State of Montana Newsroom
Superintendent Arntzen Welcomes Renowned Math Experts Dr. Jo Boaler and Dr. Peter Liljedahl to Montana for the Teacher Leader and Executive Leadership Academies
HELENA - Superintendent Arntzen welcomes Dr. Jo Boaler to Montana’s seventh session of the Executive Leadership Academy (EXLA) on March 16-17, 2023, and Dr. Peter Liljedahl to the eighth session of the Teacher Leader Academy (TLA) on March 17-18, 2023. The EXLA will have a virtual and in-person option in Helena while the TLA will meet virtually. The theme for the EXLA is The Impact of the Mathematical Mindset on All Learning and the theme for the TLA is The Thinking Classroom. Both sessions will focus on enhancing mathematical learning in the classroom.
There is a free public and parental opportunity to join the EXLA session to learn more about the implementation of math in the classroom. On March 16 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Dr. Boaler will be at the Double Tree Hotel in Helena speaking on Mathematical Mindsets. Seating is limited, please register by clicking here.
“Focusing on individualized learning in mathematics is vital to our student’s academic success,” said Superintendent Elsie Arntzen. “I opened our state content standards in math for review, implemented math innovation zones, and I’m adding more math professional development for teachers. Strengthening our teachers’ confidence in teaching math through additional professional development will lead to educational excellence for our students.”
Dr. Jo Boaler is one of the top eight math educators in the world. Her work includes mathematics teaching and learning - in particular, how different teaching approaches impact students' learning; how to teach mathematics for a “growth mindset;” the role of group work and mathematical discussions in the development of understanding; the ways teachers may be supported in moving towards effective teaching environments; and the importance of data science and ways to integrate data science into all subjects in school.
Dr. Peter Liljedahl is a former high school mathematics teacher who has kept his research interest and activities close to the classroom. His research interests are creativity, insight, and discovery in mathematics teaching and learning; the role of the affective domain on the teaching and learning of mathematics; the professional growth of mathematics teachers; mathematical problem solving; numeracy; and engaging student thinking. He consults regularly with schools, school districts, and ministries of education on issues of teaching and learning, assessment, and numeracy.
###