MƒA Winter/Spring 2023 Professional Development Course Catalog

Professional Development Catalog Winter/Spring Semester: February - June 2023

Contents General Information & Registration

3

MƒA Programming

5

Summary of Core Learning Opportunities

8

Summary of Additional Learning Opportunities

10

Professional Learning Teams (PLTs)

11

Mini-Courses

22

Single Session Workshops

38

Affinity Groups

51

Interest Groups

53

MƒAdventures

59

Thursday Thinks

63

Equity Webinars

66

Community Contributions

68

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MƒA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE CATALOG: WINTER/SPRING 2023

FELLOWSHIP REQUIREMENTS AND GENERAL INFORMATION In winter/spring 2023, MƒA will offer a variety of in-person and virtual programming sufficient for all teachers to meet attendance requirements comfortably. For the 2022-2023 school year, teachers can satisfy their minimum attendance requirements of seven Core Learning workshops with any mix of in-person and virtual programming. We encourage you to sign up for more than the minimum in the event of unforeseen circumstances to ensure you meet your attendance requirement.

We understand that scheduling conflicts occur for various reasons and may sometimes interfere with your ability to attend a workshop. Occasional absences do not reflect poorly on your participation in the fellowship. However, if you are going to be absent from a workshop, we ask that you notify MƒA at pdprogram@mathforamerica.org as soon as possible.

IN-PERSON COURSE INFORMATION To minimize the spread of COVID-19, teachers, external facilitators, and guests of MƒA who wish to attend in-person programming must attest that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Additionally, MƒA takes several other safety measures to minimize the risk of spreading COVID-19. Our safety policies are based on current evidence and expert recommendations and are subject to change as the situation evolves. Current policy, requirements, and logistical information about dining and masks are updated HERE. Additionally, it may become necessary to limit or pause in-person programming.

Most in-person MƒA programming occurs at the MƒA office, 915 Broadway, on either the 14th or 17th floors. Some events take place at other locations throughout the city. Please carefully check course listings for details before registering to ensure you can attend the specified location.

All MƒA workshops run from 5:30-7:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted). The MƒA lounge is available for teachers to work starting at 4:30 p.m. Pizza arrives by 4:30 p.m., and workshops begin promptly at 5:30 p.m. Eating is not permitted in workshop spaces after 5:30 p.m. We suggest arriving by 5:15 p.m. if you would like a few minutes to eat before your course begins.

In case of a citywide NYC DOE public school closure, in-person MƒA programming will be canceled or held virtually.

VIRTUAL COURSE INFORMATION All MƒA workshops run from 5:30-7:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted). Please refer to the course details on the Small-World Network. Virtual MƒA courses will continue to take place on the Zoom platform.

Accessing Zoom Workshops Registered teachers will receive an automated email reminder both one week and two days in advance, including the Zoom link and the password needed to join the workshop. Zoom links for upcoming workshops are also on the Small-World Network in the yellow box on the left-hand side of the home page.

Zoom Attendance We track virtual attendance using the Zoom participant record. To be marked present, teachers’ Zoom screen names must match the name MƒA has on file, and teachers must attend and actively participate in more than half of the workshop.

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Register at: mfa.force.com/smallworldnetwork

MƒA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE CATALOG: WINTER/SPRING 2023

ACCESSIBILITY MƒA strives to make programming inclusive and accessible to enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. To request accommodations or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact Sherry Yang, MƒA’s Associate Director, Project Management & Events.

Facilitators have been informed of closed captioning in our virtual courses and may already have it enabled. If not, you can anonymously request it during the session by clicking on “Live Transcription” and then “Request.”

REGISTRATION Registration is required for all MƒA professional development and must be done through the Small-World Network. Please refer to your school and DOE calendars before signing up for courses. Please note: Based on teacher feedback, the registration time has changed for the winter/spring semester.

Registration will begin at 6:00 p.m.

January 31, 6 p.m. - Limited Registration During the two-day limited registration period, you may register for two credit-bearing courses from the Core Learning section of the catalog and add yourself to two waitlists. You are free to register for as many non-credit bearing courses as you can commit to attending.

February 2, 6 p.m. - Open Registration When open registration begins, you may register for as many additional courses as you can commit to attending in full.

Parent Teacher Conferences Elementary School

March 9 & May 4

Middle School

March 16 & May 11

High School

March 23 & May 18

EQUITY AND INCLUSION p At MƒA, we believe equity and inclusion should be acknowledged and considered in every professional development experience, regardless of the focus of the course. MƒA also provides many options for teachers who want to take workshops explicitly focusing on equity and inclusion in the classroom.

To highlight these opportunities and make them easier for teachers to find, we include this icon p next to courses that generally align with the TRU dimensions of equitable access and agency, ownership, and identity. Specifically, such courses should directly address the needs of students of color, transgender and gender-expansive students, students with disabilities, or students who are English Language Learners. The icon is also placed next to courses and affinity groups that support the unique challenges faced by educators who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC); educators within the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) community; and white anti-racist allies.

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Register at: mfa.force.com/smallworldnetwork

MƒA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE CATALOG: WINTER/SPRING 2023

MƒA Core Learning Opportunities The following types of professional development satisfy fellowship minimum attendance requirements. They are the primary way MƒA teachers learn and grow during their fellowship.

Professional Learning Teams (PLTs) are a series of four connected workshops that meet monthly over the course of the semester and consist of small teams of teachers who come together to explore a specific problem of practice in depth. Learn more about PLTs here.

Mini-Courses are a series of three connected workshops in which experts from academic institutions, local organizations, and within the MƒA Master Teacher community engage MƒA teachers in a topic at the cutting edge of their content area and/or pedagogical practice.

Extended Length Courses are a series of six to eight connected workshops that meet throughout a semester or school year. Experts from academic institutions, local organizations, and within the MƒA Master Teacher community engage MƒA teachers in topics at the cutting edge of their content area and/or pedagogical practice.

Single Session Workshops are one-time workshops in which experts from the MƒA Master Teacher community, academic institutions, and local organizations engage MƒA teachers in a topic at the cutting edge of their content area and/or pedagogical practice.

Affinity Groups are a series of workshops in which teachers with shared identities grapple with how their particular identities intersect and inform their role as STEM educators, their classroom practice, and their engagement with the broader MƒA community.

MƒA Additional Learning Opportunities The following meetings and events do not count towards fellowship attendance requirements. They are opportunities for MƒA teachers to expand their professional network, develop leadership skills, and explore their personal and professional passions.

Interest Groups are one-time workshops in which small groups of teachers meet informally around a common interest or identity. They provide opportunities to make connections and begin conversations with MƒA colleagues.

MƒAdventures are offsite events organized by MƒA teachers that allow teachers to explore shared interests. They are a great way to meet MƒA community members outside the MƒA office.

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MƒA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE CATALOG: WINTER/SPRING 2023

MƒA Additional Learning Opportunities cont.

Thursday Thinks are monthly STEM talks open to MƒA teachers, their colleagues, and guests from the wider STEM community. This speaker series features engaging and accomplished experts who delve into cutting-edge mathematics, science, computer science, and education topics.

Equity Webinars (formerly Wednesday Webinars) are virtual workshops open to MƒA teachers, other Master Teacher programs, and people interested in learning more about MƒA. Each webinar leads with a nationally recognized STEM educator talk, followed by breakout sessions, where small groups discuss how they can apply these powerful ideas in their classrooms. To receive credit, teachers are expected to stay for the entire session, including the talk and the small group discussion.

Community Contributions are leadership opportunities for MTII+ (teachers in their second, third, or fourth Master Teacher Fellowship) to deepen their connections within the MƒA community by becoming involved with admissions, recruitment, communications, facilitation, supporting new MƒA teachers, and other leadership activities. Please review each contribution for its unique structure and requirements.

MƒA ƒundamentals MƒA ƒundamentals is a sequence of workshops that orient teachers to the frameworks which serve as the basis for the MƒA model. MƒA ƒundamentals Part 1: The Five Dimensions of Powerful Classrooms began in 2019 and will continue to be a part of all orientation sessions. MƒA will offer subsequent workshops in the sequence to each cohort and will notify teachers about when and how to register. Teachers are strongly encouraged to attend these workshops as we work to build a common language for STEM teaching and learning, professional growth, and leadership that supports continued learning and collaboration across classroom differences. The goal of these workshops is to help MƒA teachers build capacity for and deepen understanding of (1) powerful classrooms, (2) powerful sites for professional growth, (3) creating value in their fellowship, and (4) leadership at MƒA. They do not count towards the two-course limit during limited registration.

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MƒA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE CATALOG: WINTER/SPRING 2023

Annual MƒA Events End of Year Celebration & Muller Award Ceremony takes place on June 6, 2023 as MƒA teachers come together to mark the end of the school year. Register through the Small-World Network here. During this event, we honor the winners of the MƒA Muller Award for Professional Influence in Education, an annual honor given to two extraordinary teachers from within the MƒA Master Teacher community who influence the teaching profession in exceptional ways.

2023 MƒA Summer Think is a three-day, teacher-designed, teacher-focused, and teacher-led conference held each July. This year the Summer Think will take place July 11-13, 2023. The MƒA Summer Think empowers teachers to explore and collaborate over the summer, from hands-on events to deep dives into specific topics. Registering today on the Small-World Network serves as pre-registration. By mid-June, those registered will receive an email with a link that will guide them through signing up for Summer Think workshops. More details are coming soon.

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MƒA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE CATALOG: WINTER/SPRING 2023

Summary of Core Learning Opportunities COMMUNITY Asian American Affinity Group p (AG) Black, Latinx, and PoC Affinity Group p (AG) LGBTQIA+ Affinity Group p (AG) Space to Breathe: Women of Color Affinity Group p (AG) White Anti-Racist Educators Affinity Group p (AG)

COMPUTER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 3D Printing: Steps to Successfully Enhance Your Class (SSW)

INQUIRY, PRACTICE, AND LEADERSHIP

How to Design Project-Based Learning Curriculum (PLT)

The ABCs of Student TAs (SSW)

A Hundred Ways to Differentiate: Work Smarter, Not Harder With the UDL Framework p (SSW)

Academic Mindfulness: Supporting Executive Function Skills in Students p (SSW) The Art of Co-Teaching: Developing Positive and Productive Relationships p (PLT) Book Club: Grading for Equity p (PLT) Book Club: We Want to Do More Than Survive p (PLT) Building Empathy Through Origami (SSW)

I’m a Teacher and I Want to Belong Too! (SSW) Implementing and Evaluating Mindfulness Practice in Your STEM Classroom (MINI) Interrupting the Myth of ‘Standard English’ p (MINI) Leading Teachers: A Framework for Coaching, Mentoring, and Development (MINI)

“Young Man, Get Out of Here!”: Historical Perspectives on NYC Discipline Policy p (MINI)

MATHEMATICS 5 Steps to Enacting Rough Draft Math (SSW)

Activities and Projects in Algebra II: Building Blocks for Accessible Learning (PLT) Alternative Assessment in the Mathematics Classroom (MINI) Analyzing Free, Formative Assessment Lessons Using the TRU Framework (In-Person) and (Virtual) (PLT) Bending Curriculum for Equity and Joy p (PLT)

Code Puzzles in the Classroom (MINI)

Deconstructing the Most Segregated School System in the Country p (PLT)

Let Them Figure it Out! Strategies to Develop Basic Logic Skills (SSW)

Coding With Minecraft: More Than Just a Game! (MINI)

DIY Skills: Machine Sewing and Screen Printing (MINI)

Mechanisms for Empowering Students p (MINI)

Collaborative Debugging in Computer Science (SSW)

DuraSEL: Fostering Motivation for Change Through Motivational Interviewing p (MINI)

Myth of the Average Learner p (SSW)

The Big Ideas of Linear Algebra (MINI) Bring Back That Loving Feeling: Using PERMA To Restore Joy p (SSW)

Paper Circuit Identity Portraits (SSW)

Category Theory: An Introduction

Empowerment Through Reflective Practices p (MINI)

Physics in Math and Math in Physics

(MINI)

Equity, Identity, and Restorative Justice: Applications in Our Communities p (PLT)

Ratchetdemic Reality Hip Hop Ed Book Club p (PLT)

DeltaMath Plus: What Have They Added? (SSW) Digging Digitally: A Deep Dive into the CS and Digital Fluency Standards (PLT)

Excel Training for Novices and Prospective Data Specialists (MINI) Getting Started With Arduinos (MINI) HackMƒA (SSW) Introduction to 3D CAD Modeling (MINI)

Facilitation as Leadership: A Refresher (SSW)

From Research to Reality: Investigating Myths in Educational Psychology (MINI)

iPad Master Class (SSW)

Game-Based Learning: An Introduction (MINI)

Physical Computing to Inspire Innovations (MINI)

Gender-Inclusive Data Collection in Statistics and Science Classrooms p

RoboExpo (SSW)

(SSW)

Three Dimensional Learning With 3D Printers (PLT)

Going Gradeless in Your STEM Classroom (SSW) Graphing and Data Analysis: How to Choose the Most Appropriate Graph

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(SSW)

Staying TRU: Teaching for What Matters (PLT)

Co-Teaching in Inclusive Secondary Mathematics Classrooms p (MINI) Culturally Responsive Mathematics: Creating Tools for Teaching p (PLT) Engaging Activities in Statistics (PLT) Everybody Deserves a Seat at the Table (MINI)

STEM Strategies for Multilingual Learners p (PLT) Teacher as Writer (PLT) Teacher Leadership for Impactful School Change II (SSW) Trauma Informed Practices and Adult Wellness p (SSW) Turning Your Classroom Into Equitable Practice p (PLT)

KEY Professional Learning Teams (PLT) Mini-Courses (MINI) Extended Length Courses (ELC)

Using Protocols to Support Equity in Discourse p (MINI)

Single Session Workshops (SSW) Affinity Groups (AG)

(MINI) MƒA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE CATALOG: WINTER/SPRING 2023

Summary of Core Learning Opportunities cont.

