Below are the bios for the MCTM candidates for this spring's election. You will be receiving ballots by email.
Name:
Mary-Alice Carlson
Region #: 3
School:
Montana State University
City:
Bozeman
Present Teaching
Assignment:
Assistant Professor of Mathematics Education,
Department of Mathematical Sciences
Education Background:
PhD 2014 - Educational Studies, Major: Teaching, Curriculum, and
Learning
University of Nebraska, Lincoln,
NE
MA 2009
- Teaching, Learning and Teacher Education
University of Nebraska, Lincoln,
NE
BA 2001
- Education, Whitworth University
Spokane, WA
Teaching Experience:
2001-2002 - Second Grade Teacher, Pasadena Park Elementary
School, Spokane Valley, Spokane, WA
2004-2006 – Middle Grades Mathematics Teacher, Princeton
Charter School, Princeton, NJ
2007 -2009 – Middle Grades Teacher (6th grade
generalist, 8th grade mathematics), Mickle Middle School, Lincoln,
NE
Montana State University
M132: Number
and Operations for K-8 Teachers
M 133:
Geometry for K-8 Teachers
M 234:
Higher Math for K-8 Teachers
M 419/519:
Ration and Proportion in School Mathematics
M 424:
Algebraic Thinking in the Middle Grades
EDU 497R:
Methods of Teaching Middle School Mathematics
University
of Nebraska-Lincoln
MATH 800P:
Number and Operation Part I
MATH 801P:
Number and Operation Part II
TEAC 808J:
Helping Young Children Become Mathematical Thinkers
TEAC 808A:
Teaching Math K-3: Improvement of Instruction in Elementary Mathematics
TEAC 801:
Curriculum Inquiry
TEAC 907:
Seminar in Elementary School Mathematics
TEAC 308: Teaching Mathematics in the Elementary School
Professional
Development
Mathematics Modeling Workshop and Teacher Study Group, NSF IMMERSION
Project (2015-2017). Co-developed and team-taught a five-day mathematics
modeling workshop for grades K-5 in-service teachers. Led follow-up teacher study
group during the 2015-2016 school year. Focused on developing and understanding
of mathematics modeling and how it can be used in an elementary classroom.
Scaling Up the Bozeman Side-By-Side Learning Project (2015),
Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education professional development
project. Facilitated a summer workshop on teacher study groups and facilitated
a mini-studio at Chief Joseph Middle School.
The Mathematics Studio, NSF NebraskaMATH Project
(2011-2012, 2012-2013-2014). Co-facilitated and led teacher studios in
elementary school classrooms. Focused on supporting teachers in implementing
high-leverage mathematics teaching practices, and mathematics coaches and
principals in supporting classroom teachers.
Mathematics Teacher Study Group, NSF NebraskaMATH Project
(2010-2011). Facilitated teacher study group. Focused on using classroom video
to study and improve classroom practice.
Activities in MCTM:
Other Information
(activities, awards, organizational memberships, etc.)
I am a past or current member of several professional
organizations, including MCTM, NCTM, and the Association of Mathematics Teacher
Educators.
What positive traits
you will bring to the board.
As a former classroom teacher and now university faculty member,
I am always looking for ways to develop and nurture partnerships between
classroom teachers and higher education. I have experience in creating,
providing, and receiving professional development and am passionate about
supporting classroom teachers as they grow in their own practice. I understand
that teachers’ work is influenced by many factors, both within and outside
their classrooms. As such, I work to find ways to bring teachers, principals,
and coaches together so that they can learn with and from each other. As a
member of the university community, I am closely connected to emergent research
in the field of mathematics education and enjoy finding ways to take
research-informed practices and translate into workable strategies for
classroom teaching.
What role MCTM should
take in Montana mathematics.
I believe MCTM should play an active role in finding and
creating professional learning opportunities for area teachers and teacher
leaders. I also believe MCTM should serve as a hub that brings teachers,
classroom resources, and resource providers together so that Montana teachers
have access to current “best practices” in mathematics education. Teachers do
not work in isolation and MCTM should provide development opportunities to
mathematics coaches and principals so that teachers have the support networks
necessary to meet the needs of their students. Finally, I believe MCTM should
be an advocate for Montana’s teachers, helping educational and government
agencies, as well as the public understand what high-quality mathematics
teaching looks like and highlighting the excellent work already happening in
Montana classrooms.
