Making Math Memorable
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Date: February 19, 2025
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Location: Region 7 ESC Workshop: #341518
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Making Math Memorable: Transforming the “I CAN’T” to “I CAN”
Reframing the math mindset starts with shifting the narrative from “I CAN’T do math” to “I CAN do math.” Join us on February 19 as we dive into strategies and practices that foster confidence, curiosity, and memorable learning experiences in math education. Together, we’ll explore ways to connect real-world applications and personal experiences, creating meaningful moments of discovery for both students and educators. Reflect on your own math journey and learn how to empower your students to reflect on theirs in a way that makes math truly memorable.
What to Expect:
- Inspiring Keynotes: Hear from thought leaders who will guide you in reframing the math mindset for yourself and your students.
- Engaging Breakout Sessions: Explore hands-on activities, strategies, and tools that make math relatable and impactful.
- Real-World Connections: Discover ways to integrate real-life applications into your lessons to bring math to life.
- Collaborative Discussions: Network with fellow educators to share insights and experiences that build lasting memories in math education.
Are you ready to transform the math mindset in your classroom and empower your students to say, “I CAN do math”? Register today and join us in making math memorable!
Agenda:
8:30 AM - Keynote: Dr. Sarah Powell
9:45 AM - Breakout 1
11:00 AM - Lunch
12:15 PM - Breakout 2
1:30 PM - Breakout 3
2:45 PM - Breakout 4
BREAKOUT 1: 9:45 AM - 10:45 AM
OAK ROOM: AI-Powered Math Mastery: Enhancing Vocabulary, Problem Solving, and Standards
Speaker: Michael Pettite of Region 7 ESC Digital Learning
This Making Math Memorable workshop integrates AI to enhance learning by providing personalized vocabulary, solving complex problems, and aligning with educational standards. Through interactive AI tools and real-time feedback, students gain a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts and improve their problem-solving skills.
PINE ROOM: Math-itechture: Designing a Thinking Classroom for Every Learner
Speaker: Paige Sweeney of Henderson ISD
This session will model the Building Thinking Classroom (BTC) framework while teaching its principles and establishing effective methods for integrating the BTC framework into the mathematics classroom at the secondary level. Participants will leave this session with BTC strategies and information that targets all grade levels.
DOGWOOD ROOM: Designing High-Quality Intervention to Help Students Move From Struggling to Success
Speaker: Cassandra Hatfield of SMU
Designing or implementing a vetted intervention is key to supporting students who need extra time to grow in mathematics. This session will equip teachers with evidence-based strategies from the WWC Assisting Students Struggling with Mathematics: Intervention in the Elementary Grades practice guide. Learn how to deliver high-quality interventions and build fluency to boost student confidence and success in mathematics.
BIRCH ROOM: Building Thinking Classrooms - Toolkit 1 Getting Started
Speaker: Jannica Griffith of Henderson ISD
Have you heard of Building Thinking Classrooms? Want to know where & how to start? A thinking classroom keeps students engaged and thinking, and they never want to leave! Learn how to create a more student-centered classroom where all students can learn at high levels!
Have you heard of Building Thinking Classrooms? Want to know where & how to start? A thinking classroom keeps students engaged and thinking, and they never want to leave! Learn how to create a more student-centered classroom where all students can learn at high levels!
CYPRESS ROOM: Data Detective: Cracking the Code to On-the-Fly Instruction
Speaker: Barrett Duncan of Pineywoods Community Academy
Step into the role of a data detective as we uncover strategies for gathering and using classroom data in real time. This session will equip you with quick-check tools, observation hacks, and technology tricks to identify student needs and make dynamic instructional adjustments. Solve the mystery of effective teaching by turning everyday moments into opportunities for targeted, impactful learning!
Step into the role of a data detective as we uncover strategies for gathering and using classroom data in real time. This session will equip you with quick-check tools, observation hacks, and technology tricks to identify student needs and make dynamic instructional adjustments. Solve the mystery of effective teaching by turning everyday moments into opportunities for targeted, impactful learning!
BREAKOUT 2: 12:15 PM - 1:15 PM
OAK ROOM: Word Problem Problems? The Evidence for Word-Problem Support
Speaker: Dr. Sarah Powell of UT Austin
Do your students have difficulty with math word problems? Come learn what the research says about how to help students with word problems. We will focus on the use of a meta-cognitive strategy that is combined with a focus on the concepts embedded within word problems. By the end of this session, you’ll have strategies to start using next week with your students!
Do your students have difficulty with math word problems? Come learn what the research says about how to help students with word problems. We will focus on the use of a meta-cognitive strategy that is combined with a focus on the concepts embedded within word problems. By the end of this session, you’ll have strategies to start using next week with your students!
