Born a Mather!

It was great to see so many Mathers at the NCSM and NCTM conferences in Atlanta! A recurring theme was that we must bring humanity back into math classrooms. Messages about community, belonging, access, and seeking out the brilliance in all students were found across hundreds of sessions for leaders, coaches, teachers, families, and all Mathers. It was a week to remember! 

NCSM kicked off with the honorable Dr. Gloria Ladson-Billings. One take-away I am holding onto is the liberation needed so students can shine. She shared an image and a story about a caged bird. How can we wonder why the bird won’t fly if it is in a cage? How could we possibly blame the bird for not taking risks, trying harder, or giving its all? If we want to see the bird live up to its full potential, we must open the door or better yet get rid of the cage! The same is true for our students. We must dismantle systems, remove obstacles, open doors, create opportunities, and then hold high expectations for all, if we want to see our students soar. 

It was a privilege to close out the NCSM conference as the keynote speaker. This year’s theme was, Rise up with Bold Leadership! This is a powerful call to action. What should you start, stop, or continue so you rise up and take your community with you? In order to disrupt the idea that math is optional, we must shift mindsets and beliefs, which is no small feat. But every journey begins with one step in the right direction. Choose the one step you will take to get started. 

We are ALL born mathers, and something happens to cause us to fall more in love or out of love with mathematics. Let’s work together to give all students a reason to fall in love with mathematics and become competent and confident readers, writers, and Mathers!

If you would like, check out the introduction to my closing keynote.