Where Do You Find Your Math?

Mardi Knudson

Sauk Rapids-Rice Public Schools

MCTM Region Six Director

I was downtown Duluth browsing in a shop when the owner asked why I was in town. “The math conference down at the DECC,” was my reply. Her quick retort was, “Wow! I was never good at math.” This from a business owner! I could barely choke out my apology for teachers that didn’t know how to engage her through no fault of their own.

It saddens me deeply that all too often people throw out the, “I was never good at math,” mantra as if it is an excuse to not have to persevere at anything mathematical. Our students are so lucky to have teachers with the knowledge we have now.

The keynote speaker at MCTM this year, Matt Larson, reiterated what NCTM has been promoting: “Focus on What Matters Most” Effective Teaching!” We have come far since I graduated from SCSU in 1976. Principles to Actions (NCTM, 2014) lays out a template to tweak for willing math teachers. With information on Growth Mindset, grit and perseverance, teachers can be well-informed to take on the challenges of instructing mathematicians.

So where do you find your math? Are you watching The Simpsons or The Big Bang? Is it shopping, working a budget, or figuring out building materials for a new project? MCTM is there to help you and your students on this journey of “finding math.” From sessions at conferences to information in Mathbits or our blog. You are only an email away from receiving information to help, whatever your math path. I did appreciate the reminder at the spring conference, that “finding math” does not involve going on Pinterest and grabbing random activities!

Future conference dates should get on your calendars now so you can receive the support you need as you continue on your “finding math” journey.

Edcamp Math Science Minnesota: October 16, 2015 (location TBA)

NCTM Regional: Minneapolis, MN November 11-13, 2015

MCTM Spring Conference: Duluth, MN April 29-30, 2016