January 27, 2017

Registration underway for math conference

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- The 32nd annual Conference on Teaching Mathematics will take place Feb. 16 at the Hancock Conference Center at John A. Logan College in Carterville. Registration is now underway through Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Conference and Scheduling Services.

Teachers working with pre-kindergarten through grade 14 will learn more about the Standards for Mathematical Practice. These are various areas of expertise that educators strive to develop in their students that are essentially the keys to preparing them for future Common Core assessments.

Presenters include George Reese, president of the Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics, and Bob Mann, past president of ICTM. Classroom teachers from throughout the state will lead discussions on various topics, including the content, teaching and assessing of mathematics in Common Core; problem solving, technology including calculators and iPads; STEM; cooperative learning; content vocabulary; teaching mathematics to young children; proportional reasoning; writing and evaluating standards; and connections between math and science, music and literacy.

Stephen Grimmer from Alta Clay Works in Alto Pass is the luncheon speaker. He will present “Strange Bedfellows? Mathematical Artists and Artistic Mathematicians,” exploring artists’ historical and contemporary uses of mathematics for inspiration, subject and method.

Bob Baer, computer/electronics specialist with SIU’s Department of Physics and co-chair of the Southern Illinois Eclipse 2017-2024 Steering Committee, will present the opening remarks. He will discuss the Aug. 21, 2017, total solar eclipse and SIU’s location near the point of longest duration. SIU, NASA Eclipse 2017 and the Adler Planetarium of Chicago are partnering to present a variety of events in conjunction with the eclipse and it is drawing international attention.  

Teachers will receive professional development credits for attending. The early registration deadline is Feb. 9 and organizers recommend signing up early. The $80 early registration fee covers conference materials, all sessions and the continental breakfast and luncheon. The cost is $90 after Feb. 9. For more information, or to register, visit www.conferenceservices.siu.edu or call 618/536-7751.

Pre-service students can register at a reduced fee by calling Jerry Becker or Cheng-yao Lin at 618/536-2441.