professional learning network). The ideas cultivated from the vast space of the internet are simply amazing and at times overwhelming. Helping teachers tap into this resource in a feasible way could have profound effects on student learning.

To increase awareness and implementation of effective grading practices

About five years ago I completely changed the way students earn their grade in the classroom. By focusing the grade on what a student learns, it has transformed the classroom into a culture of learning, rather than a contest for grades and points. We celebrate mastery of topics and successful journeys, and realize that failure is a part of that journey.

To represent the amazingly talented mathematics educators of District 2

There are many amazing people in my neighborhood with amazing ideas. I have learned from them at many local conferences and professional development events. I hope to somehow represent them, their issues and their successes in a meaningful way.

Professional Affiliations

  • Minnesota Council of Teachers of Mathematics
  • National Council of Teachers of Mathematics

Involvement in MCTM and Mathematics Education

  • Presented “Teach Like a Flippin’ Pirate” Spring Conference 2014
  • Attended many MCTM conferences in the past 15 years
  • Presented about Standards Based Learning, Flipped Learning, and Differentiation at various local events

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