Local Educators Presents at NCTM’s Southern Regional Conference in Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama October 20-22-
Greg Gierhart and Dr. Joyce Shatzer of the College of Education at Murray State University presented “The Connections Among Math, Reading and Writing” at the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Southern Regional Conference and Exposition in Birmingham, October 20-22. The conference theme, “The Role of Assessment: More than Testing!” highlighted the Council’s commitment to providing teachers with exciting and challenging ways to improve mathematics learning for all students.
Hosted by the Alabama Council of Teachers of Mathematics, Central Alabama Council of Teachers of Mathematics, West Alabama Council of Teachers of Mathematics, and South Alabama Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the conference offered more than 260 sessions and workshops that featured nationally known speakers from the region as well as throughout the United States and Canada. The three-day conference attracted math educators from all levels, preschool through university, to exchange ideas on how students learn math and to take a look at new ways to solve old problems.
“The regional conferences provide teachers at all stages of their career with an opportunity to gain new knowledge, find out how research can improve their practice, and network with colleagues from outside their school,” said NCTM President Cathy Seeley. “Mathematics teaching today is a complex job as we strive to help every student learn challenging mathematics. To be highly qualified means that teachers must understand the mathematics they teach, but they also must understand how their students learn mathematics and how to help each student learn.”
NCTM presents three regional conferences in 2005 throughout the United States. Each conference features sessions presented by nationally known speakers, as well as workshops, lectures, panel discussions, and exhibits of the latest mathematics education materials and innovations.
“The task of teaching has changed. We no longer simply transmit information. This new situation requires new expectations, new tools, and new ways of teaching and learning mathematics,” said NCTM Executive Director Jim Rubillo. “The regional conferences provide an opportunity for both new and seasoned teachers to grow professionally, reflect on the art of teaching, and gain ideas to use in their classrooms.”
With 100,000 members and 240 Affiliates throughout the United States and Canada, NCTM is the world’s largest organization dedicated to improving math teaching and learning for grades pre-K-12.