PINE ROOM: Math & Literature
Speaker: Michelle Cooper of Region 7 ESC Digital Learning
Using literature in math lessons involves integrating storytelling to make mathematical concepts more engaging and relatable. Books provide real-world contexts that help students understand abstract ideas, enhance problem-solving skills, and foster a deeper connection to math. This approach encourages critical thinking, creativity, and a love for both reading and mathematics, making learning more dynamic and meaningful.
Using literature in math lessons involves integrating storytelling to make mathematical concepts more engaging and relatable. Books provide real-world contexts that help students understand abstract ideas, enhance problem-solving skills, and foster a deeper connection to math. This approach encourages critical thinking, creativity, and a love for both reading and mathematics, making learning more dynamic and meaningful.
DOGWOOD ROOM: Designing High-Quality Intervention to Help Students Move from Struggling to Success
Speaker: Cassandra Hatfield of SMU
Using literature in math lessons involves integrating storytelling to make mathematical concepts more engaging and relatable. Books provide real-world contexts that help students understand abstract ideas, enhance problem-solving skills, and foster a deeper connection to math. This approach encourages critical thinking, creativity, and a love for both reading and mathematics, making learning more dynamic and meaningful.
Speaker: Cassandra Hatfield of SMU
Using literature in math lessons involves integrating storytelling to make mathematical concepts more engaging and relatable. Books provide real-world contexts that help students understand abstract ideas, enhance problem-solving skills, and foster a deeper connection to math. This approach encourages critical thinking, creativity, and a love for both reading and mathematics, making learning more dynamic and meaningful.
BIRCH ROOM: Top Ten Lessons From Building Thinking Classrooms So Far!
Speaker: Jannica Griffith of Henderson ISD
This is a "medium" workshop for those teachers who have begun building a thinking classroom and want to learn more about the day-to-day strategies and tricks I have learned so far. Participants are encouraged to share their ideas and successes, too! BTC creates a classroom where students not only learn but remember - since they develop their own understanding. Students come to love math, and its challenges.
This is a "medium" workshop for those teachers who have begun building a thinking classroom and want to learn more about the day-to-day strategies and tricks I have learned so far. Participants are encouraged to share their ideas and successes, too! BTC creates a classroom where students not only learn but remember - since they develop their own understanding. Students come to love math, and its challenges.
CYPRESS ROOM: Level Up: Taking Math Beyond the Basics
Speaker: Barrett Duncan of Pineywoods Community Academy
Elevate your math classroom by unlocking strategies that inspire curiosity and deepen learning. This session will explore differentiated strategies, hands-on activities, and real-world problem-solving tasks to deepen mathematical understanding. Participants will leave with practical tools and ideas to implement and advanced problem-solving techniques to meet the diverse needs of their learners.
Elevate your math classroom by unlocking strategies that inspire curiosity and deepen learning. This session will explore differentiated strategies, hands-on activities, and real-world problem-solving tasks to deepen mathematical understanding. Participants will leave with practical tools and ideas to implement and advanced problem-solving techniques to meet the diverse needs of their learners.
BREAKOUT 3: 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
OAK ROOM: Academics in Action: Connecting Math and CTE
Speakers: Kimberly Harris and Carrie Chandler of Region 7 ESC CTE
Join us for "Academics in Action," a workshop designed to show how math concepts are integrated into CTE TEKS across various programs of study. We’ll highlight key CTE Math TEKS and their connections to programs of study like health science, manufacturing, culinary, cosmetology, and more. Discover how math supports career readiness and how CTE and math teachers can work together to help students succeed by aligning academic and technical skills.
Join us for "Academics in Action," a workshop designed to show how math concepts are integrated into CTE TEKS across various programs of study. We’ll highlight key CTE Math TEKS and their connections to programs of study like health science, manufacturing, culinary, cosmetology, and more. Discover how math supports career readiness and how CTE and math teachers can work together to help students succeed by aligning academic and technical skills.
PINE ROOM: K-2: What! No Prep Math Activities, No Way!
Speaker: Britanny Sanchez of Central Heights ISD
Come learn about the 100 Square Challenge, the Around the Room activity, and the fact fluency incentive. Take home some no-prep activities in your teacher toolbox and some great ideas to incentivize your students to do their best and persevere.
DOGWOOD ROOM; Count Me In
Speakers: Kendra Nash and Buffie Walton of Region 7 ESC Early Childhood
Discover how to make early math concepts engaging and meaningful for young learners using games. "Counting Me In" will explore hands-on strategies, interactive activities, and developmentally appropriate practices to build foundational numeracy skills. Learn how to incorporate joyful learning experiences into your classroom, empowering children to explore counting, patterns, shapes, and problem-solving. You'll leave with fresh ideas to inspire mathematical confidence and curiosity in every child!
