Your Experience Is Valuable: Why You Should Consider Presenting at the MCTM Spring Conference
Have you ever considered presenting at a conference, but talked yourself out of it? The MCTM Spring Conference Committee is calling for proposals for sessions at the MCTM 2025 Spring Conference, April 25 through 26. The theme is: From Standards to Success: Creating Pathways for Each and Every Learner. We are excited to invite members to share their learning and experiences with our community.
What would I present?
You have been working on something you care about with your math students and have had some success – in Data Analysis, Equity & Access, ICU Care, Mathematical Practices, Building Thinking Classroom, Mathematical Progressions, Math Identity, conceptual understanding, or another topic.
Many presentations each year are about projects a teacher or teachers have taken on, the process they used, and the results they saw. It often ends with a discussion about the next steps, or future questions. You do not have to have all of the answers.
I can’t present by myself! You don’t have to. Invite a colleague to present with you. You can get more out of the conference when you have someone with whom to share your learning. If you don’t have a willing colleague, contact your regional director. They may be able to help you find someone who could copresent with you.
I’m not a researcher or a math education expert. Why would anyone want to come and see me? Your practical experience is valuable. Teachers want to hear from other practicing teachers too. Even Sara VanDerWerf, MDE Math Specialist, was once a first-time presenter.
What if hardly anyone comes to my session? I once had a late afternoon session that I thought would be popular, and only five people came. That allowed us to have a more intimate conversation. It was still valuable to the people who came. Additionally, there will always be a MCTM board member nearby to support your session.
What’s in it for me?
- A focused reason to reflect on our practices makes us better teachers.
- Make connections with attendees who have similar interests.
- Get a fancy “SPEAKER” ribbon added to your nametag.
- Get a cool speaker gift (with candy)!
- Reduced conference registration cost.
- Advertise your school or district as having leaders in Math Education.
- It is often harder for an administrator to say “no” to sending you when you have been accepted to present.
Are you ready? Use this form to submit your proposal. You do not need to have the whole session completely planned out to send a proposal, just a description. Proposals are due January 3rd, 2025, but there is a prize drawing for those who submit before December 6th