S.O.A.R. Beyond

The 12^th Annual VACMS (Virginia Council of Mathematics Specialists) Conference begins Friday, September 22, 2023 with check-in at 8:00 AM at Germanna, Culpeper Campus, 18121 Technology Dr., Culpeper, VA 22701. Welcome and keynote address by Dr. Courtney Baker begins at 9:00, followed by morning and afternoon breakout sessions.  All sessions end at 3:45.

The theme for the conference is S.O.A.R Beyond:  Strengths, Opportunities, Achievements, Reflections.

S.O.A.R Beyond: Strengths, Opportunities, Achievements, Reflections

Conference Strands

• All students have mathematics strengths. Educators should create instructional experiences by building on the mathematics knowledge students bring their cultural and community funds of knowledge and the asset of their unique background. Through this focus on what students can do, educators can move them forward to teach and learn more complex mathematics.

Mathematics specialists and coaches can use these examples to guide self-reflection questions and examine how they build relationships based on teachers' knowledge and strengths.

• How do you position students and teachers as knowers and doers of mathematics?

• How do you facilitate teacher learning focused on the strengths students bring to the table?

• How do you leverage teacher strengths to learn and grow as a collective?

• Being equity-minded, mathematics educators and teacher leaders open opportunities for students to access rigorous and high-level mathematics, distributing intellectual authority and access. Opportunities include expanding on what counts as mathematics and providing the space for students and teachers to see the beauty and joy of the subject.

Mathematics specialists and coaches can use these examples to guide self-reflection questions and examine how they build relationships based on teachers' knowledge and strengths.

• How do you facilitate teacher learning around access and opportunity for every student?

• How do you uplift the beauty and power of mathematics for students and teachers to experience the subject in ways they may not have before?

• How does leveraging leadership provide the platform to expand and elevate impact?  

• What emerging technologies, trends, or initiatives empower coaches, teachers, and students to engage with mathematics in inclusive environments?

Mathematics specialists and coaches can use these examples to guide self-reflection questions and examine how they build relationships based on teachers' knowledge and strengths.

• How does the coach's work help teachers develop a new understanding of “achieving” in mathematics?

• What achievements have you, as a teacher leader, witnessed amongst teachers and students that present empowerment, grappling with mathematical ideas, or increasing mathematical identity?

• As teacher leaders and mathematics educators, it is crucial that we continuously reflect on our practice and continue to grow alongside one another in a collective community. 

Mathematics specialists and coaches can use these examples to guide self-reflection questions and examine how they build relationships based on teachers' knowledge and strengths. 

• What frameworks or structures support mathematics specialists/coaches working alongside teachers to reflect on mathematics instruction, content, and pedagogy?

• In what ways do we ignite reflective and metacognitive practices in students?

• What does it look like and sound like to meaningfully reflect? 

• How might coaches reflect and refine their skill set for instructional and facilitative practices, independently and collaboratively? 

Conference Registration Fee:  $125.00 

Conference registration fees include the conference, a continental breakfast, and lunch. 

Registration to the conference will be limited to the first 200 registrants.  

Registrations are not confirmed until registration fees are paid.  Please send payments as soon as possible.  If you have a check from your division, you may bring it with you to the conference.  

Photos will be taken during the conference and participants pictures may be used for future publications about this event.

Payments can be sent to:

VACMS Registration Coordinator,

Jane Grove, 12716 Marsh Road, Bealeton, VA  22712

NO REFUNDS WILL BE PROVIDED for registrants who cancel registration after September 8, 2023 (a voucher for attendance at a later date will be provided instead).