BIRCH ROOM: Mastering Math Closures: Cementing Learning and Closing Gaps
Speaker: Katrina Maccalous of Hawkins ISD
“What did we learn again?” How you end a lesson can dramatically influence student learning and retention! Often forgotten, closures are an essential component of any lesson, providing a valuable opportunity to reinforce key concepts, address misconceptions, and gather formative data to guide future instruction. In this session, participants will uncover practical strategies to design closures that are student-centered, data-driven, and impactful. Learn how to highlight student thinking, foster meaningful reflection, and ensure every lesson concludes with clarity and purpose. You’ll be equipped with actionable techniques and planning tools to create math closures that deepen understanding, strengthen connections, and maximize learning outcomes.
“What did we learn again?” How you end a lesson can dramatically influence student learning and retention! Often forgotten, closures are an essential component of any lesson, providing a valuable opportunity to reinforce key concepts, address misconceptions, and gather formative data to guide future instruction. In this session, participants will uncover practical strategies to design closures that are student-centered, data-driven, and impactful. Learn how to highlight student thinking, foster meaningful reflection, and ensure every lesson concludes with clarity and purpose. You’ll be equipped with actionable techniques and planning tools to create math closures that deepen understanding, strengthen connections, and maximize learning outcomes.
CYPRESS ROOM: Embracing Change: The Highs and Lows of the Modern Classroom
Speaker: Elizabeth Mason of Marshall ISD
Join us on an enlightening journey through the Modern Classroom, where innovative teaching methods challenge the traditional education system. Together, we'll explore the transformative elements of blended instruction, self-paced learning, and mastery-based assessment, sharing insights and experiences to create a more inclusive and effective learning environment for all students. Let's engage in an open dialogue to shape the future of education!
BREAKOUT 4: 2:45 PM - 3:15 PM
OAK ROOM: Academics in Action: Connecting Math and CTE
Speakers: Kimberly Harris and Carrie Chandler of Region 7 ESC CTE
Join us for "Academics in Action," a workshop designed to show how math concepts are integrated into CTE TEKS across various programs of study. We’ll highlight key CTE Math TEKS and their connections to programs of study like health science, manufacturing, culinary, cosmetology, and more. Discover how math supports career readiness and how CTE and math teachers can work together to help students succeed by aligning academic and technical skills.
Join us for "Academics in Action," a workshop designed to show how math concepts are integrated into CTE TEKS across various programs of study. We’ll highlight key CTE Math TEKS and their connections to programs of study like health science, manufacturing, culinary, cosmetology, and more. Discover how math supports career readiness and how CTE and math teachers can work together to help students succeed by aligning academic and technical skills.
PINE ROOM: 3-5: It Can't Be...No-Prep Math Activities & Fact Fluency Incentive
Speaker: Brittany Sanchez of Central Heights ISD
Come learn about the 100 Square Challenge, the Around the Room activity, and the fact fluency incentive. Take home some no-prep activities in your teacher toolbox and some great ideas to incentivize your students to do their best and persevere.
Speaker: Brittany Sanchez of Central Heights ISD
Come learn about the 100 Square Challenge, the Around the Room activity, and the fact fluency incentive. Take home some no-prep activities in your teacher toolbox and some great ideas to incentivize your students to do their best and persevere.
DOGWOOD ROOM: Math Memories in the Making: Engaging Learning Stations
Speaker: Jaymi Washington with Longview ISD
As a secondary math teacher, stations have been my go-to strategy for making math memorable and shifting students' mindsets toward mathematics. My classes include students of all levels—general education, special education, and on-grade-level learners. Through productive struggle and collaboration, my students have gained confidence and now know they can succeed in math. Join me to explore the why, how, and what of using interactive stations in secondary math classrooms!
BIRCH ROOM: Building Number Sense and Computational Fluency Through Number Talks and Problem Strings
Speaker: Katrina Maccalous of Hawkins ISD
As a secondary math teacher, stations have been my go-to strategy for making math memorable and shifting students' mindsets toward mathematics. My classes include students of all levels—general education, special education, and on-grade-level learners. Through productive struggle and collaboration, my students have gained confidence and now know they can succeed in math. Join me to explore the why, how, and what of using interactive stations in secondary math classrooms!
