Cultivating Vibrant Learning Experiences in Mathematics

Calling all Mathematics Educators: Apply now for the Cultivating Vibrant Learning Experiences in Mathematics Workshop for Teams!

The KDE’s Curriculum Based-Professional Learning Guidance Document states, “Research demonstrates that simply providing teachers with a curriculum and high-quality instructional resources (HQIRs) without also providing them professional learning focused on how to implement those resources effectively to meet the needs of all students will not impact student achievement. Educators need professional learning that deepens understanding of what to teach, improves content knowledge and pedagogy through exploring how best to teach it, and facilitates transfer by being connected to the curriculum used in classrooms.”  

The Cultivating Vibrant Learning Experiences in Mathematics Workshop for Teams seeks to deepen content knowledge and pedagogy, clarifying what to teach and how best to teach it through the use of HQIRs being used in Kentucky classrooms. The workshop will specifically elevate connections across: 

  • The Kentucky Academic Standards (KAS) for Mathematics;  
  • Evidence-based Instructional Practices, specifically the Effective Mathematics Teaching Practices outlined by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM); and  
  • High-Quality Instructional Resources (HQIRs) in Mathematics. 

This virtual workshop series provides K-12 educator teams with the opportunity to learn and grow together as both learners and practitioners through a series of 2-hour synchronous sessions. Participants will experience an adult learning environment designed to mirror the classroom experience, utilizing high-quality instructional resources and videos featuring Kentucky classrooms. The workshop includes small group discussions in breakout rooms, whole-group discussions and meaningful connections with mathematics educators from across the state. Special emphasis will be placed on exploring teaching and learning within specific grade bands (elementary, middle and high). 

Teams can be structured differently depending on the local context. Teams may include, but are not limited to, mathematics educators from the same or different grade levels, instructional leaders, such as instructional coaches, ideally from within the same school or district. Individual applicants are also encouraged to apply. If selected, they will be placed on a team with other individual applicants. 

Session Schedule: 

The learning arc of the series will follow the process outlined in the KDE’s Structuring Professional Learning Cycles.  

  • Session 1: How can we establish goals to focus learning in mathematics? Let’s share ideas. Monday, Feb. 3 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. ET
  • Session 2: Why is lesson internalization important? Let’s move beyond planning. Monday, Feb. 24 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. ET
  • Session 3: How do we analyze and respond to student thinking? Let’s move learning forward. Monday, March 17 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. ET
  • Session 4: What have we learned together? Let’s reflect. Monday, April 14 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. ET  

A more in-depth description will be provided to selected participants in advance of each session.  

There are a limited number of spots available for this workshop. Teams interested in this opportunity should complete the Cultivating Vibrant Student Learning Experiences in Mathematics Workshop for Teams application no later than Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. 

Selected Teams will be notified no later than Friday, Jan. 24, 2025.