Tuesday, February 20, 2018

MCTM Candidate Bios

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
  • Educational Leadership
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.  




Name 
Jake Warner         

Region # 3

School 
Capital High School

City
Helena Montana

Present Teaching Assignment 
Algebra IA, Algebra IB, Technical Math, Math Lab 

Education Background 
  • BS Construction Engineering Technology – Montana State University
  • MEd Secondary Education – Arizona State University
  • Continuing Education Masters credits – University of Montana, Montana Tech

Teaching Experience
As an Engineer I was feeling unfulfilled with my career choice.  I applied to Teach For America and never looked back, this is now my 8th year in education.  Throughout my career I have taught in everything from a small 80 student alternative school to a 3200 student high school.  I’ve taught everything from remedial pre-algebra up through honors precalculus. I was the Mathematics Instructional Coordinator for the state of Montana for 3 years.  Recognizing that my true passion is teaching, I’ve returned to the classroom and now teach at Capital High School in my hometown of Helena, MT.

Activities in MCTM
  • Ex Officio Board Member of MCTM for 3 years as Mathematics Instructional Coordinator for the State of Montana.

Other Information (activities, awards, organizational memberships, etc.) 
  • As Math Coordinator my main focus was building capacity of math projects throughout the state.  I was partner to and fan of STREAM, FRACtion, MSP-LEAD, and Math Teacher Circles.  I created the Math Matters events to help support rural teachers that didn’t have anyone to collaborate with.
  • I presented at MBI, the Title I Conference, MEA/MFT, M Cubed, and many other math teacher meetings.

What positive traits you will bring to the board.
  • Positivity and Enthusiasm!

What role MCTM should take in Montana mathematics. 
  • MCTM should support new teachers.  We should provide mentors, classroom support, and exemplary lesson plans.
  • MCTM should keep experienced teachers passionate!  This is one of the reasons I love M Cubed so much!  Keep people excited and keep them from burning out!



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