Name:
Robert
J Griffith
Region #: 2
School:
Great
Falls High School
City:
Great
Falls
Present Teaching
Assignment:
Math,
Great Falls High
Education
Background:
Graduate:
Western Montana College, Embry Riddle University, Squadron Officers School, Air
Command and Staff College, C-130 Instructor School, Combat Air Training School,
Air Crew Survival School, Arctic Survival School, Water Survival School, Air
Mobility School, Formal C-130 Instructor School, Officer Training School
Attended: Arkansas State University, Park University,
Montana College of Mining and Mineral Technology
Teaching
Experience:
Instructor
Combat Air Training School, Air Force ROTC South Dakota State University (also lectured
for the Philosophy Department), Great Falls High School
Activities in MCTM:
Proof
Reader for the MCTM Math Contest Test
Positive Traits:
Patience,
Grit, Determination, Flexibility, Integrity, Loyalty, Perseverance
MCTM Role:
Should
be at the forefront of promoting mathematical literacy in the state of Montana.
Name:
Ashley Johnson
Region #: 3
School:
Butte High Career Center
City:
Butte
Present Teaching
Assignment:
Title I Math
Education Background:
Bachelor’s of Science in Mathematics and Secondary Education
received Dec 2014 from University of Montana Western.
Teaching Experience:
One semester at Butte High teaching Algebra II and
Precalculus. Three years at the Alternative High School Program in Butte teaching
Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Geometry, and Consumer Math
Activities in MCTM:
Participant of the Trivia Nights, loves attending the
sections during the MEA-MFT Ed Conference.
Other Information
(activities, awards, organizational memberships, etc.)
Is involved in MEA-MFT as Montana’s Delegate-At-Large. Has
attended two NEA National Representative Assemblies. Has been busy at the local
level creating the Butte Young Teachers, a group dedicated to creating a
community for early career teachers. Is the regional representative for Montana
for the Young Professionals Caucus of NEA.
What positive traits
you will bring to the board.
If elected to the board, I would bring young spirit and
fresh eyes to the board. I think it's important to bring in young individuals
not only for their perspective, but so they can learn and know about the
organization when it's time to “pass the torch”.
What role MCTM should
take in Montana mathematics.
I feel MCTM is doing a great job by organizing the Math
Contests and offering scholarships to students. I also think the meet-ups and
sectionals at the Ed Conference are super helpful in creating a community for
math teachers in Montana. I think there is a good foundation that can be
expanded upon to possibly encourage more involvement and more frequent
activities or professional development opportunities.
Name
Tom Redmon
Region #1
School
Hamilton School District - Daly Elementary
City
Hamilton, Montana
Present Teaching Assignment
4th Grade
Education Background
Bachelor of Arts - Saint John's University, Minnesota
- Major: Elementary Education
- Major: Mathematics
- Minor: Secondary Education
Master of Education - University of Montana
Teaching Experience
Lolo School - 4th Grade (2010-2012)
Lolo School - 6th Grade and 8th Grade Honors Math
(2012-2013)
Lolo School - 3rd Grade (2013-2016)
Daly Elementary - 4th Grade (2016-2017)
Activities in MCTM
Math Circle
Math Science Leadership Conference (2016)
Other Information (activities, awards, organizational memberships,
etc.)
- LearnZillion Facilitator
- Math Matters Facilitator
- Northwest Math Conference
Presenter (2017)
- MSP-LEAD Teacher Leader
(2017)
- NCTM Regional Conference
Presenter (2016)
What positive traits you will bring to the board?
- elementary perspective
- curriculum development
experience
- professional development
facilitation experience
- passion for teaching
conceptual understanding
- creative ideas for promoting
MCTM through marketing and fundraising
What role MCTM should take in Montana mathematics?
- shape conversation about best
practices in teaching math
- provide guidance for
selecting high-quality curricular materials
- promote professional
development for teachers
- advocate for Montana math
teachers created policy at local, state, and national level
Name:
Lynne Rider
Region #: 1
School:
Kalispell
City:
Kalispell, Montana
Present Teaching
Assignment:
7th grade mathematics
Education Background:
K-12 Math & Reading, MA Instructional Leadership, EdD
Teacher Leadership
Teaching Experience:
19 years teaching [10 years HS mathematics, 1 year
Kindergarten, 4 years Reading, 3 years Middle school mathematics]
Activities in MCTM:
Other Information
(activities, awards, organizational memberships, etc.)