Exploring Conic Sections (SSW) Focus on the Process: Opening Up Questions in the Mathematics Classroom (SSW) From Phi to Pell’s Equation (SSW) Geometry for All: Interactive Tasks to Encourage Deep Learning in Every Student p (PLT) Learning to Love Row Reduction (SSW) Let’s Build! Designing StudentCentered Explorations Using GeoGebra (PLT) Leveraging Community-Based Mathematical Modeling p (MINI) Mathematical Modeling in Middle School (MINI) Math Trails: Exploring Mathematics in the Real World (SSW) Parking Functions: Choose Your Own Adventure (SSW) Physics for Mathematics Teachers (MINI)

Proof Through Play: Exploring Axiomatic Systems and Proof With Games (MINI) Race, Space, and Time: Mathematical Identities and Mattering p (MINI) Rehumanizing Mathematics K-8 p (MINI)

Sunrise, Sunset: Deriving the Duration of Our Days (MINI) Teaching Calculus (PLT) Tilings, Tessellations, and Origami (MINI)

True Origins of the Pythagorean Theorem (MINI) Under Construction: Building a Thinking Classroom (PLT) Unlocking Intermediate Number Theory: Beyond Common Divisors and Multiples (MINI) 9

Unpacking the Next Generation Mathematics Learning Standards (PLT) Viete’s Formulas: Quadratics, Cubics, and Beyond (SSW) What Should Students Learn?: Updating the Mathematics Curriculum at Your School (PLT) Writing in Math Class: How Writing Prompts Deepen Mathematical Thinking (SSW)

SCIENCE

Equity, Inclusion, and Justice in Middle School Science p (PLT)

Mucking Around With Oysters (MINI)

Exploring TRU: Video Study in the K-8 Science Classroom (PLT) The Fate of the Universe: From Restless Stars to Expansion (SSW)

New York Botanical Garden Tour: A History Through Glaciers (MINI) Physics With Phones: Redesigning Labs Using Cellphone Sensor Data (SSW)

From Chopped to BioBits!: How to Use miniPCR Labs in the Classroom

Providing Opportunities for StudentLed Investigations (PLT)

(MINI)

Race and Evolutionary Biology: The Legacy of Misuse and Misinterpretation (MINI)

From Distance to Resistance: Physics Demo Derby (SSW) From Molecules to Ecosystems: Modeling the Cycling of Matter With HHMI (MINI)

Raptors in NYC: Eagles, Osprey, and Hawks, Oh My! (SSW)

Advanced Biology: Analyzing Primary Data to Hone Science Skills (PLT)

The Galapagos and Nature Journaling

Alleviating Assessment Anxiety in the Physics Classroom (PLT)

Getting Kids to Care About Climate Change (PLT)

Rolling in the Deep: Exploring Energy With Student-Designed Roller Coasters (MINI)

Beyond Heroes and Holidays: CR-SE in the Science Classroom p (PLT)

Glued Into Science: Sustainable Polymers (SSW)

C. Elegans and Neural Networks: What Can a Simple Roundworm Teach Us? (SSW)

Guided by Wonder: PhenomenaBased Units in AP Chemistry (PLT)

24andMe: What mtDNA Can Tell Us About Ourselves and Our World (MINI)

CheMATHstry: The Math of Molecules (MINI)

Citizen Science: Birding in the Concrete Jungle (PLT) Clickbait Science: Let’s Look at the Evidence (SSW) Conquering Cancer: Recreating the Experiments That Led to Defeating Leukemia (MINI) Data-Driven Climate Justice With EcoRise p (MINI) Dissections Made Easy (MINI) Electrify the Grid With Tabletop Games! (SSW) Engaging Earth Day Activities (SSW) Enhancing Elementary Science (PLT)

(SSW)

Health Inequities: Analysis and Ethics p (SSW) How to Create a Brain: Neurodevelopment and Stem Cells

Rethinking APES Lab Activities (PLT)

The Science of Smell: A Journey Into the Brain Through the Nose (SSW) Where Does Gasoline Go?: Climate Change, Climate Anxiety, and Climate Action (SSW) Why Do I Need to Know This?: Using Storylines to Engage Students in Biology (PLT) Wild About Worms! (SSW)

(SSW)

An Introduction to Quantum Mechanics: What Happens When Objects Are Very Small? (SSW) Investigating the Urban Heat Island Effect With Student Scientists (MINI)

KEY

Managing Stormwater Pollution: Green Infrastructure and Stewardship With the DEP (MINI)

Mini-Courses (MINI)

Middle School Science Fair: A Toolkit for Differentiation and Engagement p (SSW)

Professional Learning Teams (PLT) Extended Length Courses (ELC) Single Session Workshops (SSW) Affinity Groups (AG)

Mind Control: Using Science and Engineering to Boost Computational Thinking (MINI) MƒA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE CATALOG: WINTER/SPRING 2023

Summary of Additional Learning Opportunities INTEREST GROUPS All-Levels Vinyasa Yoga Amplifying Up The Assassination Classroom: An Exploration of Teaching in Anime

Practice Your Poker Face for the MƒA Poker Tournament School Trip and Club Leaders Interest Group

EQUITY WEBINARS Empowering Black Males in Mathematics Contexts p

Sound Meditation: Exploration and Experience Think Tank for Future Facilitation

COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTIONS

Board Game Appreciation

Travel Opportunities With Your Students

Applicant Screener

Brainstorm and Build: MƒA Course Proposal Support

Trivia Night

Brainstorm and Build Facilitator

Bringing Students to the MƒA Table Cancer: Health and Social Justice Curriculum Information Session Computer Science Elective Share Out Crafting Through Cricut in the Classroom Department Chair Support Group Earth Science Teacher Meetup Experiential Educators: Bringing First-Hand Science Fieldwork Into the Classroom

Information Session Host

MƒADVENTURES

Learning Materials Screener

Birdie, Eagle, Albatross, Condor!: MƒA Mini-Golf

MƒA Orientation Host

Brooklyn Elementary Teacher Meet Up

Praxis Prep Session Host

Brooklyn Math Teacher Meetup

Professional Development Catalog Builder

Day at the American Museum of Natural History

Small-World Network Mobilizers

Horseshoe Crab Walk Manhattan Elementary Teacher Meet Up

Fiber Arts Interest Group

MƒA Pride March p

Getting Started With Grant Writing and DonorsChoose

MƒA Summer Softball

Happy Teachers Change the World: A Book Club for Cultivating Mindfulness

Prospect Park Ice Skating

International Teaching The Intersection of Coaching and Teaching Learn Spanish to Support Your Multilingual Students p Let’s Do...Calculus!

Math and Science Teachers Can Cook Too! MƒA Game Night MƒA Magic: The Gathering Meet Up MƒA Teacher Poker Mindful Yoga Practice Netrunner: A Competitive Card Game for Teachers and Students Overbooked 10

Mothing Adventure Rather Be Fishing: MƒA Fly Fishing The Science of Walking Spring is Coastal Clean-Up Time!

Stained Glass Creations: Advanced Stained Glass Creations: Beginner Star Party on Staten Island Unlocking Nature’s Potential: A Visit to a Chinese Pharmacy

THURSDAY THINKS Building Thinking Classrooms Mapping the Universe Across Space and Time What It Means to Be Us Right Now p

MƒA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE CATALOG: WINTER/SPRING 2023

Professional Learning Teams (PLTs) Professional Learning Teams (PLTs) are a series of four connected workshops that meet monthly over the semester and consist of small teams of teachers who come together to explore a specific problem of practice in depth.

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MƒA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE CATALOG: WINTER/SPRING 2023

Professional Learning Teams (PLTs)

critical thinking. With this in mind, our goal is to co-

This course is best suited for high school physics

create a collection of activities modeled on data-based

teachers.

free-response questions. In our first session, we will share strategies for finding articles or data, discuss how

Activities and Projects in Algebra II: Building Blocks for Accessible Learning Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Siaka Kone, Leslyn Morris, and Christina Varghese, Ph.D. MONDAYS, FEB 27, MAR 27, MAY 1, MAY 29 ONLINE  MATHEMATICS

How might we create Algebra II activities that have multiple entry points? Sometimes, Algebra II tasks can be lengthy and complicated or assume students already have a strong understanding of concepts. How can using short tasks and projects bridge this conceptual understanding? In this PLT, we will build on pre-existing tasks from past iterations, create new ones, and appropriately scaffold activities for our diverse learners.

to scaffold data-driven activities, and then form small groups to begin identifying articles or data to anchor our activities. During the next two sessions, we will continue working with our small groups to develop activities we will test in our classrooms. Finally, we will reflect on our work, examine student artifacts, and collaborate to improve our activities for future use. This PLT is appropriate for AP/IB Biology teachers or any life science teacher who wishes to incorporate data analysis into their lessons.

Alleviating Assessment Anxiety in the Physics Classroom Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Josh Paugh and Nancy Yi, and MƒA Emeritus Teacher Raymond Bradshaw

We will develop activities and projects, implement

TUESDAYS, FEB 7, MAR 14, APR 18, MAY 23

some of them, and share our experiences. We will

MƒA & ONLINE

create a toolbox of activities, projects, and rubrics for

 SCIENCE

Algebra II units that challenge students, foster creative

+ PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS A HYBRID COURSE. SESSIONS 1 AND 4 WILL TAKE PLACE IN-PERSON AT MƒA. SESSIONS 2 AND 3 WILL TAKE PLACE VIRTUALLY.

discussions, and maintain individual accountability. We will also share feedback as we modify tasks and develop projects our students have vetted. This PLT is best suited for Algebra II teachers.

Advanced Biology: Analyzing Primary Data to Hone Science Skills Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Amanda Buckley and Kelly Molloy WEDNESDAYS, MAR 1, MAR 29, MAY 10, JUN 7 ONLINE  SCIENCE

How might we use data from primary research articles to anchor student-centered activities and strengthen science skills? Data presented in textbooks are often idealized, hiding their authentic “messiness.” Exposing students to diverse, authentic data and allowing productive struggle with interpretations develops 12

Analyzing Free, Formative Assessment Lessons Using the TRU Framework Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Gary Cruz, Danilsa Fernandez, Sendy Keenan, and Azikiwe Peters THURSDAYS, FEB 9, MAR 9, APR 27, MAY 25 (IN-PERSON) WEDNESDAYS, FEB 15, MAR 22, MAY 3, MAY 31 (VIRTUAL) MƒA  MATHEMATICS + PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS A CONTINUATION OF THE FALL 2022 PLT. BOTH NEW AND RETURNING TEACHERS ARE WELCOME. THERE ARE TWO ITERATIONS OF THIS COURSE, ONE IN-PERSON AT MƒA AND THE OTHER ONLINE.

How might we explore the ways our students engage in mathematical tasks to inform how we use those tasks in our classrooms? In this PLT, we will analyze video cases of teachers implementing lessons from the Mathematics Assessment Project, a database of 100 free, high-quality mathematics lesson plans. Developed by the Shell Center for Mathematical Education, the lessons and resources support teaching aligned to the Teaching for Robust Understanding (TRU) framework and are designed for secondary mathematics teachers who want to maximize the use of formative assessment

How might we adapt physics assessments, reduce test

in their classrooms. A crucial element of these lessons

anxiety, and provide students an opportunity to learn

is that they are built to foster robust classroom

from their mistakes? Join us in this PLT as we consider

conversations on deep mathematical ideas, making

how to help our students look beyond their numerical

them an ideal vehicle for video cases. Throughout this

grades and gain a true sense of understanding. In

PLT, we will have rich discussions about assessment as

session one, we will discuss using take-home and

we lean on each other to deepen our understanding

tiered assessments (for which students choose their

of the mathematics we teach and devise new ways

own difficulty level). In session two, we’ll discuss

to share that experience more powerfully with our

collaborative assessments and the use of data analysis

students. This PLT is a part of a broader community

from both the teacher and student perspectives.

of teachers doing similar work in the New York State

Teachers are encouraged to try at least one type of

Master Teacher Program and Chicago as a part of a

non-traditional assessment between sessions two and

National Science Foundation grant.

three. Then, we will continue sharing our successes and challenges to reflect and iterate on our work. Finally, in session four, we will collaborate to create or adapt resources to compile and share to a digital repository.

MƒA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE CATALOG: WINTER/SPRING 2023

Professional Learning Teams (PLTs)

Bending Curriculum for Equity and Joy p Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Marcelle Good and Ariel Thompson TUESDAYS, FEB 28, MAR 28, MAY 2, JUN 6

The Art of Co-Teaching: Developing Positive and Productive Relationships p Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Helen Haritos and Jake Leibold

MƒA  MATHEMATICS

How might we adjust curricula to increase access and spark joy for all elementary mathematics learners?

TUESDAYS, MAR 7, APR 4, MAY 9, JUN 13

Join us as we find ways to manageably modify our

ONLINE

current curricula to increase student engagement

 INQUIRY, PRACTICE, AND LEADERSHIP

How might we utilize the strengths of every adult in the classroom to meet the needs of our diverse learners?

Co-taught classrooms come in all shapes and sizes.

Sometimes the teachers work together seamlessly such that students cannot distinguish between the content teacher and the special education teacher. Other times, there are clear differences between the teachers, but each is leveraging their strengths to support every student in the classroom. And still, in other cases, the co-teaching relationship isn’t very productive at all, leaving students without the supports needed for success. In the first two sessions of this PLT, we will focus on the dynamics between co-teachers as we reflect on our own co-teaching experiences. We’ll identify what is needed in a positive and productive

and create equitable learning experiences for all. We have two key assumptions: (1) using a curriculum and bending it to work for your students is key to equitable, accessible classrooms, and (2) entirely re-writing lessons is not sustainable. Using the Teaching for Robust Understanding (TRU) dimension of equitable access to content as a guiding lens, teachers will cocraft, implement, and reflect on modifications to their curriculum. We’ll explore resources from Illustrative Mathematics (IM), All Learners Learning Every Day (ALL-ED), and our own bodies of work. Creating meaningful contexts, incorporating movement, using personal whiteboards, and utilizing discussion protocols

Multicultural Curriculum Transformation by Paul Gorski.

are some of the easy-to-implement strategies we

Then, we will each identify our WHY and establish a

will address. This PLT is open to all K-5 mathematics

realistic work goal to ground the following sessions. We

teachers using any curriculum.

will continue by evaluating a CR-SE-aligned exemplar, identifying a lesson or unit to enhance, and then

co-teaching relationship and create a road map for success no matter who our co-teaching partner is. In sessions three and four, we’ll focus on our students as we discuss strategies we’ve found successful and make plans to implement new ideas with our co-teachers.

Throughout, we will also review a selection of resources on co-planning and co-teaching to help inform our practice. Teachers’ experience in co-teaching is

Beyond Heroes and Holidays: CR-SE in the Science Classroom p Facilitators: MƒA Master Teacher Olivia Ramirez and MƒA Emeritus Teacher Rachel Wax

working individually or in affinity groups to modify the lesson. We will conclude by presenting our work, sharing feedback, and setting future goals. This PLT is open to all science teachers interested in transforming

MONDAYS, FEB 13, MAR 20, APR 24, MAY 22

their curriculum to reflect the diverse identities of their

ONLINE

students.

 SCIENCE

important in all sessions; any mathematics, science, or

How might we modify our curriculum to center content

special education teachers who have co-taught classes

and learning opportunities reflecting our students’

in the past, are open to sharing their co-teaching glows

social, cultural, linguistic, and gender identities? If you

and grows, and are determined to improve their co-

feel too busy or overwhelmed by this undertaking, then

teaching practice are welcome.

this PLT is the perfect opportunity to get started in a collaborative and structured way! In our first session, we will assess our own curriculum using the Stages of

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MƒA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE CATALOG: WINTER/SPRING 2023

Professional Learning Teams (PLTs) Book Club: Grading for Equity p Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Samantha Adams, Nicole Beal, and Rachel Griffin WEDNESDAYS, FEB 8, MAR 15, APR 26, MAY 24 MƒA

Book Club: We Want to Do More Than Survive p Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Brittney Cook and Scott Gallagher

landscape. We will then define what it means to be an abolitionist teacher and examine the need for joy in our instruction. In doing so, we will challenge our role

WEDNESDAYS, MAR 1, MAR 29, MAY 10, JUN 7

in upholding oppressive structures and develop and

MƒA

implement action plans to move toward becoming

 INQUIRY, PRACTICE, AND LEADERSHIP

abolitionist teachers. Dr. Love’s book will be used in

+ PLEASE NOTE: TEACHERS ARE EXPECTED TO PURCHASE THEIR OWN COPY OF WE WANT TO DO MORE THAN SURVIVE: ABOLITIONIST TEACHING AND THE PURSUIT OF EDUCATIONAL FREEDOM BY DR. BETTINA L. LOVE, AND CAN BE REIMBURSED THROUGH THE MƒA FLEX FUNDS PROGRAM.

conjunction with various protocols for discussion of text, student work, and problems of practice. Teachers of all subjects and grade levels are invited to participate.

 INQUIRY, PRACTICE, AND LEADERSHIP

How might we identify, challenge, and dismantle

+ PLEASE NOTE: TEACHERS ARE EXPECTED TO PURCHASE THEIR OWN COPY OF GRADING FOR EQUITY BY JOE FELDMAN, AND CAN BE REIMBURSED THROUGH THE MƒA FLEX FUNDS PROGRAM.

the oppressive structures and habits in our teaching

How might we integrate equitable assessment policies

and communities; and we will examine the role we have

and practices into our classrooms? How we assess

played in this oppression using Dr. Bettina Love’s We

our students should be part of a culture centered on

Want to Do More Than Survive to anchor our work. We

learning rather than compliance. It should cultivate

will begin by unpacking Dr. Love’s “Educational Survival”

How might we use birding as a citizen science tool to

intrinsic motivation, reduce bias, and accurately reflect

concept and exploring its impact on our students.

engage students in inquiry-based learning? Birds are

what students know and can do. Together, we will work

With this common understanding, we will recognize

all around us, even in our highly developed city—and

towards equitable assessment policies and practices

the importance of mattering and challenge the idea of

with surprising diversity! If you can tell a pigeon from

through a book club structure, anchored by the text

character education as a solution in today’s educational

a starling, you’re halfway to being able to do species

Grading for Equity by Joe Feldman. In each session,

practice? In this PLT, we will work to identify the oppressive systems that exist in our classrooms, schools,

Citizen Science: Birding in the Concrete Jungle Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Crystal Thiele and Jordan Wolf WEDNESDAYS, MAR 8, APR 19, MAY 17, JUN 14 MƒA  SCIENCE

counts and population studies. In session one, we will

we will discuss a reading, plan for changes to our practice, and reflect on our work to change the culture of assessment in our classrooms. In the first session, we will focus on problems with traditional grading and discuss the case for change. Next, we will delve into accurate grading and the mathematical consequences of our choices. Then, we will examine how to develop bias-resistant grading practices as well as the impact of, and alternatives to, common grading policies. Finally, we will explore intrinsic motivation, the psychological impact of “punishing” students for making mistakes while learning, and competency-based grading with retakes. This PLT is intended for teachers of all content and grade levels.

