Mini-Courses

adolescents and adults. We’ll begin by reflecting on the differences between teaching our K-12 students and adult colleagues, including student teachers, new teachers, and grade or department leaders. We will name the specific challenges of teaching adult learners, including navigating how our positionality changes when we are seen as “teacher leaders” within school communities, and generate new ideas for framing this work. Finally, we will discover how coaching/mentoring is a part of human development, how incorporating various types of feedback and protocols focuses and fosters more meaningful conversation, and how to overcome common obstacles like resistance or non-participation.

Dr. Kara Imm is a K-12 mathematics educator based in New York City. In her more than 20-year career, she has been a middle and high school mathematics teacher, staff developer, leadership coach, and teacher education faculty. At MƒA, Kara has designed and led over 20 courses on design thinking, mathematical routines, models and modeling, developing a coaching practice, early algebra, and more. Kara has written several articles and books with and for teachers on the teaching and learning of mathematics. A proud graduate of Minneapolis Public Schools, Kara earned degrees from Stanford University and Bank Street College of Education. Her recent Ph.D. in Urban Education from The Graduate Center, The City University of New York, investigated the impact of mathematical modeling on high school girls of color who had experienced the gate-keeping effects of algebra.

Leveraging Community-Based Mathematical Modeling p

Facilitator: Zareen Gul Aga, Ph.D. WEDNESDAYS, FEB 8, MAR 8, APR 19

Mathematics

Three simple questions can mathematize the world: What do you notice? What do you wonder? What questions can mathematics answer? In this minicourse, middle school mathematics teachers will learn how to connect mathematics with social justice. Teachers will develop community-based mathematical modeling instruction with five goals: (1)facilitating connections, (2) fostering engagement, (3)promoting rigor, (4) cultivating civic empathy, and (5) elevating justice. We will discuss how these goals coalesce to advance equity and cultivate civic empathy as we examine sample community-based modeling lessons, adapt one or more lessons for our classrooms, and implement them. Teachers will then use the mathematical modeling lesson analysis tool to guide the development and revision of their lesson plans. Throughout, teachers will reflect on their understanding of equity and develop action plans to advance equitable teaching practice. As part of a larger research study, teachers are invited to contribute data by completing surveys, sharing student work, and testing the curriculum.

Dr. Zareen G. Aga is an assistant professor of mathematics education at James Madison University, where she teaches mathematics methods courses for middle and high school teachers. She integrates research topics such as supporting productive struggle, developing high cognitive demand mathematics tasks, fostering mathematical discourse, and equitable teaching practices of mathematics. As a former high school mathematics teacher, Dr. Aga is interested in making mathematics accessible to all students. She has been researching the integration of mathematics and social justice standards in mathematics lesson plans and developing culturally responsive mathematics teaching.

Managing Stormwater Pollution: Green Infrastructure and Stewardship With the DEP Facilitator: Robin Sanchez

TUESDAYS, MAR 7, MAR 14, MAR 28 MƒA  SCIENCE

How does stormwater runoff pollute New York Harbor? What is NYC doing to protect harbor water quality, and how can we help? Join the NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to learn how the city manages stormwater through green infrastructure and stewardship initiatives. We’ll begin by investigating the NYC sewer system, then explore green infrastructure practices, and conclude by identifying student stewardship opportunities. We’ll also hear from a DEP guest speaker about the City’s new Cloudburst program, and consider the importance of innovative stormwater management for mitigating the effects of climate change. Teachers will explore the DEP’s new