News from the Eastern 2 Region
Sue Vohrer, Eastern 2 Regional Director
Winter 2019/2020
Reflections on … professional learning! As a life-long learner, I enjoy professional learning sessions that I choose to attend because it provides an opportunity to learn something new, explore ideas in a different manner, and meet new people. There is a growing trend for more personalized professional learning that meets the individual needs of teachers.
Have you ever heard of Pineapple Charts as a professional learning opportunity? Pineapples are historically a symbol of hospitality and welcome. The Pineapple Chart is a personalized approach where teachers welcome other teachers into their classrooms to learn from each other. This is a very informal system that allows teachers to choose their own professional learning by observing other teachers in their building. A chart is set up in a common area which shows the days of the week and the time periods of the day for one week. Teachers write on the chart what they will be doing so other teachers will know what they are invited to see. Then, teachers just sign up on the chart, go to that class and observe. Stay for a little while or the entire period. It is just that simple! The beauty of Pineapple Charts is that it does not require any special preparation, addresses adult learning theory, and strengthens relationships among colleagues. As a bold math leader looking toward the new year, consider using Pineapple Charts as a way to invigorate professional learning in your school and district!
Check out the Essential Actions series!
The third book in the Essential Action series, Framework for Leadership in Mathematics Education, will be released at the 2020 Annual Conference in Chicago! Stop by the bookstore to get your copy or order online.
Don’t Miss These BOLD Leadership Opportunities!
NCSM Annual Meeting:
Connect. Collaborate. Commit. Moving Math Leadership into the New Decade.
March 30 – April 1, 2020
Hyatt Regency Chicago
151 E. Wacker
Chicago, Illinois
Consider being a volunteer, a great way to connect and collaborate!
Other Eastern Region 2 Events
West Virginia Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Join the mathematics community in West Virginia at the beautiful Stonewall Jackson Resort in Roanoke, WV, for their annual conference. "Blast Off into Mathematics and Technology" is the theme.
Delaware Council of Mathematics Leaders
DCML will host the second Triple Crown Conference in New Castle County on March 14. Contact Crystal Lancour for more information.
Delaware Mathematics Coalition Equity Conference
New this year is that the Equity Conference will be two days! On April 24, Equity in STEM will kick off with a keynote by Jenni Forcucci, and sessions will focus on STEM education.
On April 25, Dr. Amanda Jansen will be the keynote speaker beginning a full day of mathematics sessions. For more information, contact Dr. Jamila Riser.
Maryland Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Stay tuned for more information on the Annual Coaching Conference to be held in May!
Your Eastern Region 2 Team Leaders
We are so appreciative of having these dedicated team leaders working in your state! Feel free to contact them (or me!) if you need information or have questions.
- Delaware: Crystal Lancour ( ) and Jamila Riser ( )
- Maryland: Ed Nolan ( ), Andrew Todd ( ), Amanda Salvaron ( )
- New Jersey: Jill Perry ( ) and Dianna Sopala ( )
- Pennsylvania: Annie Fetter ( )
- Washington DC: Michael Barnhart ( )
- West Virginia: Cindy Burke ( )
Don’t forget to follow us! We are @MathEdLeaders. Follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
With appreciation for all you do for math education,
Sue