As a secondary math teacher, stations have been my go-to strategy for making math memorable and shifting students' mindsets toward mathematics. My classes include students of all levels—general education, special education, and on-grade-level learners. Through productive struggle and collaboration, my students have gained confidence and now know they can succeed in math. Join me to explore the why, how, and what of using interactive stations in secondary math classrooms!
CYPRESS ROOM: Great Expectations: Motivating Students For a Growth Mindset in Math
Speaker: Leslie March of Region 7 ESC Special Education
Join us as we explore how to cultivate a growth mindset in students and build strong expectations for success in math. By leveraging strategies such as goal-setting, data tracking, flexible grouping, and accessible learning practices, you’ll learn how to inspire motivation and empower all students, including those with disabilities, to take ownership of their learning. Attendees will gain practical tools to support students in setting and achieving personalized math goals, creating a classroom culture that embraces challenges, and making math both accessible and memorable for every learner.
If you would like to sponsor the Making Math Memorable conference, please visit our sponsorship page.
Dr. Sarah Powell is a Professor in the College of Education at The University of Texas at Austin and Associate Director of the Meadows Center for Preventing Educational Risk. Her research, teaching, and service focus on mathematics, particularly for students who experience mathematics differently.
Powell is currently Principal Investigator (PI) of an Institute of Education Sciences (IES) efficacy grant (RAAMPS) related to word-problem solving at Grade 4. Powell is also PI of SPIRAL, an IES grant which works collaboratively with Grade 4 and 5 teachers who provide mathematics instruction to students with mathematics difficulty. Powell is Co-PI of STAIR 2.0 (funded by IES), in which the team works with middle school special education math teachers, and SCALE (funded by the US Department of Education), in which the team is replicating a fraction intervention in Grades 4-8. Powell collaborates on Math Words, an IES development grant about mathematics vocabulary. She also assists with a word-problem project funded as a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant to Querium. To help create the next generation of researchers focused on mathematics, Powell is PI of a doctoral leadership grant (LIME) funded by Office of Special Education Programs. Powell was awarded the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) in 2019.
Powell understands all of these efforts are a team effort, and she thanks her project leads, graduate students, research assistants, and research collaborators, as well as the teachers and students who participate in these projects.
Barrett Duncan is an Instructional Coach for grades 3-8 at Pineywoods Community Academy with a strong background in elementary mathematics. He holds a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from Stephen F. Austin State University and a master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Texas Tech University, specializing in personalized and blended learning. Barrett is passionate about making math an immersive, dynamic experience that goes beyond steps and formulas, focusing on problem-solving, reasoning, and real-world connections.
Buffie Walton is an Early Childhood Specialist with over 24 years of teaching experience. Throughout her time in the classroom, she developed a strong passion for supporting young learners and helping them thrive through engaging, research-based teaching practices. Her mission is to empower educators with the tools and strategies to foster curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning in every child.
Kendra Nash is an Early Childhood Specialist with over 11 years of teaching experience. During her time in the classroom, she developed a deep passion for supporting young learners and fostering their growth through innovative and engaging teaching practices. Kendra has three beautiful children, a wonderful husband, and the sweetest fur baby! She enjoys reading, crafting, and spending time with friends and family. Her mission is to inspire educators to nurture curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning in every child they teach.
Dr. Katrina Maccalous is an instructional leader with 14 years of experience in PK-12 public education. She currently serves as the District Instructional Coach and Academic Coordinator in Hawkins ISD. In addition to her public education work, Dr. Maccalous serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Texas at Tyler, a contributing author to Reimagining the P-20 Landscape for School Leadership Learning (2025), and enjoys designing instructional materials that creatively engage and challenge students.
Jannica has been teaching for 26 years (kindergarten to 8th grade), with most of those years in 4th grade. She has a BS in Child Development and a Masters in Middle School Math Education. She has taught in Taylor, Nacogdoches, and Henderson. She loves dogs, learning new things, Star Trek, and Harry Potter. Her wish is for all students to enjoy and be curious about math.
Paige Sweeney is an experienced educator with 8 years in the field, currently teaching at Henderson ISD. She spent her first two years teaching 5th-grade math at Hallsville ISD before transitioning to secondary education. Paige taught 6th grade - 8th grade on-level and honors courses for five years, and she currently teaches Algebra 1 and Geometry at the high school level. Paige holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Master’s in Professional Accountancy from Stephen F. Austin State University. She earned her teaching certification through alternative certification, bringing a unique blend of business and educational expertise to her teaching practice. Outside of work, Paige is married to her husband, Parker, and they have two children—Justice, age 7, and Conrad, age 2. They are also proud to have a retired K9 officer, Nyko, as part of their family.