14

MƒA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE CATALOG: WINTER/SPRING 2023

Professional Learning Teams (PLTs) conduct activities that teach students and teachers how to be better bird identifiers. In session two, we’ll take our work outside as we collect real bird and environmental data using the eBird and iNaturalist apps. In session three, we’ll explore eBird databases and learn how

Hammond to ground our work. Mathematics teachers of every grade and content area are welcome.

Deconstructing the Most Segregated School System in the Country p Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Andrew Slivosky and Andrew Zieglestein WEDNESDAYS, MAR 8, APR 19, MAY 17, JUN 14 ONLINE

Digging Digitally: A Deep Dive Into the CS and Digital Fluency Standards Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Joel Bianchi, Paige Healy, and Kate Maschmeyer WEDNESDAYS, MAR 1, MAR 29, MAY 10, JUN 7 MƒA & ONLINE  COMPUTER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY + PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS A HYBRID COURSE. SESSIONS 1 AND 3 WILL TAKE PLACE IN-PERSON AT MƒA. SESSIONS 2 AND 4 WILL TAKE PLACE VIRTUALLY.

 INQUIRY, PRACTICE, AND LEADERSHIP

How might we ensure our students have access to

scientists. Finally, in session four, we’ll share and refine

How might we maximize our impact as educators in the

meaningful, standards-based computer science

activities for future use. Throughout, teachers will

most segregated school system in the country? In this

(CS) curricula? Are you interested in incorporating

contribute to a shared database of topics and resources

PLT, we will begin by using publicly available data and

the Computer Science and Digital Fluency Learning

to take back to their classrooms. Any teacher interested

anecdotal experiences to reflect on the current state

standards into your lessons? In session one, we

in birding, citizen science, or guiding their students into

of segregation within the NYC public school system.

will familiarize ourselves with the standards. Then

the concrete jungle is welcome.

We will build a shared understanding and language of

in sessions two and three, we will collaborate to

what segregation looks like in our schools. In session

incorporate the standards into particular subjects’

two, we will investigate the causes and effects of the

lessons or units. We will conclude by sharing, analyzing,

segregationist and anti-segregationist structures within

and reflecting on student work. Please join us as we

our schools by examining historical and contemporary

unpack the standards and discuss how we can use

documents, inspiring rich discussions in session

them to best meet our student’s needs! This PLT is for

three about the policies and practices that manifest

CS teachers and any teachers interested in enhancing

deep divides across schools and their surrounding

their course by embedding the CS and Digital Fluency

neighborhoods. Lastly, we will articulate, debate, and

standards into their curriculum.

our students can contribute their own data as citizen

Culturally Responsive Mathematics: Creating Tools for Teaching p Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Kent Hansan and Matthew Mitchell MONDAYS, FEB 6, MAR 13, APR 17, MAY 15 ONLINE  MATHEMATICS

How might we design resources to bring culturally responsive teaching (CRT) into our mathematics classrooms? In this PLT, we will develop strong examples of CRT in mathematics, try these lessons out in our classrooms, and reflect on their execution. In small groups, we will work to identify specific standards and lessons where there are meaningful opportunities to incorporate the culture and identities of our students, create surveys to obtain information relevant to that

plan for action as teachers and citizens, as we work towards dismantling segregationist practices within our schools and beyond. We will build on the work we began in the fall iteration of this course: Dismantling

Engaging Activities in Statistics Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Christopher Chilas and Estella Li

Segregation in the Most Segregated School System in

TUESDAYS, FEB 14, MAR 21, APR 25, MAY 30

the Country. We enthusiastically invite a diverse group

MƒA

of teachers, representative of both the MƒA community and the NYC school system. Both new and returning teachers are welcome.

 MATHEMATICS

How might we captivate statistics students through meaningful and engaging activities? In this PLT, we will

topic from students and their families, and modify

share and explore activities that enable our students

activities based on those survey responses. Groups will

to thoughtfully connect the science of statistics and its

share their work each session and have the opportunity

applications to the real world. We will present, iterate

to give and receive feedback. We will use texts such

on, execute, and adapt our most engaging activities to

as Culturally Responsive Teaching and The Brain:

help our students master conceptual and procedural

Promoting Authentic Engagement and Rigor Among

content. Each session will focus on different topics of

Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students by Zaretta

the AP Statistics curriculum. Come ready to collaborate,

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MƒA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE CATALOG: WINTER/SPRING 2023

Professional Learning Teams (PLTs) share some of your favorite statistics lessons, and return to your class with a new set of inspiring activities. While we will primarily use resources and materials from the AP Statistics curriculum, all high school statistics teachers are welcome.

Enhancing Elementary Science Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Constance Clark and Jean Hourihane TUESDAYS, FEB 7, MAR 14, APR 18, MAY 23 MƒA  SCIENCE + PLEASE NOTE: TEACHERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO PURCHASE THEIR OWN COPIES OF PICTURE-PERFECT SCIENCE LESSONS, USING CHILDREN’S BOOKS TO GUIDE INQUIRY, K-5 AND 3-6,

BY KAREN ANSBERRY AND EMILY MORGAN, AND TEACHING SCIENCE THROUGH TRADE BOOKS, BY CHRISTINE ANNE ROYCE, EMILY MORGAN, AND KAREN ANSBERRY, AND CAN BE REIMBURSED THROUGH THE MƒA FLEX FUNDS PROGRAM.

How might we enhance the elementary science curriculum to engage and support all learners? In this PLT, teachers will build upon their elementary science curriculum to inspire, challenge, and support all students. We’ll open by identifying the needs of our students, engaging in a sample extension activity, and exploring resources aligned with curriculum standards. These resources will include: Picture-Perfect Science Lessons, Using Children’s Books to Guide Inquiry, K-5 and 3-6, by Karen Ansberry and Emily Morgan, and Teaching Science Through Trade Books,

by Christine Anne Royce, Emily Morgan, and Karen Ansberry. In sessions two and three, we will create, adapt, and share activities to enhance our science units by utilizing literacy connections, engineering design tasks, and art integration. Finally, we will reflect on our

Equity, Identity, and Restorative Justice: Applications in Our Communities p Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Sage Forbes-Gray and Naomi Hawkins

(URC)—a free STEM curriculum grounded in data analysis, investigation, and social justice–and adapt it for our middle school classrooms. First, we will discuss the importance of this work and familiarize ourselves

WEDNESDAYS, FEB 15, MAR 22, MAY 3, MAY 31

with URC. In sessions two and three, we’ll develop

MƒA

and adapt a sequence of lessons appropriate for our

 INQUIRY, PRACTICE, AND LEADERSHIP

classrooms. Finally, after piloting some lessons in our

How might we use circles and other collaborative

schools, we will share our experiences, give feedback,

practices to build resilience and respond to harm in

and consider next steps. This PLT is a continuation of

our communities? How do equity and identity inform

work from the fall semester. Both new and returning

what we understand restorative justice (RJ) to be? And

middle school science teachers are welcome.

how can we ensure that students have opportunities to feel connected to their classrooms and schools, both academically and socio-emotionally? We will begin by briefly exploring some historical contexts of restorative justice, including its roots in Indigenous practices.

Exploring TRU: Video Study in the K-8 Science Classroom Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Pamela Flanagan, Keeshia Lambert, and Erica Tunick

Then, we will utilize storytelling and personal reflection

TUESDAYS, FEB 7, MAR 14, APR 18, MAY 23

to explore how our identities and perceived power can

ONLINE

positively and negatively affect the implementation of

 SCIENCE

RJ. As a group, we will flesh out specific challenges in

How might we analyze videos of other classrooms

our communities that might improve with RJ practices.

to help invigorate our own science teaching? As we

We will break into small groups to generate actionable

emerge from two very challenging teaching years,

interventions to tackle these problems. In between

many educators are left wondering, “Why am I a teacher

sessions, teachers will take strategies back to their

anyway?” Teaching for Robust Understanding (TRU) is an

classrooms and schools to test out with colleagues

excellent framework for re-energizing teachers and their

and students and then share their experiences with

classrooms. Join us in this PLT as we analyze videos of

the PLT. This course is best suited for all STEM teachers

our own teaching and other science teachers in action,

interested in building community and responding to

and engage in thought-provoking discussions on how

harm in their classrooms. No previous experience with

to improve our practice. We will watch these videos

RJ is necessary, but it is welcomed.

through the lens of the five TRU dimensions. We’ll open with a focus on cognitive demand, discuss how it shows

Equity, Inclusion, and Justice in Middle School Science p Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Lauren Couto and Chereese Gardener

up in classrooms, and consider how we can leverage it in our practice. In session two, we will continue our analysis using a different set of teaching videos focusing on equitable access. After session two, we encourage

WEDNESDAYS, FEB 15, MAR 22, MAY 3, MAY 31

teachers to record themselves incorporating what we

ONLINE

have learned from these videos to then share in later

 SCIENCE

sessions. In sessions three and four, we’ll investigate

continued work. This PLT is best for elementary science

How might we teach equity, inclusion, and justice

the dimensions of agency, ownership, and identity and

teachers seeking to collaborate and reinvigorate their

in our middle school science classrooms? This PLT

formative assessment. All elementary and middle school

classrooms.

aims to explore the Underrepresentation Curriculum

science teachers are welcome.

curriculum development and plan the next steps for

16

MƒA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE CATALOG: WINTER/SPRING 2023

Professional Learning Teams (PLTs) Geometry for All: Interactive Tasks to Encourage Deep Learning in Every Student p Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Rebecca Caporale-Guarino, Carol Kinney, Ph.D., and Azikiwe Peters WEDNESDAYS, FEB 8, MAR 15, APR 26, MAY 24 MƒA  MATHEMATICS

How might we create interactive tasks to encourage

students to push themselves deeper into geometric

we will investigate the use of phenomena, connecting

connections and extensions. This PLT is designed

them with our students’ lives and interests while also

for high school Geometry teachers who want to

allowing for productive struggle and equitable access

improve accessibility for diverse learners, including

to this rigorous content. We will continue the work

English Language Learners and students with IEPs,

we began in the fall, further exploring Paul Andersen’s

and to continually challenge all students to push their

tools at The Wonder of Science to identify relevant and

geometric understanding.

captivating chemistry phenomena (e.g., relating our sense of taste to molecular shape or linking an athlete’s

Getting Kids to Care About Climate Change Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Shakira Provasoli and Adam Zaid TUESDAYS, MAR 7, APR 4, MAY 9, JUN 13 ONLINE

access and depth for all Geometry students? In this

 SCIENCE

PLT, we will collaborate to make content accessible

How might we cultivate a community of student activists

and engaging to all learners as we create innovative,

with the knowledge and desire to change the world? In

interactive, and cognitively demanding tasks. As we

this PLT, elementary, middle, and high school teachers

adapt and develop materials, we will share feedback

will share best practices for educating and inspiring

to refine tasks, improve geometric comprehension for

students and will plan lessons and projects to motivate

struggling students, and challenge our more confident

them to energize and educate others. In each session, we will spark a discussion with a guest speaker followed by planning time. In session one, a Youth Climate Leader will demonstrate how to develop a mindset of

performance to buffer capacity). We will alternate our time between designing phenomena-based lessons, implementing them in our classrooms, and discussing our experiences and the impact these lessons have on student learning. This course is open to both new and returning teachers. It is best suited for AP Chemistry teachers, but all chemistry teachers are welcome.

How to Design Project-Based Learning Curriculum Facilitators: MƒA Master Teacher John Derian and MƒA Early Career Teacher Tess Dul TUESDAYS, MAR 7, APR 4, MAY 9, JUN 13 MƒA  INQUIRY, PRACTICE, AND LEADERSHIP

independence and activism. In session two, Cafeteria

How might we design a meaningful project-based

Culture will share their success with enacting change.

learning (PBL) unit to implement in our class? Join us

In sessions three and four, we’ll focus on discussion

in this PLT to explore PBL content and develop and get

starters, planning time, and sharing the work of our

feedback on your own PBL unit to implement in your

students taking action. Throughout, we’ll use a variety of

course! Our first session will focus on developing a

resources to help guide our work, including the Student

project idea centered on students and aligned to key

& Educator Toolkit developed by the Climate Resilience

content. The second session will focus on the essential

Education Task Force. All STEM teachers are welcome.

elements of PBL curriculum design. During the third session, we will explore PBL-style assessment and

Guided by Wonder: Phenomena-Based Units in AP Chemistry Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Mohamed Elhawary and Laura Torres

scaffolding. We will conclude with project management and facilitation strategies. We will use PBL Works’ Gold Standard PBL Design Elements to help focus our understanding of PBL and the projects we develop. This

WEDNESDAYS, MAR 1, MAR 29, MAY 10, JUN 7

course is for any teacher interested in learning more

ONLINE

about project-based learning and wanting to plan a PBL

 SCIENCE

unit for their class.

How might we use phenomena to anchor AP Chemistry content and inspire wonder in our students? In this PLT, 17

MƒA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE CATALOG: WINTER/SPRING 2023

Professional Learning Teams (PLTs) Let’s Build! Designing Student-Centered Explorations Using GeoGebra Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Kevin Ehly and Benjamin Siegel WEDNESDAYS, FEB 15, MAR 22, MAY 3, MAY 31 MƒA  MATHEMATICS

How might we use the power of GeoGebra to spark

investigations. Join us in this PLT as we strengthen our

session, we will dive deep into problems with the current

knowledge and implementation of this science and

education system, our roles in that system, and what

engineering practice! We will open by discussing the

we want urban education to truly look like. Throughout

concept and how to scaffold the process for all learners.

the four sessions, we will explore these topics through

Then, teachers will work in small groups to brainstorm

Dr. Emdin’s works and share ways we implement his

possible experiments they want to implement in their

strategies in our classrooms. This course is for any

classrooms. In our second and third sessions, we

mathematics or science teacher interested in reading a

will co-create and adapt experimental instructions,

cross-selection of Dr. Emdin’s works and transforming

slideshows, kits, and rubrics. In our final session,

their pedagogy, practice, and presence.

teachers will demo their experiments and give and receive feedback for further improvement and iteration.

All high school science teachers are welcome.

curiosity in our students and help them discover critical geometric concepts? GeoGebra contains a vast library of dynamic diagrams, but many need more context to be ready for classroom use. Join us as we create a bank

Ratchetdemic Reality Hip Hop Ed Book Club p Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Sharon Colllins and Chereese Gardner

Rethinking APES Lab Activities Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Leovie Diaz and Sharisse Small THURSDAYS, MAR 2, MAR 30, MAY 11, JUN 15 MƒA  SCIENCE

of high-quality investigations we can easily implement

TUESDAYS, FEB 7, MAR 14, APR 18, MAY 23

How might we design a series of engaging and data-

in our geometry lessons. In this PLT, we will define the

ONLINE

driven laboratory activities for the AP Environmental

necessary elements of exploration and identify high-

 INQUIRY, PRACTICE, AND LEADERSHIP

leverage topics well-suited for the interactive nature

+ PLEASE NOTE: TEACHERS ARE EXPECTED TO PURCHASE THEIR OWN COPY OF RATCHETDEMIC: REIMAGINING ACADEMIC SUCCESS, BY DR. CHRISTOPHER EMDIN, AND CAN BE REIMBURSED THROUGH THE MƒA FLEX FUNDS PROGRAM.

of GeoGebra. Then, we will collaboratively create or revise pre-existing activities to guide our students,

Science (APES) curriculum? In this PLT, we will work collaboratively to develop inquiry-driven lab activities that align with the nine units of the APES curriculum framework. In session one, we will discuss the new

allowing them to discover new geometric concepts or

How might we implement Reality Pedagogy and

DOE lab safety requirements, lab offerings from the

relationships. Finally, we will build a library of student-

#HipHopEd in our classrooms to create student-

AP College Board, and our best lab experiences and

centered explorations publicly available to all geometry

centered STEM education where teachers and students

practices. In the next two sessions, we will conduct

teachers. Teachers who have participated in previous

can express their true Ratchetdemic selves? Dr.

demonstrations of our lab best practices and adapt

GeoGebra courses or have a strong command of the

Christopher Emdin has transformed urban education

them to each other’s classrooms. Before the last

software are encouraged to join. Let’s build!

all across America. In this book club, we will read

session, teachers will pilot one or more labs designed

selections from four of Dr. Emdin’s seminal works:

or adapted by the group in their classrooms. In the last

For White Folks Who Teach in the Hood...and the Rest

session, we will reflect on the implementation, give and

of Y’all Too; Ratchetdemic: Reimagining Academic

receive feedback on student performance, set goals

Success; Stem, Steam, Make, Dream: Reimagining

and next steps, and digitally organize and share labs and

the Culture of Science, Technology, Engineering and

resources. This PLT is best suited for AP Environmental

Mathematics; and #HipHopEd: The Compilation on Hip-

Science teachers, but any high school science teacher

hop Education. In the first session, we will self-reflect

interested in developing ecologically-driven lab activities

and explore how to be a Ratchetdemic and Hip-Hop

is welcome.