2009 Montana Gold Star Teacher of the Year, STREAM Grant
Participant, KEA Union President; NCTM member, MCTM member.
What positive traits
you will bring to the board.
I am a highly organized professional who is ready to take on
a state leadership role for MCTM. I have a reputation within the district and
state as a leader and advocate for education and education reform. My strength
lies in my ability to network and be a change agent in support of school
advocacy. I have a personality that fosters a positive work environment that
allows teams to flourish.
What role MCTM should
take in Montana mathematics.
MCTM's role should be to foster teacher
education; build content knowledge and their capacity to use this knowledge in
their classrooms. A second [but not secondary] role is to support teacher's in
their growth mindset; how to analyze and respond to student thinking along
with supporting collegial relationship opportunities.
Name
Dave Thomas
Region #2
School
University of Providence
City
Great Falls
Present Teaching Assignment
Professor of Mathematics and Math Center Director
Education Background
EdD Montana State University, C&I Mathematics
Teaching Experience
5th grade 1 year, high school 12 years,
university 37 years (including GTA years) = 50 total
Activities in MCTM
Regular presenter at annual conferences
Other Information (activities, awards, organizational
memberships, etc.)
I am a mathematics educator specializing in the use of
information, communication, data analysis, and mathematical modeling
technologies to improve teaching and learning at the secondary school and
university levels. These activities have been supported by grants from the
National Science Foundation, NASA, the US Department of Education, and other
grant making entities and recognized by teaching and research awards. My work
has focused on the development, delivery, and evaluation of computer-based and
web-based mathematical technologies and curricula. I use these technologies to
facilitate concept development, to promote student collaboration, and to
facilitate inquiry, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Member NCTM,
MCTM, Asia Society of Researchers.
What positive traits you will bring to the board?
Interest and commitment to Montana Math Education,
experience winning support for and directing grant supported projects,
expertise in math technologies, a lifetime of service and engagement.
What role MCTM should take in Montana mathematics?
Communication & collaboration with state and
federal agencies, NCTM, and private sector partners.
Name
Beth Ann Walsh
Region #3
School
East Valley Middle School
City
East Helena
Present Teaching Assignment
Math
and Pre-Algebra for Grade 7
Education Background
Bachelor of Science in
Elementary Education -math major, child development minor, English minor from
Central Michigan University. 30 Credits of math training through U of M
and MSU Bozeman
Teaching Experience
15 years teaching middle school
math in East Helena, 1 year teaching middle school math in Colorado, 4 years of
Title One English and mathematics in Bethel, Alaska
Activities in MCTM
Presented
"My Favorite" activity at M-cubed conference. MCTM Member for
many years.
Other
Information (activities, awards, organizational memberships, etc.) NCTM,
Presidential Award State Finalist 2017 for mathematics teaching, Leader of
PLC's for East Valley Middle School, Lead Teacher/Organizer for the Greater
Helena Math Teacher's Circle, Carroll College Advisory Panel, MSP-Lead
participant for two years.
Other Information (activities, awards, organizational
memberships, etc.)
NCTM,
Presidential Award State Finalist 2017 for mathematics teaching, Leader of
PLC's for East Valley Middle School, Lead Teacher/Organizer for the Greater
Helena Math Teacher's Circle, Carroll College Advisory Panel, MSP-Lead
participant for two years.
What positive traits you will bring to the board?
Hardwork:
Never afraid to work hard and get the tasks done. Passion: I love
the complexity and beauty of mathematics. Leadership: I have
been developing my leadership skills through the MSP-Lead Seminars as well as
taking on leadership roles in my district and state. I would love to have
more teachers share their voices and experiences across the state.
Communication: I do my best to be an effective listener and communicator.
What role MCTM should take in Montana mathematics?
MCTM
continues their work with external agencies to make quality mathematics
instruction available to all students. Professional development and
leadership opportunities continues to be a major role for MCTM's work.
Also, MCTM continues to be a voice for teachers and math advocates across the
state.