Michelle is constantly striving to improve her educational practices to create innovative learning opportunities for students and colleagues. She is committed to sharing and modeling the importance of digital citizenship with students. She is a co-founder of #TXLchat on Twitter, which provides a forum for Texas librarians (but not limited to Texas librarians) to create collaborative connections, share educational resources, and foster lifelong learning. Michelle is the 2016 TCEA Library Media Specialist of the Year, 2017 AASL Advocacy Ambassador Finalist, Tech & Learning Leader of the Year, Makey Ambassador, Common Sense Media Ambassador, 2016 TASL MVP Honorable Award for Excellence, 2016 TLA Branding Iron Award for Social Media for #TXLchat, and she serves on several committees for ALA, AASL, and TLA. In addition, she is a Google for Education Certified Trainer, providing professional development through local, state, and national educational conferences. Michelle currently serves as a Digital Learning Specialist, with an emphasis on library media services, at Region 7 ESC.
Hello, my name is Jaymi Washington. I am a dedicated 7th-grade math teacher in my second year at this level, with 11 years of experience in education. I graduated from Kilgore College and Texas A&M Texarkana. I'm passionate about making math fun and engaging for students. Beyond the classroom, I serve as a youth director at my church, where I inspire and guide young people in their personal and spiritual growth. My enthusiasm for teaching and steadfast commitment to student success make learning an exciting journey.
Michael Pettiette is a Digital Learning Specialist at Region 7 ESC. He is a 20-year veteran of public education. He spent 10 years in the Elementary classroom and 8 years as a Library/Media specialist before taking on his current role at Region 7. He thinks teachers are amazing and wants everyone to know it.
Cassandra Hatfield brings more than two decades of experience as a mathematics educator and researcher. As a senior research project manager at SMU, she works alongside lead researchers to design learning progressions, instructional resources, and formative assessments to support elementary and middle school students. Additionally, her work focuses on supporting teachers in implementing high-quality intervention. Prior to joining SMU, she taught elementary and middle school mathematics and provided coaching and professional development.
Born and raised in Galveston, TX, Elizabeth learned the value of community and education early on. Moving to Marshall for college at Wiley College was pivotal, leading to her Bachelor's in Education in 2014. This experience ignited her passion for teaching and the impact educators can have on young minds. Pursuing a Master's at East Texas Baptist University furthered her growth, refining her teaching philosophy. For the past 7 years, Elizabeth has been a dedicated math teacher in Marshall ISD, taught grades 6 and, 8, and she is currently teaching her first year in Algebra 1, aiming to inspire more students in math. Outside work, she enjoys traveling, shopping, and spending quality time with loved ones, including her 2-year-old son and dog Lola, as she continues to grow personally and professionally.
Leslie March is a Special Education Specialist at the Region 7 Education Service Center. She brings 27 years of diverse education experience, having served as a classroom teacher, educational diagnostician, behavior specialist, special education coordinator, and special programs director for East Texas districts. As special programs director, her focus areas include special education, MTSS, and Section 504. In her current role, she provides training, coaching, and technical assistance to districts in the effective implementation of MTSS, the Child Find pre-refferal process, inclusionary practices for student with disabilities, and data-driven instruction for intervention.
Carrie Chandler is a CTE Specialist at Region 7 ESC. She has been in education for 19 years, serving CTE programs for the past 8 years. Carrie has presented at state conferences such as CTAT, TASSP, and TASA on how to improve CTE programs, increase funding and accountability. She serves 103 school districts in Region 7 and surrounding areas, with their CTE and CCMR needs. Carrie is passionate about student involvement in CTE programs to provide young adults a way to break the cycle of generational poverty.
In her fourth year at Region 7, Kimberly Harris is pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Liberty University. Holding a Master’s degree from The University of Texas at Tyler, Kimberly is also a certified principal and counselor. She serves as a Career and Technical Education (CTE) Specialist in State and Federal Programs at Region 7 ESC and is a statewide trainer for prominent conferences, including CTAT, TASA, and TASSP.
Kimberly is dedicated to advancing CTE and College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) initiatives. She collaborates with 103 school districts, fostering partnerships to support staff and ensure student success. Her commitment to CTE extends beyond her professional role, as she is also a proud mother of two daughters enrolled in CTE programs. Brooklyn is pursuing welding and health science studies, while Ella, a senior, is completing the health science program.
Kimberly is dedicated to advancing CTE and College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) initiatives. She collaborates with 103 school districts, fostering partnerships to support staff and ensure student success. Her commitment to CTE extends beyond her professional role, as she is also a proud mother of two daughters enrolled in CTE programs. Brooklyn is pursuing welding and health science studies, while Ella, a senior, is completing the health science program.