Providing Opportunities for Student-Led Investigations Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Grace Hu and Pravesh Shiwnarain TUESDAYS, FEB 28, MAR 28, MAY 2, JUN 6 ONLINE  SCIENCE

How might we create learning opportunities for our students to plan and carry out scientific investigations?

As teachers, we are often torn between covering all the content and providing authentic opportunities for our students to engage in student-driven scientific 18

Ed teacher. In the second session, we will focus on teacher moves to increase student engagement and achievement via Reality Pedagogy. In the third session, we will focus on empowering students so that STEAM lessons reflect their lived experiences. In our final

MƒA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE CATALOG: WINTER/SPRING 2023

Professional Learning Teams (PLTs)

Join us as we explore strategies designed to specifically meet the needs of and support MLs in their content and language acquisition. In each session, we will discuss, test, reflect on, and refine strategies for MLs

Staying TRU: Teaching for What Matters Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Abbie Sewall and Mathew Sullivan TUESDAYS, FEB 14, MAR 21, APR 25, MAY 30 MƒA  INQUIRY, PRACTICE, AND LEADERSHIP

and leave with the resources and knowledge needed for classroom implementation. Teachers can seamlessly embed these strategies into any STEM content without taking time away from the syllabus. Likewise, while specifically designed to support MLs, the strategies we collaborate on will enhance content knowledge for all students. The purpose is to support MLs while

How might we use the Teaching for Robust

helping all students master the content. All teachers

Understanding (TRU) framework to better plan for

are welcome—whether you are a seasoned educator or

authentic student engagement? Have you ever designed

just starting this fantastic adventure, we all encounter

and taught something you thought was great, only

students of various language fluencies that need

to be mystified when it didn’t work out quite how

different approaches to the materials.

you’d hoped? In this PLT, we will explore how the TRU Framework can be used as a tool to improve our lessons, enrich our classrooms, and make us more effective teachers. We’ll begin our work together

Teacher as Writer Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Lauren Brady and Brooke Sossin

by reflecting on our teaching practices through the

TUESDAYS, FEB 28, MAR 28, MAY 2, JUN 6

lens of the TRU framework. In the next session, we’ll

ONLINE

share artifacts from our classrooms including lessons, video clips, and student work as we discuss ways to improve our curricula and our practice as a whole. In session three, we will use what we’ve learned to build better lessons, activities, and routines with the goal of classroom implementation. In our final session, we will share additional classroom artifacts and discuss how we might continue to incorporate this work into our planning, future PLTs at MƒA, and within our school communities. All teachers are welcome.

STEM Strategies for Multilingual Learners p Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Izagma Alonso and Luna Ramirez MONDAYS, FEB 6, MAR 13, APR 17, MAY 15 ONLINE  INQUIRY, PRACTICE, AND LEADERSHIP

 INQUIRY, PRACTICE, AND LEADERSHIP

use the feedback protocol on a fourth original work

How might we create space to nurture our creativity

and close with an “open mic” to celebrate our progress.

and unique voice while also mastering the art of

Not only will we improve our writing, but we will also

feedback and revision? As teachers, we do a lot of

elevate our classroom practice by refining our delivery

obligatory writing, including lesson plans, emails, and

of feedback as well as our process of revision. All genres

letters of recommendation—and we are constantly

of writing and experience level are welcome.

trying to improve our delivery of feedback. In this PLT, we will approach writing as a restorative practice and a means for creative expression. Join us in this safe and supportive community as we develop our communication skills by refining our written work and

MONDAYS, FEB 6, MAR 13, APR 17, MAY 15

providing feedback to others. In our first session, we

ONLINE

will break down the elements of strong writing based on our favorite works, establish the norms of a writing workshop, introduce a feedback protocol, and share our first original piece of writing (on any subject). In sessions two and three, we will start with a theme of interest (e.g.,

How might we engage and support our multilingual

publishing or revision strategies), then continue to share

learners (MLs)? MLs are not just learning your subject

work and implement our feedback protocol, all while

but are also navigating the nuances of a new language.

refining the workshop process. In our final session, we’ll

19

Teaching Calculus Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Lisa Bueno and Ben Morgenroth

 MATHEMATICS

How might we support our Calculus students to build connections between conceptual understanding and solving problems effectively and efficiently? Join us in this PLT as we explore calculus content, problems, and effective pedagogical techniques through resource sharing, discussion, and collaborative analysis. We will

MƒA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE CATALOG: WINTER/SPRING 2023

Professional Learning Teams (PLTs) consider the conceptual understanding and problemsolving skills needed as we discuss focused calculus tasks. Teachers will be grouped based on a specific area of interest and experience level. We will also build

Turning Your Classroom Into Equitable Practice p Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Kristen Brown, Marna Lehnert, and Claryliz Peralta Rodriguez

collaborate, and reflect on ways to start, develop, and strengthen their thinking classrooms. While this course

 INQUIRY, PRACTICE, AND LEADERSHIP

is best suited to mathematics teachers of all levels,

+ PLEASE NOTE: AS A PREREQUISITE TO THIS COURSE, TEACHERS SHOULD HAVE READ GRADING FOR EQUITY BY JOE FELDMAN. THE WORK OF OUR PLT IS BASED ON THIS TEXT.

teachers of any content area who are curious and

present, and future AP and non-AP Calculus teachers

equitable grading systems? In this PLT, we will create a

are encouraged to join. This PLT is designed with all

supportive community for teachers interested in making

experience levels in mind.

these changes in their STEM classrooms. In our first session, we will build on a shared understanding of

MƒA  COMPUTER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

How might we leverage 3D printers to enhance and provide equitable access to our students? 3D printing tasks can engage all learners, increase student agency, ownership, and identity, and bring STEM to life as students engage in design challenges such as creating bubble wands to maximize bubble production or developing a scale model of a Mars rover. First, we will explore existing 3D printing tasks to identify where they may fit into our curriculum. Then, we will design, implement, reflect on, and revise 3D printing tasks.

Finally, we will celebrate and share the implementation process of our tasks. We will collaborate to explore and create 3D printing tasks, discuss challenges, troubleshoot solutions, and ultimately leave with various teacher-tested 3D printing lessons. All 3D printer experience levels are welcome!

equitable grading, discuss its advantages and challenges based on Grading for Equity by Joe Feldman, and examine concrete examples of its implementation. In later sessions, we will redesign aspects of our grading

enthusiastic about building a thinking classroom are encouraged to join.

Unpacking the Next Generation Mathematics Learning Standards Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Brandi Kovac, Ismael Perez, and Rachel Woolley TUESDAYS, FEB 14, MAR 21, APR 25, MAY 30 ONLINE  MATHEMATICS

systems, practice these changes in our classrooms,

How might we ease and support the transition to the

share learnings with each other, and reflect on our

New York State Next Generation Mathematics Learning

successes. This PLT is ideal for any teacher ready to

Standards? In this PLT, mathematics teachers of all

either dive into equitable grading for the first time, or

grade levels are welcome as we analyze key documents,

improve their current grading system.

including the grade-level Learning Standards Crosswalks and Snapshots, to ease and support the transition. We

Under Construction: Building a Thinking Classroom Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Amy Brenner, Shari Eng, and Jeffrey Hamilton

will compare the new standards with the Common Core standards, track the progression of essential skills through the grade levels, and adapt existing curricula to help students connect concepts and skills

THURSDAYS, MAR 2, MAR 30, MAY 11, JUN 15

more effectively. Throughout, teachers will share best

MƒA

practices for teaching particular topics. Teachers will

 MATHEMATICS

leave with a better understanding of the new standards

+ PLEASE NOTE: TEACHERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO PURCHASE THEIR OWN COPY OF BUILDING THINKING CLASSROOMS BY PETER LILJEDAHL, AND CAN BE REIMBURSED THROUGH THE MƒA FLEX FUNDS PROGRAM.

and resources to share with their school communities.

How might we improve student thinking in our classrooms by exploring and implementing some of the 14 teaching practices in Peter Liljedahl’s Building Thinking Classrooms (BTC)? Join us as we learn how BTC’s big ideas, such as vertical non-permanent surfaces, visually random groupings, thin-slicing, and

20

classrooms. Teachers will also have time to discuss,

MƒA

How might we develop, refine, and implement more

WEDNESDAYS, MAR 8, APR 19, MAY 17, JUN 14

and challenges we have experienced in our thinking

THURSDAYS, FEB 9, MAR 9, APR 27, MAY 25

on a wealth of resources from past Calculus PLTs. Past,

Three Dimensional Learning With 3D Printers Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Olivia Bello and Sara Heymont

read the why behind them, and share the successes

What Should Students Learn? Updating the Mathematics Curriculum at Your School Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Tyler Hicks and Andrea Kung TUESDAYS, FEB 28, MAR 28, MAY 2, JUN 6 MƒA  MATHEMATICS

leveling to the bottom, impact student learning. In

How might we reshape the traditional secondary

this PLT, we will experience these practices firsthand,

mathematics curriculum to provide new and meaningful

MƒA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE CATALOG: WINTER/SPRING 2023

Professional Learning Teams (PLTs)

schools and have some agency and influence in shaping their school’s overall mathematics program. Teachers from the same mathematics department are welcome and encouraged to attend together.

pathways for our students to explore both the depth and breadth of mathematics? Join us as we come together to evaluate our schools’ current mathematics programs, interrogate the values implicit in these programs, identify how students are (or are not) served by the status quo, and search for areas of potential growth. We will challenge and support each other in (1) formulating and articulating our values; (2) drafting plans and proposals; (3) examining the decisionmaking protocols and hierarchies within our respective schools to develop action plans; (4) communicating with stakeholders; and (5) planning for impact analysis.

This PLT is for mathematics teachers who want to make broad curricular and programming changes at their

Why Do I Need to Know This? Using Storylines to Engage Students in Biology Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Marisa Miller and Jenny Yang TUESDAYS, MAR 7, APR 4, MAY 9, JUN 13 MƒA  SCIENCE

How might we use storylines to engage students in the Living Environment or biology curriculum? Storyline units are an increasingly popular and enjoyable way to infuse meaningful and authentic learning experiences into curricula. Unlike isolated topic-based lessons, storyline units start with an anchoring phenomenon that introduces a problem or question. Each step in the unit is framed around addressing the original problem and any student-generated questions. In our first session, we’ll begin with an introduction to storyline units as we examine a few widely available exemplars (e.g., New Visions, NGSS). We’ll also share any previous experiences using storylines in our classrooms and then form groups based on content and interest. In subsequent sessions, we’ll work in these small groups to create or adapt a “story-a-lined” curriculum. In our final session, we’ll share our units, reflect on our work, and set goals for further iteration and development. This PLT is intended for any biology or Living Environment teacher.

21

MƒA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE CATALOG: WINTER/SPRING 2023

Mini-Courses Mini-Courses are a series of three connected workshops in which experts from academic institutions, local organizations, and within the MƒA Master Teacher community engage MƒA teachers in a topic at the cutting edge of their content area and/or pedagogical practice.

22

MƒA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE CATALOG: WINTER/SPRING 2023

Mini-Courses 24andMe: What mtDNA Can Tell Us About Ourselves and Our World Facilitators: Kelsie Anson, Ph.D., and MƒA Master Teachers Pooja Bhaskar and Megan Wallner WEDNESDAYS, APR 19, MAY 3, MAY 17 OFFSITE

Alternative Assessment in the Mathematics Classroom Facilitator: Márta Barbarics TUESDAY, FEB 21 THURSDAY, FEB 23 ONLINE

While linearity often hides in the world around us, it is, in fact, a fundamental mathematical concept. Linear

+ PLEASE NOTE: ALL SESSIONS WILL TAKE PLACE FROM 5 - 7 P.M. AT THE DNA LEARNING CENTER IN BROOKLYN.

but how do we know which is best? In this highly

Did you know that humans have a 24th “chromosome”?

questions such as: What does assessment mean to

Originating from the egg, this DNA plays an essential

you? What are your assessment goals, and how can

role in mitochondrial function and can also tell us

you achieve them? What “side effects” do different

about ancestry. Join us in this course as we uncover

types of assessment cause? Join us as we share our

a small part of our ancestry and explore biotech

assessment goals, explore new assessment tools,

projects for the high school classroom. We’ll begin by

and consider what is compulsory and possible. We

extracting, isolating, and amplifying our mitochondrial

will analyze a variety of assessments, ranging from

DNA (mtDNA) using PCR. In session two, we’ll use

traditional testing to alternatives, including formative

gel electrophoresis to confirm our PCR results and

feedback, self-assessment, peer assessment, and

discuss what mtDNA can tell us about population

more. We will discuss promising practices in small

genetics. Finally, in session three, we’ll dive into simple

groups and apply them to our classroom contexts.

bioinformatics and discuss how to apply this work to

We will also identify strategies to integrate these new

our classrooms. This course is best suited for middle

assessment tools into our lessons and support our

and high school life science teachers, but anyone

students’ learning. As we will examine examples from

interested in learning more about their own ancestry

elementary to high school mathematics classrooms,

is welcome. Teachers who complete the course are

all mathematics teachers are welcome. Teachers are

eligible to borrow and rent classroom kits from the

encouraged to bring a lesson plan to explore how

DNA Learning Center.

alternative assessments can fit into their practice.

Dr. Kelsie Anson is an Educator at the DNALC NYC, an operating unit

Márta Barbarics taught mathematics for seven years at Petrik Lajos

of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory’s DNA Learning Center. Dr. Anson is

bilingual high school in Budapest, Hungary. During this time, she

formally trained as a biochemist, earning her Ph.D. in Biochemistry from

investigated the effectiveness of the Pósa Method, a form of guided

the University of Colorado, Boulder.

discovery in mathematics teaching. Currently, she is an assistant

interactive mini-course, teachers will grapple with

professor at the Department of English Language Pedagogy at Eötvös Loránd University. She is also completing her Ph.D. on alternative forms of assessment, such as gamification. She is also the instructor of

Megan Wallner is an MƒA Master Teacher and science teacher at Sunset

“Gamification and Playfulness in Teaching Mathematics” and “Directed

Park High School in Brooklyn.

Research: Discovery Learning in Secondary Schools” classes in the Budapest Semesters in Mathematics Education program.

23

 MATHEMATICS

+ PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS A TWO SESSION MINI-COURSE THAT TAKES PLACE DURING MIDWINTER RECESS FROM 9:30 A.M. 12:30 P.M.

There are many ways to assess mathematics students,

School for Law, Government and Justice in the Bronx.

TUESDAYS, MAY 2, MAY 9, MAY 16 ONLINE

 MATHEMATICS

 SCIENCE

Pooja Bhaskar is an MƒA Master Teacher and science teacher at Bronx

The Big Ideas of Linear Algebra Facilitator: Francis Su, Ph.D.

Algebra helps us to uncover these hidden structures.

With the growth of data science, its importance in the early stages of mathematics teaching and learning is increasing. In this course, we will explore an introduction to ten big ideas of linear algebra to help us better understand the subject and learn how to prepare our K-12 mathematics students to appreciate and uncover its applications and beauty. We’ll discuss linearity, practice thinking about it algebraically and geometrically, see how to keep track of linear information in a matrix, learn why matrix multiplication is defined so strangely, and discuss how it corresponds geometrically to a linear transformation. We’ll also unpack the ideas of eigenvectors and eigenvalues, which appear broadly in both classical and quantum mechanics. And finally, we’ll conclude with an introduction to the singular value decomposition, a frequently used tool to find hidden structure in data (e.g., data compression and making Netflix recommendations). All mathematics teachers are welcome. The only prerequisite is a desire to learn why algebra and geometry are so inextricably linked and a willingness to use analogies to stretch one’s ability to visualize more than three dimensions.

Dr. Francis Su is the Benediktsson-Karwa Professor of Mathematics at Harvey Mudd College and a former president of the Mathematical Association of America. In 2013, he received the Haimo Award, a nationwide teaching prize for college mathematics faculty, and in 2018 he won the Halmos-Ford writing award. His work has been featured in Quanta Magazine, Wired, and The New York Times. His book Mathematics for Human Flourishing, winner of the 2021 Euler Book Prize, is an inclusive vision of what mathematics is, who it’s for, and why everyone should learn it.

MƒA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE CATALOG: WINTER/SPRING 2023

Mini-Courses

about shedding light on mathematical structures,

analysis. In session two, we will consider techniques

providing a language for making connections between

to build a conceptual understanding of logarithms and

different topics. This mini-course will introduce basic

exponential decay. In our final session, we will discuss

category theory emphasizing ideology and motivation,

additional mathematics-based chemistry topics, review

confirming these ideas are relevant to all mathematical

previous strategies, and share best practices from our

WEDNESDAYS, MAY 3, MAY 10, MAY 17

thinking. We will explore graduate-level problems and

own chemistry classrooms. This course is designed for

MƒA

more accessible ones for secondary mathematics

all high school chemistry teachers.

classrooms. We will bring abstract mathematical ideas

Dr. Disan Davis is a Research Associate for the STEM PUSH Network, an

down to earth by centering social justice, current

NSF-funded national alliance of pre-college STEM programs focused on

events, and everyday life in profoundly motivating

broadening participation in STEM, with a particular aim of supporting

Category Theory: An Introduction Facilitator: Eugenia Cheng, Ph.D.

 MATHEMATICS

Category theory (abstract mathematics typically only seen by advanced graduate students) is a significant mathematics field to originate in the 21st century.

In the last 60 years, it has become indispensable to large swathes of pure mathematics and parts of theoretical physics, computer science, philosophy, and even linguistics. It can be thought of as the “mathematics of mathematics”—a way of thinking about mathematics in the same way mathematics is a way of thinking about the world. Category theory is less about solving specific problems and more

ways—especially for students who often feel excluded from mathematics. We will conclude by discussing how

Black, Latine, and Indigenous students’ enrollment and persistence.

Before this work, she led a pre-college STEM program at Rockefeller University, taught middle and high school science, and earned a Ph.D.

“abstract” doesn’t mean “irrelevant” and how abstract

in biochemistry. These days, she enjoys exploring science in the kitchen

thinking can help us understand urgent issues in the

and the woods, and learning mathematics strategies from her seven

world around us. There are no prerequisites other than

year old.

curiosity, an open mind, and basic arithmetic skills.

Dr. Eugenia Cheng is a Scientist-in-Residence at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She won tenure in Pure Mathematics at the University of Sheffield, UK, and has a Ph.D. in Pure Mathematics from the University of Cambridge. In addition to teaching undergraduates, she has assisted with mathematics in elementary, middle, and

Code Puzzles in the Classroom Facilitators: Jeff Olson and Taylor Want MONDAYS, MAR 13, MAR 20, MAR 27 ONLINE  COMPUTER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

high schools for over 20 years. Dr. Cheng is the author of popular mathematics books, How to Bake Pi, Beyond Infinity, The Art of Logic,

Whether you’re writing your first line of code or

and x+y: A Mathematician’s Manifesto for Rethinking Gender. Her

majored in computer science, you’ve likely heard of

latest book, The Joy of Abstraction: An Exploration of Math, Category

the code challenges companies like Google use as

Theory, and Life, hopes to demystify mathematical thought processes and help you dig deeper into mathematical concepts and build your

part of their hiring process. These puzzles require

mathematical background. She is also a columnist for the Wall Street

critical thinking, perseverance, curiosity, and excellent

Journal and a concert pianist.

problem-solving skills—all attributes teachers would love to see in their STEM students! Join us to learn the

CheMATHstry: The Math of Molecules Facilitator: Disan Davis, Ph.D.

solving code puzzles. We’re excellent debuggers, ready

TUESDAYS, MAY 9, MAY 16, MAY 23

to support teachers at their current coding level and

MƒA

to act as thought partners in adapting these games

 SCIENCE

for each teacher’s students, classrooms, and school

Teaching mathematics in the chemistry classroom

communities. All coders are welcome, from beginner

can sometimes feel challenging, especially when

to advanced.

introducing new concepts students have yet to learn

Jeff Olson is the Director of Learning & Development at Giant Machines.

in their mathematics class (e.g., logarithms). In this

Jeff has an undergraduate degree in neuroscience and American

mini-course, teachers will explore strategies to teach students how to use and understand mathematics

literature from Baylor University. Upon graduating in 2011, Jeff was placed as an English teacher in Phoenix, Arizona, with Teach For America and earned his M.Ed. in secondary education from Arizona

within the context of their chemistry class. In the first

State University. In 2015, Jeff taught beginner courses in software

session, we will dive into multiple ways of approaching

engineering, iOS app development, and web design to high school

unit conversions and calculations, beyond dimensional 24

basics, sharpen your coding skills, and dig deep into

students in Los Angeles and New York City. He believes learning to code

MƒA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE CATALOG: WINTER/SPRING 2023

Mini-Courses is the most empowering experience a high school student can have, coding is joyful, and all students deserve access to this life-changing form of fun.

Taylor Want holds a B.A. in Physics from Carleton College and an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Teaching from Boston University. She has built her career around increasing educational opportunities in computer science

Conquering Cancer: Recreating the Experiments That Led to Defeating Leukemia Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Subarna Bhattacharyya, Ph.D., and Jason Econome WEDNESDAYS, MAR 15, MAR 22, MAR 29

TUESDAYS, FEB 28, MAR 14, MAR 28

OFFSITE

MƒA & ONLINE

 SCIENCE

 MATHEMATICS

+ PLEASE NOTE: ALL THREE SESSIONS WILL TAKE PLACE AT STUYVESANT HIGH SCHOOL.

+ PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS A HYBRID COURSE. SESSION 1 WILL TAKE PLACE IN-PERSON AT MƒA. SESSIONS 2 AND 3 WILL TAKE PLACE VIRTUALLY.

for underrepresented populations in tech. Taylor began her career in

Patients diagnosed with chronic myelogenous

education as a high school physics and computer science teacher and

leukemia (CML) have one of the highest (85%!) ten

then as the Director of Strategy and Operations at Upperline Code. At

year survival rates thanks to incredible achievements

Upperline Code, she built, managed, and trained teachers for computer science education programs in partnership with organizations like

made by oncologists and researchers. Join us in

Google, JPMorgan Chase, the New York City Department of Education,

this mini-course as we retrace the steps leading to

and Cornell Tech. She is now an Engineering Director at Giant Machines,

the development of oral chemotherapy treatments

where she works to support early-career software engineers in their

such as Gleevec (imatinib mesylate). In session one,

growth and development.

we will perform a simulation of a DNA microarray assay to identify and better understand the genes

Coding With Minecraft: More Than Just a Game!

Facilitator: MƒA Master Teacher Luis Saltos WEDNESDAYS, MAY 17, MAY 31, JUN 14 MƒA  COMPUTER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Co-Teaching in Inclusive Secondary Mathematics Classrooms p Facilitators: Jennifer Smith and Michelle Stephan, Ed.D.

and mechanisms that contribute to the unregulated production of myeloid cells. In session two, we’ll conduct an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to determine the effectiveness and longevity of Gleevec. In our final session, we’ll perform gel

How might general and special educators work together to co-plan, co-enact, and co-assess for equitable access to mathematics? In this mini-course, teachers will learn strategies for developing genuine co-teaching practices that ensure all students, especially those with special needs, have access to high-quality mathematics instruction. First, we will learn how to co-plan effectively through lesson imaging, where teachers anticipate how chosen activities will unfold in real time—what solutions, questions, and misconceptions students might have, and how teachers can promote deeper reasoning.

Then, we will deconstruct co-teachers’ instructional practices by watching videos of a student-centered

Have you heard students talking about Minecraft and

electrophoresis on a PCR-based diagnostic of patients’

wondered what all the fuss was about? In this mini-

blood samples, analyze prepared slides, and explore

course, we will learn how to incorporate Minecraft

Sanger sequencing of p53 to assess the threats of

Education Edition (EE), a game-based learning

relapse. Teachers will leave with a variety of resources,

platform that uses block-based coding to build

including student handouts, articles, protocols, and

STEM skills, unleash creativity, and engage students

assessments to effectively implement these activities in

in collaboration and problem-solving. Using their

their high school biology or AP Biology curriculum.

Jennifer Smith is a Teacher on Assignment for Seminole County Public

Dr. Subarna Bhattacharyya is an MƒA Master Teacher and science

years and co-taught three of those years with Dr. Stephan in 7th grade

teacher at N.Y.C. Museum School in Manhattan.

mathematics. She teaches K-12 teachers how to create equitable

Coding FUNdamentals lessons and command blocks, teachers will explore algorithms, sequencing, loops, conditionals, variables, functions, and more. We will also learn how to apply Minecraft EE across content and skills, such as constructing models of atoms

Jason Econome is an MƒA Master Teacher and science teacher at Stuyvesant High School in Manhattan.

inclusion mathematics lesson. Finally, we will adapt and modify assessments without lowering cognitive demand for students with special needs. Any middle school mathematics teacher is welcome; no prior ICT experience is necessary.

Schools in Florida. She has taught students with special needs for 17

classroom environments for all students.

Dr. Michelle Stephan is a professor of mathematics education at the University of North Carolina Charlotte. She and Jennifer Smith

and compounds, learning about cybersecurity, and

co-taught 7th grade mathematics for three years and have published

engaging students in social-emotional learning. This

multiple articles about implementing high-quality co-teaching practices

course is best suited for elementary and middle school

in inquiry mathematics environments. She currently researches how to create equitable access to high-quality mathematics for all students.

teachers who are new to block-based coding and are interested in adding some coding to their classroom instruction.

Luis Saltos is an MƒA Master Teacher and computer science teacher at J.H.S. 189 Daniel Carter Beard in Queens.

25

MƒA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE CATALOG: WINTER/SPRING 2023

Mini-Courses Data-Driven Climate Justice With EcoRise p Facilitator: Zakhia Grant WEDNESDAYS, APR 26, MAY 3, MAY 10 MƒA  SCIENCE

Geographic information systems (GIS) mapping helps us understand patterns and relationships within a geographic context. GIS is used in virtually every field and can make data come “alive” for your students.

Join us as we discover GIS, explore EcoRise resources, and learn strategies to inspire students to act by giving them the skills needed to design solutions to environmental issues within their communities. In session one, we will begin with an introduction to environmental justice issues as we discuss and try out hands-on activities from the EcoRise curriculum.

In session two, we’ll delve deeper by examining how EcoRise resources related to climate data, GIS mapping, and climate justice can shape students’ understanding of the causes and impact of climate change within their community. In our final session, teachers will learn how to support student climate action at their schools through the creation of datadriven policy or by applying for a student-driven EcoAudit grant. This course is best for middle and high school life science, environmental science, and Earth Science teachers.

Zakhia Grant is the Northeast Program Manager for EcoRise and provides professional development to K-12 teachers participating in the Sustainable Intelligence Program in New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. She is a geologist and a LEED Green Associate and

Dissections Made Easy Facilitator: MƒA Master Teacher David Studer

a STEAM curriculum. As part of the process, we will create a silk screen, print on canvas drop cloth, and

WEDNESDAYS, FEB 8, FEB 15

sew the printed fabric into a personal tote bag! We will

MƒA

also explore how the making skills used in this course

 SCIENCE

are applicable to both mathematics and science.

+ PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS A TWO SESSION MINI-COURSE.

Crafters of all levels and experience are welcome! All

”When are we doing dissections?” Students often ask

materials and tools will be provided.

this question on the first day of class as they are eager

Dr. Dorothy Cupka is an MƒA Master Teacher and science teacher at

to dive into the fun and exciting work of dissection.

Humanities Preparatory Academy in Manhattan.

However, integrating dissection into an already packed

Jamie Munkatchy is an MƒA Master Teacher and science teacher at

life science curriculum can take time and effort. Join us

The James Baldwin School: A School for Expeditionary Learning in

to learn how to seamlessly incorporate dissection into

Manhattan.

your classroom. In session one, we’ll discuss the value of teaching through dissection, review DOE safety protocols, and consider the ethical concerns around this work. Then we’ll explore a step-by-step guide as we dissect earthworms. In session two, teachers will conduct two additional dissections, beginning with the classic frog dissection and then choosing between

DuraSEL: Fostering Change Through Motivational Interviewing Facilitator: Marvin Antebi-Gruszka WEDNESDAYS, MAR 15, MAR 29, APR 19 MƒA  INQUIRY, PRACTICE, AND LEADERSHIP

the crayfish or grasshopper. Each small group will

Do you ever find yourself needing help to promote

learn more about their chosen organism, perform

positive change in student behavior? Whether you

the dissection, and then share their findings with the

choose to become a cheerleader or an industrial

larger group. Finally, teachers will have time to identify

strength micro-manager, these efforts are rarely

strategies for incorporating these dissections into their

effective and always tiring. How might we view

own classrooms. This course is best suited for middle

resistance to change as an opportunity for connection

and high school life science teachers.

and growth? In this mini-course, teachers will explore

David Studer is an MƒA Master Teacher and science teacher at Benjamin Banneker Academy in Brooklyn.

the foundational skills and strategies of Motivational Interviewing (MI), a collaborative, conversation-based approach aiming to get those we work with to become

DIY Skills: Machine Sewing and Screen Printing Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Dorothy Cupka, Ph.D., and Jamie Munkatchy

their own cheerleaders for change. The primary goals of this mini-course are to (1) provide teachers with foundational skills in MI, (2) dedicate time and space to

WEDNESDAYS, MAR 8, MAR 15, MAR 22

practice MI with feedback, and (3) create opportunities

OFFSITE

to integrate MI skills into the classroom. In session one,

brings with her more than a decade of experience teaching science and

 INQUIRY, PRACTICE, AND LEADERSHIP

we will compare two cornerstones of MI, ambivalence

sustainability at both the high school and collegiate levels in NYC. She is

+ PLEASE NOTE: ALL THREE SESSIONS WILL TAKE PLACE AT HUMANITIES PREPARATORY ACADEMY.

and OARS (Open questioning, Affirming, Reflecting,

Are you interested in crafting and making,

how to transform resistance into motivation. And

incorporating more art into your classroom, or building

in session three, we’ll review the change process

a makerspace in your own school? Come join us in

from beginning to end. Throughout, we will ground

this mini-course as we discuss how to integrate the

our work in Motivational Interviewing in Schools by

DIY culture in science, entrepreneurship, and art with

Rollnick et al. (2016). All subject areas, grades, and

passionate about equity and justice in sustainability and environmental education. Zakhia holds a B.A. in Geology from George Washington University and an M.S. in Geology from Bowling Green State University.

26

and Summarizing) skills. In session two, we’ll consider

MƒA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE CATALOG: WINTER/SPRING 2023

Mini-Courses levels of familiarity with MI are welcome, including those who attended the fall 2022 PLT, ALL-ED Meets Dura-SEL: All Learners Learning Every Day to Build Durable SEL. Marvin Antebi-Gruszka is a former MƒA Master Teacher and is currently pursuing an M.A. in Mental Health Counseling at the City College

Deborah Schaeffer is an MƒA Master Teacher and science teacher at East Brooklyn Community High School in Brooklyn.

Everybody Deserves a Seat at the Table Facilitator: MƒA Master Teacher Gary Rubinstein TUESDAYS, APR 25, MAY 9, MAY 23 MƒA  MATHEMATICS

When we teach topics involving square roots,

of New York. He has worked at high-needs schools for 15 years as

trigonometry, or logarithms, we take for granted that

a science, health, and language instructor and as a student support

our calculators have helpful buttons for determining

specialist. Marvin looks forward to continuing his career in education

the needed values. Before the invention of calculators,

through mental health counseling in schools.

people used tables of values. Developing these tables was a critical endeavor spanning thousands

Empowerment Through Reflective Practices Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Katie Francis and Deborah Schaeffer MONDAYS, FEB 6, FEB 13, FEB 27 ONLINE  INQUIRY, PRACTICE, AND LEADERSHIP

of years and cultures worldwide. In this course, you will learn the elementary mathematics behind these tables. Using just geometry and algebra, teachers will analyze and discover some of the algorithms for constructing these crucial tables. We’ll examine tables for square roots, trig tables, and logarithms. Teachers

How might we leverage self-reflection to cultivate both

will also explore and use a physical or virtual slide

teacher and student agency? As teachers, we regularly

rule, a 300-year-old mechanical computing device, to

reflect on our practice, our pedagogy, and our students

demonstrate relationships between different sets of

to create the most vibrant and engaging classrooms.

up to creating various reports for use in our school

numbers. Teachers will leave with a new understanding

This process can feel daunting and self-critical, but

communities. First, we’ll cover the basics of Excel

of the mathematics behind the famous tables and

ultimately fosters self-awareness, connection, and

formulas, including VLOOKUP, SUMPRODUCT, and

will be able to include these clever algorithms in their

resilience. In this mini-course, we offer a fresh and fun

COUNTIF, and create a master data sheet. Next, we’ll

lessons. This course is best for secondary mathematics

way to approach reflection with a series of research-

use this master data sheet to understand and uncover

teachers or anyone interested in the history of

driven practices. Designed to help us connect with one

bias using the Fergus disproportionality calculator.

mathematical tables.

Finally, we’ll explore pivot tables, which help to sort

Gary Rubinstein is an MƒA Master Teacher and mathematics teacher at

and filter data in valuable ways. By the end of this mini-

Stuyvesant High School in Manhattan.

course, you will be able to confidently run data reports

another, these tools will help us feel seen and heard and reaffirm our goals and values. We will open our first session by practicing mindfulness and creativearts reflection protocols. During session two, we will do a deep dive into interview protocols to strengthen our collaborative relationships. And in our final session, we’ll explore poetry as a tool for reflection and close

for your school community, calling attention to existing

Excel Training for Novices and Prospective Data Specialists Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Soni Midha and Dave Richardson

with a protocol to integrate our learning. Teachers will

TUESDAYS, APR 18, MAY 2, MAY 16

leave with a renewed sense of vision and purpose and

MƒA

with a toolbox to integrate reflection into their lives and into their classrooms in transformative and meaningful ways. This course is open to all MƒA teachers.

Katie Francis is an MƒA Master Teacher and mathematics teacher at Curtis High School in Staten Island.

27

 COMPUTER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

inequities and significant trends. This course is best suited for folks new to Excel and looking to learn the data specialist role from start to finish.

Soni Midha is an MƒA Master Teacher and mathematics teacher at East Side Community School in Manhattan.

Dave Richardson is an MƒA Master Teacher and mathematics teacher at High School of Economics and Finance in Manhattan.

Are you interested in learning about the role of a data specialist or how to use Excel to analyze school data? If so, join us as we start with the basics of Excel and build MƒA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE CATALOG: WINTER/SPRING 2023

Mini-Courses

Jessica Quenzer is an MƒA Master Teacher and science teacher at

Jersey. Currently, she is a science standards specialist and a college

Stuyvesant High School in Manhattan.

instructor. What she loves about teaching is connecting her students to their natural world and challenging them to think differently about

From Chopped to BioBits!: How to Use miniPCR Labs in the Classroom Facilitators: Ally Huang, Ph.D., Katy Martin, Ph.D., and MƒA Master Teachers Joshua Modeste and Jessica Quenzer THURSDAYS, FEB 16, MAR 2, MAR 9 MƒA & ONLINE

From Molecules to Ecosystems: Modeling the Cycling of Matter With HHMI Facilitators: Ann Brokaw and Missy Holzer THURSDAYS, MAR 2, MAR 9 ONLINE  SCIENCE + PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS A TWO SESSION MINI-COURSE.

 SCIENCE

To understand the cycling of matter in an ecosystem,

+ PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS A HYBRID COURSE. SESSION 1 WILL TAKE IN-PERSON AT MƒA, SESSION 2 IN-PERSON AT STUYVESANT HIGH SCHOOL, AND SESSION 3 WILL TAKE PLACE VIRTUALLY.

students must develop knowledge of temporal, spatial,

How might we support our students in learning about genetics, PCR, and cutting-edge space science? If you are looking for ways to supplement your genetics unit with hands-on, project-based learning, then join us as we explore two biotechnology kits from miniPCR and discuss how to utilize them in any biology classroom.

In session one, we will use the newly launched Chopped! kit to explore how the CRISPR/Cas system is a programmable, specific, and powerful genome editing tool. In session two, we will use the BioBits cellfree protein expression kit and the p51 fluorescence viewer to demonstrate how the central dogma (transcription and translation) can be performed and visualized in vitro. In our final session, we will discuss how our students can conduct independent research related to the Genes in Space contest, a free competition in which students propose experiments that can be conducted on the ISS utilizing miniPCR equipment. This course is best suited for middle and high school life science teachers.

Dr. Ally Huang received her B.S in Biomedical Engineering from Johns Hopkins and her Ph.D. in Biological Engineering from MIT, with a thesis on making molecular and synthetic biology accessible to classrooms and other educational settings. She is currently the Lead Research Scientist at miniPCR bio and works towards providing everyone access to quality hands-on science education.

and biological scales. Join us in this mini-course as we investigate free HHMI BioInteractive resources to help students connect energy flow and cycling of matter in molecular, ecological, and geological contexts. In session one, teachers will explore biogeochemical cycles at varying scales, emphasizing the carbon cycle, and making connections to photosynthesis through model building and system disruption. In session two, we’ll zoom out to the ecosystem scale, exploring the role of these cycles in regulating ecosystem health and by modeling the impacts of limiting nutrients.

We will also demonstrate how to integrate the three dimensions of NGSS—core ideas, science and engineering practices, and crosscutting concepts— to enhance student understanding of fundamental molecular and ecological concepts. Throughout, teachers will have time to discuss how to apply the content and resources to their classrooms. This course

traveling, and cooking.

From Research to Reality: Investigating Myths in Educational Psychology Facilitators: MƒA Master Teacher Matt Pastore and MƒA Early Career Teacher Juanita Martin TUESDAYS, MAR 28, APR 4, APR 18 ONLINE  INQUIRY, PRACTICE, AND LEADERSHIP

Have you ever wondered what research really says about learning styles, praise, and inquiry-based instruction? Then join us in this mini-course as we explore educational psychology and discuss empirical research that may challenge our traditionally held views of assessment, learning, and inquiry. In each session we will focus on one topic, review the latest research, and consider how we might connect it with our teaching practice. By the end of this series, we will have a curated list of common myths and controversies in education, as well as a resource bank of podcasts, readings, and videos. This course is ideal for any teacher interested in deepening their understanding of educational research and its practical applications.

Matt Pastore is an MƒA Master Teacher and mathematics teacher at Fort Hamilton High School in Brooklyn.

Juanita Martin is an MƒA Early Career Teacher and science teacher at The Math & Science Exploratory School in Brooklyn.

is best suited for introductory and advanced high school life and environmental science teachers. Middle school science teachers, particularly those teaching Living Environment, are also welcome.

Game-Based Learning: An Introduction Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Jenna Denino and Kate Litman

Ann Brokaw has more than 25 years of experience teaching biology at

TUESDAYS, APR 18, APR 25, MAY 2

Rocky River High School, a public school outside of Cleveland, Ohio.

MƒA

She teaches Advanced Placement Biology, College Credit Plus Biology, and sophomore-level biology. She is passionate about biology and

 INQUIRY, PRACTICE, AND LEADERSHIP

science education and continually seeks ways to develop her classroom

Do you want to energize your classroom? Do you think

practice and content knowledge. When she’s not teaching, she enjoys

kids learn best through play? Do you want to explore

Katy Martin is the program lead for Genes in Space and serves as a

reading, good food, and time with friends, her partner, and four-legged

member of miniPCR’s biology curriculum team.

fur babies.

Joshua Modeste is an MƒA Master Teacher and science teacher at The

Missy Holzer taught Earth, space, and environmental science classes

Urban Assembly School for Global Commerce in Manhattan.

and dual-credit physical geography for more than 30 years in New

28

the place they call home. When she’s not teaching, she enjoys hiking,

the benefits of game-based learning while learning how to design games for your content area? Look no further! In this mini-course, teachers will explore MƒA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE CATALOG: WINTER/SPRING 2023

Mini-Courses the games Spot It! (a.k.a. Dobble) and Codenames to unpack each game’s core mechanics and components.

Yenmin Young is an MƒA Master Teacher and computer science teacher at East Side Community School in Manhattan.

Graphing and Data Analysis: How to Choose the Most Appropriate Graph Facilitator: Kristen Dotti

Then, teachers will use the design process to design

MONDAYS, MAR 20, MAR 27, APR 3

their own playable decks. Finally, they will participate

ONLINE

in a game jam where colleagues will play each other’s games to give constructive and actionable feedback.

Each session will be highly interactive, fun, and educational. This course is open to teachers of all content areas and levels and best suited to those with a creative mindset and playful spirit.

Jenna Denino is an MƒA Master Teacher and science teacher at Quest to Learn in Manhattan.

Kate Litman is an MƒA Master Teacher and mathematics teacher at Quest to Learn in Manhattan.

 INQUIRY, PRACTICE, AND LEADERSHIP

Learning to graph is a complex and sophisticated skill developed over time. Often, there are many ways to represent data, and each depiction may encourage the reader to make slightly different conclusions; deciding on the most appropriate graph can be tricky. In session one, we will focus on graphing as a central tool to organize data, reveal trends, and develop evidencesupported claims. Teachers will put on their student hats to create graphs from a shared data set. Then, we’ll clarify the strengths and weaknesses of these

Getting Started With Arduinos Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Kofi Bosompim and Yenmin Young TUESDAYS, APR 18, MAY 2, MAY 16 MƒA  COMPUTER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Are you interested in learning to use Arduinos but want support in getting started? Arduinos are small, affordable microcontrollers that can enrich any mathematics, science, or engineering class. Learn with us as we explore the world of physical computing using the simple, powerful, and versatile Arduino Uno

graphs and define the story told by each depiction.

In our second session, we will consider how to use graphs to answer questions, make predictions, and offer solutions to STEM problems. We’ll learn how to guide our students toward graphs that are less diverse but more likely to convey the primary message of the data. In our final session, we will focus on graphing as a means of data analysis and a potential shorthand for statistical testing. Teachers will leave with a collection

Implementing and Evaluating Mindfulness Practice in Your STEM Classroom Facilitators: Simone Ousset Kuranishi and MƒA Master Teacher Erika Stafne THURSDAYS, MAY 11, MAY 25 ONLINE

of activities to teach graphing and data analysis in any

 INQUIRY, PRACTICE, AND LEADERSHIP

6-12 STEM classroom.

+ PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS A TWO SESSION MINI-COURSE.

Kristen Dotti writes curricula and leads professional development

Do you want to help improve your students’ mental

training for teachers who enjoy using student-centered techniques. As

to program the Arduino to control actuators (such as

health while cultivating a classroom of support

a teacher, geneticist, and life-long learner, she is constantly exploring

LEDs and speakers), take measurements from simple

new topics from a scientific perspective to grow her mind and feed her

and responsiveness? Classroom teachers have the

sensors (such as photoresistors and force-sensitive

passions. Although she travels to different schools each week to help

microcontroller. Over three sessions, we will learn how

resistors), and communicate with the user through the computer. Previous programming experience is not required, and we will provide readings for those with no programming experience before the start of the course.

unique ability and responsibility to create and foster

them achieve their faculty development goals, she has made Asheville,

healthy learning environments for their students

NC home.

and themselves. Mindfulness practice is an effective social-emotional learning strategy to promote student and staff well-being. Mindfulness practice supports “students in accessing and applying knowledge and skills needed to manage emotions, forge positive

Kofi Bosompim is an MƒA Master Teacher and science teacher at Bronx

relationships, achieve goals and make responsible

High School for the Visual Arts in the Bronx.

choices.” (Kuranishi, et al., 2018). This course will

29

MƒA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE CATALOG: WINTER/SPRING 2023

Mini-Courses

instruction—a shift that celebrates linguistic diversity.

By the conclusion of this course, teachers will consider at least one action step to ground their STEM teaching

provide educators with research-based methods to incorporate mindfulness practice into their general education, ICT, and 12:1 STEM classroom settings. In each session, educators will engage in mindfulness practices and have time to practice, reflect, create

Investigating the Urban Heat Island Effect With Student Scientists Facilitator: MƒA Master Teacher Sarah Slack

from a critical language pedagogical stance. This

TUESDAYS, MAR 21, MAR 28, APR 4

course is open to all MƒA teachers.

MƒA

Pamela M. Jones, M.S.Ed., M.P.A., is an Advisor and Instructor at Bank

 SCIENCE

Street College. Before joining Bank Street, Pam worked as a learning

Temperatures are rising everywhere, but in city

specialist for grades K and one, and as a third and fifth grade classroom

neighborhoods with the most pavement and the

teacher. Pam earned a master’s in Public Administration from Columbia

least green space, these increases are even more

tools, and set specific goals for their classrooms. We

University and her Master of Science in Education from Bank Street

will also collaboratively reflect on glows and grows and

College of Education. Pam is pursuing her doctorate in literacy at New

severe. Satellite and ground-based data reveal that

York University.

on sunny days, highly developed areas are indeed

strategize ways to improve our practices. This course

warmer than their greener, leafier counterparts.

is open to educators of all subjects and grade levels but is best for those new to mindfulness practices in the classroom or in need of a refresher of previously learned practices.

Simone O. Kuranishi is a dance, yoga, and special education teacher with over a decade of experience in public schools. She currently works as a freelance consultant in mindfulness, yoga, and dance education.

Introduction to 3D CAD Modeling Facilitators: MƒMƒA Master Teachers Joseph Buro, Everton Henriques, Jared Jax, Ed.D., and Sandra Rossi

This is the “Urban Heat Island Effect.” Join us as we explore this phenomenon and consider how to use it as a meaningful avenue for students to become citizen scientists and environmental justice activists.

WEDNESDAYS, MAR 15, MAR 22, MAR 29

We’ll begin with an exploration of climate change and

MƒA

discuss strategies to cover this challenging topic. In

 COMPUTER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

session two, we’ll head outdoors to measure surface

Ready for a guided, hands-on introductory immersion

and air temperatures as we look for evidence of the

into 3D computer-aided design (CAD) modeling? Using

urban heat island effect. We’ll conclude in session

CAD as a tool allows teachers to go beyond textbook

three by developing pathways for our students

learning. Join us to learn the skills to create virtual

to take their observations to the next level—by

THURSDAYS, FEB 9, FEB 16, MAR 2, MAR 9

and physical models to help students visualize various

proposing solutions to build climate resiliency in their

ONLINE

concepts, including mathematical transformations

communities and sharing data with broader audiences.

 INQUIRY, PRACTICE, AND LEADERSHIP

and representations in geometry, molecular modeling

Throughout, we’ll use the NGSS as a guide to help

+ PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS A FOUR SESSION MINI-COURSE.

in chemistry, systems in biology, and buoyancy in

us evaluate our data and the effectiveness of various

physics. First, we’ll learn the basics of CAD. Then,

mitigation strategies. This course is best suited for

we will work in subject teams to brainstorm models.

middle and high school life, environmental, and Earth

Finally, we’ll create and share our designs. Driving force

science teachers.

topics will include the mathematics of architecture

Sarah Slack is an MƒA Master Teacher and science teacher at J.H.S. 223

and biomedical, mechanical, and civil engineering.

The Montauk in Brooklyn.

Erika Stafne is an MƒA Master Teacher and science teacher at Washington Heights Expeditionary Learning School in Manhattan.

Interrupting the Myth of ‘Standard English’ p Facilitator: Pamela Jones

Tropes painting the language practices of language minoritized students as deficient are filtered through the white gaze (Morrison, 1998) and rooted within a hierarchy celebrating monolingual norms. In this course, we will explore linguistic identity through critical lenses and consider the role of teacher language attitudes in teaching and learning. We will focus specifically on the language development of Emergent Bilinguals as we explore the role of dialects in schooling and society writ large, and the role of learning variations in language acquisition and development. Finally, we will examine critical language pedagogies (e.g., code-meshing and translanguaging) as a way to integrate family and community languages and literacies meaningfully into classroom 30

Teachers will leave with the ability to develop working CAD models to use with 3D printers, laser cutters, and CNC routers. This course is open to all teachers, not only CAD users!

Joseph Buro is an MƒA Master Teacher and computer science teacher at Staten Island Technical High School in Staten Island.

Everton Henriques and Dr. Jared Jax are MƒA Master Teachers and

Leading Teachers: A Framework for Coaching, Mentoring, and Development Facilitator: Kara Imm, Ph.D. WEDNESDAYS, APR 26, MAY 10, MAY 31, JUN 14 MƒA  INQUIRY, PRACTICE, AND LEADERSHIP

science teachers at Staten Island Technical High School in Staten Island.

+ PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS A FOUR SESSION MINI-COURSE.

Sandra Rossi is an MƒA Master Teacher and mathematics teacher at

In this mini-course, we will build a learning community

Bayside High School in Queens.

around our shared experiences as teachers of both MƒA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE CATALOG: WINTER/SPRING 2023

Mini-Courses adolescents and adults. We’ll begin by reflecting on the differences between teaching our K-12 students and adult colleagues, including student teachers, new teachers, and grade or department leaders. We will name the specific challenges of teaching adult learners, including navigating how our positionality changes when we are seen as “teacher leaders” within school communities, and generate new ideas for framing this work. Finally, we will discover how coaching/mentoring is a part of human development, how incorporating various types of feedback and protocols focuses and fosters more meaningful conversation, and how to overcome common obstacles like resistance or non-participation.

Dr. Kara Imm is a K-12 mathematics educator based in New York City. In her more than 20-year career, she has been a middle and high school mathematics teacher, staff developer, leadership coach, and teacher

mathematical modeling instruction with five goals:

integration of mathematics and social justice standards in mathematics

education faculty. At MƒA, Kara has designed and led over 20 courses

(1) facilitating connections, (2) fostering engagement,

lesson plans and developing culturally responsive mathematics

on design thinking, mathematical routines, models and modeling, developing a coaching practice, early algebra, and more. Kara has

(3) promoting rigor, (4) cultivating civic empathy,

written several articles and books with and for teachers on the teaching

and (5) elevating justice. We will discuss how these

and learning of mathematics. A proud graduate of Minneapolis Public

goals coalesce to advance equity and cultivate civic

Schools, Kara earned degrees from Stanford University and Bank Street

empathy as we examine sample community-based

College of Education. Her recent Ph.D. in Urban Education from The Graduate Center, The City University of New York, investigated the

modeling lessons, adapt one or more lessons for

impact of mathematical modeling on high school girls of color who had

our classrooms, and implement them. Teachers will

experienced the gate-keeping effects of algebra.

then use the mathematical modeling lesson analysis tool to guide the development and revision of their

Leveraging Community-Based Mathematical Modeling p Facilitator: Zareen Gul Aga, Ph.D.

teaching.

Managing Stormwater Pollution: Green Infrastructure and Stewardship With the DEP Facilitator: Robin Sanchez TUESDAYS, MAR 7, MAR 14, MAR 28 MƒA  SCIENCE

lesson plans. Throughout, teachers will reflect on their

How does stormwater runoff pollute New York Harbor?

understanding of equity and develop action plans to

What is NYC doing to protect harbor water quality,

advance equitable teaching practice. As part of a larger

and how can we help? Join the NYC Department of

WEDNESDAYS, FEB 8, MAR 8, APR 19

research study, teachers are invited to contribute data

Environmental Protection (DEP) to learn how the city

ONLINE

by completing surveys, sharing student work, and

manages stormwater through green infrastructure and

 MATHEMATICS

testing the curriculum.

stewardship initiatives. We’ll begin by investigating the

Three simple questions can mathematize the world:

Dr. Zareen G. Aga is an assistant professor of mathematics education

What do you notice? What do you wonder? What

at James Madison University, where she teaches mathematics

practices, and conclude by identifying student

questions can mathematics answer? In this mini-

methods courses for middle and high school teachers. She integrates

stewardship opportunities. We’ll also hear from a

research topics such as supporting productive struggle, developing

DEP guest speaker about the City’s new Cloudburst

course, middle school mathematics teachers will

high cognitive demand mathematics tasks, fostering mathematical

NYC sewer system, then explore green infrastructure

program, and consider the importance of innovative

learn how to connect mathematics with social

discourse, and equitable teaching practices of mathematics. As a

justice. Teachers will develop community-based

former high school mathematics teacher, Dr. Aga is interested in making

stormwater management for mitigating the effects of

mathematics accessible to all students. She has been researching the

climate change. Teachers will explore the DEP’s new

31

MƒA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE CATALOG: WINTER/SPRING 2023

Mini-Courses

and critical-thinking skills. Throughout the course,

Dr. Alan Cheng is a former MƒA fellow and co-facilitator of the MƒA

we’ll anchor our work and discussion in Becoming a

School Leader Fellowship. Alan is currently a superintendent for NYC

Teacher of Mathematical Modeling, 6-8 written by the Green Infrastructure Education Module, including online resources and adaptable, hands-on lessons and activities. Teachers will be encouraged to iterate lessons in their own classrooms between sessions and share their experiences during session three. This mini-

facilitators. All middle school mathematics teachers are welcome.

Robin Sanchez is the Director of Education for the NYC Department of Environmental Protection, which provides pre-K to 12th grade students and teachers with a wide range of free programs and resources about New York City’s vital water supply, wastewater treatment system, impacts of climate change, and sound and noise quality. Education

NCTM book series Becoming a Teacher of Mathematical Modeling. They teach pre-service and in-service mathematics teachers at Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana.

Mechanisms for Empowering Students Facilitators: Alan Cheng, Ed.D., and MƒA Master Teacher Vielca Anglin THURSDAYS, FEB 9, FEB 16, MAR 9, MAR 30 MƒA & ONLINE

opportunities include field trips, virtual tours, hands-on activities, the

 INQUIRY, PRACTICE, AND LEADERSHIP

annual Water Resources Art and Poetry Contest, teacher training, online

+ PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS A FOUR SESSION HYBRID MINI-COURSE. SESSIONS 1, 2, AND 4 WILL TAKE PLACE IN-PERSON AT MƒA. SESSION 3 WILL TAKE PLACE VIRTUALLY.

education modules, and more.

Mathematical Modeling in Middle School Facilitators: Elizabeth Burroughs, Ph.D., and Mary Alice Carlson, Ph.D.

It is our firm belief that a primary goal of our schools is to help our students become responsible and responsive citizens, which requires a deep

TUESDAYS, MAR 7, MAR 21, APR 4

understanding of our self-worth and the tools we have

MƒA & ONLINE

to create change in our society. Through actions like

 MATHEMATICS

civil disobedience and peaceful protest, young people

+ PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS A HYBRID COURSE. SESSION 1 WILL TAKE PLACE IN-PERSON AT MƒA. SESSIONS 2 AND 3 WILL TAKE PLACE VIRTUALLY.

have been at the forefront of many movements and

What’s the best voting method to select student council members? How frequently should the school recycling station be emptied? What’s the most appropriate passing period length? Rich mathematical modeling tasks address questions like these, questions that are relevant to students’ lives, engage them in decision-making, and provide multiple mathematical approaches. Rich tasks require students to understand the ideas and perspectives of others and use mathematical skills to develop empathy.

Over three sessions, we will build an understanding of mathematical modeling in the middle school curriculum and identify connections between mathematical modeling and our local communities.

We will also plan and implement a modeling task and discuss how it helps our students to develop empathy 32

School High School for many years.

Vielca Anglin is an MƒA Master Teacher and science teacher at City-AsSchool in Manhattan.

Dr. Elizabeth Burroughs and Dr. Mary Alice Carlson are co-authors of the

course is recommended for science teachers of grades 4-12.

high schools in the Consortium after serving as the Principal of City-As-

struggles for justice in our history. In this mini-course, teachers and leaders will learn how to engage and empower students. For student voice to flourish, we need to be flexible when it comes to traditional school structures, practices, beliefs, and values. We will start with ways to increase student voice in school: what tools and strategies help students feel heard and develop a sense of belonging and responsibility? How do we ensure full inclusion of all voices? And how do we cultivate respectful disagreement between youth and adults? Finally, we will explore the nuances of student-led inquiry in the context of a New York City classroom: what does it look and sound like when

Mind Control: Using Science and Engineering to Boost Computational Thinking Facilitators: Ido Davidescu, Ph.D., and MƒA Master Teacher Brittany Klimowicz THURSDAYS, FEB 16, MAR 2, MAR 9 MƒA & ONLINE  SCIENCE + PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS A HYBRID COURSE. SESSION 1 WILL TAKE PLACE VIRTUALLY. SESSIONS 2 AND 3 WILL TAKE PLACE IN-PERSON AT MƒA.

Have you ever wanted to control a device with the power of your mind? This may sound like science fiction, but human-machine interfaces (HMI) are fast becoming a reality and have the potential to transform our society. Join us to learn how HMI can also serve as anchoring phenomena to engage students in computational thinking (CT) by integrating science and engineering practices. In this mini-course, teachers will learn what CT is, explore CT practices, and consider how they align with their existing content.

We will begin with an introduction to CT and review existing curricular approaches. In our second session, teachers will put on their student hats to explore a newly developed unit to control a robotic gripper with their own muscle activity. We will conclude by sharing experiences and brainstorming opportunities for further development and integration. Teachers will leave with a variety of resources to implement the unit in their classrooms. All middle and high school science teachers are welcome.

Dr. Ido Davidesco is an Assistant Professor of Learning Sciences at the University of Connecticut, where he studies how science learning can be enhanced using portable and wearable technologies. Dr. Davidesco

students are generating ideas and questions and

holds a Ph.D. in cognitive neuroscience from the Hebrew University of

reporting those findings to teachers, school leaders,

Jerusalem, Israel. He completed post-doctoral training at Princeton

and community members?

University and New York University.

Brittany Klimowicz is an MƒA Master Teacher and science teacher at the NYC iSchool in Manhattan.

MƒA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE CATALOG: WINTER/SPRING 2023

Mini-Courses Mucking Around With Oysters Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Suzette Nelson, Matt Steineger, and Andrew Zimmerman TUESDAYS, MAY 9, MAY 16, MAY 23 MƒA & OFFSITE  SCIENCE + PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS A HYBRID COURSE. SESSIONS 1 AND 3 WILL TAKE PLACE AT MƒA. SESSION 2 WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE FIELD.

New York Botanical Garden Tour: A History Through Glaciers Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Ramona Fittipaldi-Deoraj and Andrew Mittiga

CircuitPython-based microcontroller—we will use

 SCIENCE + PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS A TWO SESSION MINI-COURSE. EACH SESSION WILL TAKE PLACE FROM 4 - 6 P.M. AT THE NYBG.

People from all over the world visit the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) for its rare plants and phenomenal seasonal displays, however, most remain this mini-course as we explore the grounds of the

pretzels, and pizza, New Yorkers were munching on

NYBG to uncover this geologic history and look for

oysters as the quintessential NYC snack. But years of

rock outcrops shaped both by the Bronx River and

pollution and overharvesting decimated our oyster

the last period of glaciation. We’ll find evidence of

population and, with it, the balance of our local

glacial erratics, striations, and even a glacial pothole. In

ecosystems. Join us as we explore the critical role of

session one, we will walk along the current path of the

oysters as a native species, help our students connect

Bronx River, identifying a variety of rock formations,

to NYC ecology, and guide them toward citizen

and looking for signs of weathering and erosion.

science and restoration work. First, we’ll discuss the

During our second session, we will use topographic

historical role and importance of oysters as a keystone

maps to identify areas of glacial erosion and align

species in the Hudson Estuary. Then, in session two,

topography instruction to the physical features in

we’ll meet out on the water to learn about the Billion

the Bronx, bringing real-life and local examples to

Oyster Project (BOP) and explore their first community

our students. This course is most applicable to Earth

reef. Finally, we’ll discuss how to use oyster tanks,

Science teachers but all MƒA teachers are welcome.

BOP curricular resources, and local data sets to teach

Ramona Fittipaldi-Deoraj is an MƒA Master Teacher and mathematics

about human impact and engage our students with

teacher at Young Women’s Leadership School in Manhattan.

NYC ecosystems. Throughout, we’ll explore materials

Andrew Mittiga is an MƒA Master Teacher and science teacher at Young

from and inspired by BOP’s public resources. Science

Women’s Leadership School in Manhattan.

the engineering design process to create innovative devices that interact with the world around us. Physical computing can also bring new life to teaching by encouraging student agency, ownership, and identity and by empowering students to pursue projects and problems that are relevant and important to them. This course is best suited for middle or high school teachers interested in engineering or computer science. No prior experience is required.

Renne Castro is an MƒA Master Teacher and computer science teacher at Bayside High School in Queens.

Sandra Rossi is an MƒA Master Teacher and mathematics teacher at Bayside High School in Queens.

Nathan Weber is an MƒA Early Career Teacher and science teacher at University Heights Secondary School in the Bronx.

Physics for Mathematics Teachers Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Courtney Ferrell, Marieke Thomas, and Andrew Wallace WEDNESDAYS, MAR 1, MAR 8, MAR 15 MƒA  MATHEMATICS

Are you a non-physicist interested in learning about the fundamental principles governing our universe?

Do you want to help students identify as practicing

teachers of any grade looking for citizen science

Matt Steiniger is an MƒA Master Teacher and science teacher at School

mathematics, and computer science with Adafruit’s CircuitPlayground Express—an Arduino and

of New York Harbor’s sea floor. Long before hot dogs,

Barton High School in Brooklyn.

concepts from physical science, engineering,

OFFSITE

unaware of its secret geologic history. Join us in

Suzette Nelson is an MƒA Master Teacher and science teacher at Clara

and will continue to do so in the future. By merging

TUESDAYS, MAY 23, MAY 30

Once upon a time, oysters covered over 200,000 acres

opportunities within the Hudson Estuary are welcome.

physical computing have revolutionized our world

Physical Computing to Inspire Innovations Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Renne Castro and Sandra Rossi and MƒA Early Career Teacher Nathan Weber

mathematicians by investigating how mathematics applies to their daily lives? Join us as we explore three key topics in physics: one dimensional motion, forces, and projectile motion. In our first session, we will

of the Future High School in Manhattan.

TUESDAYS, FEB 28, MAR 14, MAR 28

explore the 1D motion of objects, linking acceleration,

Andy Zimmermann is an MƒA Master Teacher and science teacher at Red

MƒA

velocity, and displacement to graphical analysis,

Hook Neighborhood School in Brooklyn.

 COMPUTER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

With advancements in technology, we now interact with physical devices that gather information and communicate with us every day. Innovations from

33

algebra, and calculus. Then, we will connect forces to vectors. Finally, we will discuss projectile motion as it relates to quadratics. We will curate topics most applicable to mathematics so teachers can incorporate real-world examples into their classes. This course is MƒA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE CATALOG: WINTER/SPRING 2023

Mini-Courses for mathematics teachers who want to learn physics content at an introductory level and potentially bring this new content to their mathematics classrooms.

While this course is best for mathematics teachers, all are welcome!

appeal to educators interested in demystifying proof,

justifications for racism throughout history and today

exploring its role in mathematics, and thinking critically

and brainstorm ideas to develop anti-racist curricula.

about how our students experience it. Likewise, this

The course is best suited for middle and high school

course hopes to provide possible activities teachers of

life science teachers but is open to anyone interested

proof could employ with their students.

in how a better understanding of evolutionary biology

Dr. Philip Dituri has taught and inspired educators and children for over

can stop pseudoscientific justifications for racism in

20 years. He is currently an educational consultant to various schools

their tracks.

and districts and the Director of Education at the not-for-profit Financial Life Cycle Education. He served as a Visiting Professor at Fordham

Courtney Ferrell is an MƒA Master Teacher and mathematics teacher at

University and was a teacher and mathematics instructional coach at

New Design High School in Manhattan.

a public school in downtown Manhattan. While in public school, he

Marieke Thomas is an MƒA Master Teacher and science teacher at the Bronx High School of Science in the Bronx.

was a three-time Math for America Master Teacher and a Big Apple Award finalist. Phil has a B.A. in Mathematics from NYU and a Ph.D. in Mathematics Education from Columbia University. His research interests

Andrew Wallace is an MƒA Master Teacher and science teacher at World

include proof and reasoning, problem-solving, collaborative learning,

View High School in the Bronx.

personal finance, and remote learning.

Proof Through Play: Exploring Axiomatic Systems and Proof With Games Facilitators: Philip Dituri, Ph.D., and MƒA Master Teacher Paul Gray, Ph.D. WEDNESDAYS, FEB 15, MAR 1, MAR 8 MƒA  MATHEMATICS

Students of all levels struggle to justify their claims using deductive reasoning and generate their own

Dr. Kaia Tombak is a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Anthropology at Hunter College and a Junior Fellow at the Simons Society of Fellows. She holds a MSc from McGill University and a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Princeton University. Her main line of research investigates the evolution of social behavior, including how egalitarianism or hierarchies emerge in primates and what social and ecological factors determine group size in zebras. Her postdoctoral research investigates how nutritional ecology and food competition may have shaped the social evolution of great apes. She is passionate

Dr. Paul Gray is an MƒA Master Teacher and mathematics teacher at New

about incorporating anti-racism and social justice into teaching and

Design High School in Manhattan.

research practices in academia.

Caitlin Samuel is an MƒA Master Teacher and science teacher at Hunter

Race and Evolutionary Biology: The Legacy of Misuse and Misinterpretation p Facilitators: Kaia Tombak, Ph.D., and MƒA Master Teacher Caitlin Samuel TUESDAYS, MAR 7, MAR 21, APR 4 MƒA  SCIENCE

College High School in Manhattan.

Race, Space, and Time: Mathematical Identities and Mattering p Facilitator: Grace Chen, Ph.D. WEDNESDAYS, APR 26, MAY 10, MAY 24, JUN 7 ONLINE

proofs. Tinto (1988) suggests that students even fail

Long before Darwin, evolutionary ideas were brewing

 MATHEMATICS

to comprehend the general idea of proof and its role

and built upon by both Western and non-Western

+ PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS A FOUR SESSION MINI-COURSE.

in mathematics. According to her research, many

thinkers. When Darwin published On the Origin of

How does your racial identity affect how you show

secondary school students think that proof is used only

Species, social change in the West slowly allowed

up in the mathematics classroom with and for your

to verify already known facts. But what if we could start

evolutionary ideas to become more acceptable to

students? Where is your mathematics classroom—

over in a simple yet unknown “math-like” space where

the public, but only in an altered form that justified

and what was there before it? How did you get to

we, like most of our students, are novices? This course

the social order as a natural one. Unfortunately,

be a mathematics teacher in 2023? In this course,

aims to give teachers a (re)introduction to the structure

evolutionary biology is still misused and misinterpreted

we’ll explore race, space, and time in our work as

of mathematical proof and axiomatic systems through

today—even by some scientists—to fit racist biases.

mathematics teachers through a mix of readings,

playing and strategizing around simple combinatorial

While racism is sufficiently unjustified on moral

discussions, and personal/historical research, including

games like tic-tac-toe, NIM, and sprouts. By starting

grounds, it is helpful to understand the pressure points

interviewing fellow teachers. Consider this a critical

with structures that teachers and students are familiar

of the logic of a biological concept of race. First, we

(in both senses of the word) update to the classic

with and looking at them through a mathematical

will discuss what evolution is (and what it isn’t). Then,

mathematics autobiography—a chance to situate

lens, we hope to help teachers better understand the

we will delve into how evolutionary principles were

ourselves more deeply in our work’s social, political,

nature of mathematical proof and provide them with

twisted to give rise to the biological concept of race.

ecological, historical, and mathematical contexts

a possible framework for how to approach proof with

Finally, we will break into small groups to discuss how

and to figure out how this informs our teaching and

their students—all while having fun! This course will

these misconceptions and manipulations have fed

student relationships. There will be some independent

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MƒA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE CATALOG: WINTER/SPRING 2023

Mini-Courses

and learning of mathematics. A proud graduate of Minneapolis Public Schools, Kara earned degrees from Stanford University and Bank Street College of Education. Her recent Ph.D. in Urban Education from The Graduate Center, The City University of New York, investigated the

research/me-search work between sessions, and teachers will be asked if they consent to have their course participation and materials used in research.

Dr. Grace A. Chen is an Assistant Professor/Faculty Fellow at New York University. A former high school mathematics teacher, she studies how teachers navigate the ethical complexities of working in unjust systems.

Rehumanizing Mathematics K-8 p Facilitator: Kara Imm, Ph.D.

impact of mathematical modeling on high school girls of color who had experienced the gate-keeping effects of algebra.

Sunrise, Sunset: Deriving the Duration of Our Days Facilitators: Paul McDowell, Lawrence Whitfield, and MƒA Early Career Teacher Elissa Levy TUESDAYS, MAY 30, JUN 6, JUN 13 ONLINE  MATHEMATICS

Rolling in the Deep: Exploring Energy With Student-Designed Roller Coasters Facilitator: MƒA Master Teacher Tim Tschurjumov

What time does our Sun rise and set at any day of the year and at any location on Earth? Join us as we answer these questions and strengthen our

WEDNESDAYS, MAR 1, MAR 8, MAR 15

understanding of the Earth/Sun system. We will start

MƒA

by addressing four “assumptions:” the duration of a

 SCIENCE

year, the tilt of the Earth, the shape of our planet as

TUESDAYS, FEB 7, FEB 14, FEB 28

Most of us remember riding our first roller coaster

a sphere, and the shape of our orbit as a circle. From

MƒA

with a mixture of fear and glee. The slow inch forward

describing a sphere to deriving the length of any day

followed by dramatic speed, loops, and swirls that

at any location on Earth, we will move through a series

seemed to defy gravity. Roller coasters are the perfect

of steps using high school algebra and geometry. We

phenomena to teach a variety of physics topics,

will supplement the derivation with original GeoGebra

particularly the law of conservation of energy. In this

simulations modeling the system as seen from space

mini-course, we’ll explore this law as we build our own

and Earth. To conclude, we will compare our derivation

 MATHEMATICS

We know that mathematics has often felt dehumanizing to Queer, Black, Indigenous, Latinx, and other marginalized people. In this course, we will explore the kinds of experiences that have felt dehumanizing and begin to envision and design ways of doing mathematics that are rehumanizing. First, we will make sense of the eight dimensions of the “Rehumanizing Mathematics” framework (Gutierrez, 2018): (1) participation/positioning, (2) cultures/our/ their stories, (3) windows/mirrors, (4) living practice/ futures, (5) broadening mathematics, (6) creation, (7) body/emotions, and (8) ownership/stewardship. Then, we will locate both dehumanizing and rehumanizing practices within our schools, classrooms, and teaching practices. Finally, we will take action to rehumanize mathematics for the students we serve. The course is designed for any elementary or middle school teachers

roller coasters. First, we’ll examine an exemplar project from a 9th grade physics classroom where students designed and built roller coaster models. Next, we’ll get our hands dirty and develop our own models using everyday materials such as cardboard and paper.

Finally, we’ll discuss how we can use our roller coasters and design-based projects to model the conservation of energy, both analytically and qualitatively. This course is designed for middle and high school science and engineering teachers, especially those who teach energy.

Tim Tschurjumov is an MƒA Master Teacher and science teacher at Humanities Preparatory Academy in Manhattan.

dissatisfied with the current “equity” movement within mathematics education and searching for critical and radical alternatives.

Dr. Kara Imm is a K-12 mathematics educator based in New York City. In her more than 20-year career, she has been a middle and high school mathematics teacher, staff developer, leadership coach, and teacher education faculty. At MƒA, Kara has designed and led over 20 courses on design thinking, mathematical routines, models and modeling, developing a coaching practice, early algebra, and more. Kara has written several articles and books with and for teachers on the teaching

35

MƒA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE CATALOG: WINTER/SPRING 2023

Mini-Courses

the paper with triangles. And in our final session,

mathematics. She has extensive experience working with pre-service

we will fold a hexagon twist and experiment with

and in-service teachers from small and large urban districts across

different possibilities for tessellating paper using an to known values and discuss how to resolve any minor discrepancies. This course is primarily for Earth science, physics, or mathematics teachers.

Paul McDowell studied mathematics and astrophysics at the University of Toronto and then worked in business systems. He progressed from

courses for in-service middle and secondary teachers. She has led

the mathematical properties of paper folding and how

several teacher professional development workshops in collaboration

to apply these properties and constraints to exploring

with education faculty and school district leaders. Her mathematics

and making our own tilings and designs. Previous experience folding paper is helpful but not required.

Grace Chang is an MƒA Master Teacher and mathematics teacher at

of a major international consulting firm, Paul led global transformations.

Neighborhood School in Manhattan.

new people/work systems. Paul’s career and passions are about understanding the Universe, simplifying the complex, and unleashing human capability. Paul graduated from Ryerson University with studies

Kevin Peters is an MƒA Master Teacher and mathematics teacher at 47 The American Sign Language and English Secondary School in Manhattan.

Lawrence Whitfield taught high school mathematics in Zambia, Africa, for six years and then became a software developer. While progressing from software developer to project management to senior management, he enjoyed mathematics as a hobby throughout.

Ever intrigued by Earth-Sun geometry, Lawrence challenged his astrophysicist friend to quantify these movements via mathematical equations. This was a successful process with the side benefit of mastering Geogebra. Lawrence developed several renditions of the

True Origins of the Pythagorean Theorem Facilitator: Christina Eubanks-Turner, Ph.D.

THURSDAYS, MAY 4, MAY 11, MAY 25  MATHEMATICS

The locker problem is a well-known, high school-level,

ONLINE

of numbers. One by one, students numbered 1 to

 MATHEMATICS

Traditional ways of organizing content in the history of mathematics hold a Eurocentric bias common in

contributed to SoME and SoME2 via 3Blue1Brown. Lawrence has an

knowledge (Powell & Frankenstein, 1997). Much of

Honours B.Sc. in Mathematics and Computer Science.

the focus in a traditional history of mathematics

Elissa Levy is an MƒA Early Career Teacher and science teacher at Hunter

course focuses on Greek beginnings in introducing

College High School in Manhattan.

“rigorous” mathematics through proof. This prevailing Eurocentric, male-centered view of mathematics obscures history and denies the communities and cultures that played significant roles in the development of mathematical knowledge (Joseph,

THURSDAYS, APR 27, MAY 11, MAY 25

1987). In this course, we will look beyond these

MƒA

Eurocentric views as we explore the origins and uses

 MATHEMATICS

of the Pythagorean Theorem and present evidence

Have you ever tried to design a tessellation or tiling?

demonstrating knowledge of the Theorem that

In this course, we will create tessellations by twisting

preceded Pythagoras. We will also examine other well-

paper to form different shapes and then repeating

known mathematical theorems and ideas attributed

them in various arrangements to create intricate

to Europeans, which Non-European mathematicians

patterns. In the first session, we will fold a square

actually discovered.

twist on a square grid and use it to create an iso-area

Dr. Christina Eubanks-Turner is a Professor of Mathematics and

tessellation. In the second session, we will fold a

Graduate Director of the M.A. in Teaching Mathematics program at

36

Unlocking Intermediate Number Theory: Beyond Common Divisors and Multiples Facilitator: MƒA Master Teacher Scott Matthews

elementary number theory problem involving divisors

producing, disseminating, and evaluating scientific

triangle twist on an isometric grid and then tessellate

development of mathematical knowledge for teaching.

TUESDAYS, APR 4, APR 18, APR 25

Earth-Sun movement available on his YouTube channel. Lawrence

Tilings, Tessellations, and Origami Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Grace Chang and Kevin Peters

education research focuses on best practices for supporting the

MƒA

in Computing Systems. His hobbies include mathematics, model trains, running, and film-making.

service teachers. She has taught various graduate-level mathematics

isometric grid. Throughout, we will discuss some of

programmer to V.P. and Chief Information Officer. As Managing Director Most recently, Paul was at the world’s largest hedge fund, building

the US. She teaches mathematics content courses for K-12 pre-

1000 walk by a row of lockers numbered 1 to 1000, all of which are initially closed. The first student opens every locker. The second student closes every second locker. The third student changes every third locker; if it’s closed, they open it; if it’s open, they close it. That same pattern continues for all 1000 students. Which lockers are left open after all 1000 students have walked the row of lockers? In this course, we will work collaboratively to solve problems related to numbertheoretic functions, including the divisor function, the sum of divisors function, and Euler’s totient function.

Then we will find solutions to Diophantine equations, if they exist, with the help of the Euclidean algorithm.

Lastly, we will use modular arithmetic to develop Fermat’s Little Theorem, Wilson’s Theorem, and Euler’s Theorem. This course is open to all teachers, as we’ll cover the basics of number theory. If you are interested in more deeply exploring number theory, join us!

Scott Matthews is an MƒA Master Teacher and mathematics teacher at Brooklyn Technical High School in Brooklyn.

Loyola Marymount University. Her primary research areas include mathematics, mathematics education, and broadening participation in

MƒA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE CATALOG: WINTER/SPRING 2023

Mini-Courses Using Protocols to Support Equity in Discourse p Facilitators: Tina Glover and MƒA Master Teachers Lauren Couto and Rose Ventimiglia

“Young Man, Get Out of Here!”: Historical Perspectives on NYC Discipline Policy p Facilitator: Rachel Lissy, Ph.D. WEDNESDAYS, MAR 15, MAR 22 ONLINE  INQUIRY, PRACTICE, AND LEADERSHIP

MONDAYS, FEB 6, FEB 13, FEB 27

For as long as there have been schools, there have

ONLINE

been students whom adults deem “disruptive,”

 INQUIRY, PRACTICE, AND LEADERSHIP

“disorderly,” and “unruly.” In this mini-course,

Protocols organize conversation to support equitable

teachers will explore themes and challenges related

and rigorous discourse, help students feel integral to

to classroom discipline from a historical perspective.

the work, and keep everyone on task. In this mini-

Using the story of the origins of the New York City

course, we will delve into protocols developed by the

DOE’s suspension policy, we will examine the history,

National School Reform Faculty (NSRF) and explore

politics, and ideas informing current disciplinary

how to build our own protocols around annotation and

policies that exclude, segregate, and criminalize

group work. Each teacher will have the opportunity

students—particularly Black students. Teachers will

to engage in and explore several protocols, such

draw connections between historical trends, beliefs

as Building Agreements, Zones of Comfort, Risk, &

and practices, and their current practice. This course is

Danger, and Compass Points. In each session, we will

especially relevant for those engaging in or considering

consider the components of an effective protocol,

restorative justice reforms, as it highlights both the

discuss how to select a protocol to match our

need for change and the roots of resistance.

learning goals, test the protocol, and then debrief in a

Dr. Rachel Lissy is the Director of Strategic Initiatives at Ramapo for

supportive group setting. All teachers are welcome.

Children. She has worked in residential care, in the backcountry with

Tina Glover has worked at the American Museum of Natural History’s

Shepherd Services, and as a teacher and intervention specialist in

partnership program, Urban Advantage, for over 15 years. She has more

the Oakland public schools. She has a Ph.D. in Social and Cultural

than 20 years of experience working with students and teachers in both

Studies from the Graduate School of Education at the University of

formal and informal settings. She has her coaching certification and

California at Berkeley, as well as a master’s in Policy, Organization and

facilitator certification from the National School Reform Faculty.

Leadership Studies from Stanford University’s School of Education.

Lauren Couto is an MƒA Master Teacher and science teacher at Jonas

Dr. Lissy’s dissertation focused on how the institutionalization of

Bronck Academy in the Bronx.

punitive and criminalizing disciplinary policies in New York City

Rose Ventimiglia is an MƒA Master Teacher and science teacher at J.H.S. 167 Robert F. Wagner in Manhattan.

Outward Bound, as an out-of-school-time program director for Good

that disproportionately harmed students of color was influenced by resistance to school integration. Along with her first-hand experience supporting and learning from young people, she also brings historical and organizational perspectives to her work with schools, communitybased organizations, and Ramapo’s Rhinebeck campus-based programs.

37

MƒA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE CATALOG: WINTER/SPRING 2023

Single Session Workshops Single Session Workshops are one-time workshops in which experts from the MƒA Master Teacher community, academic institutions, and local organizations engage MƒA teachers in a topic at the cutting edge of their content area and/or pedagogical practice.

38

MƒA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE CATALOG: WINTER/SPRING 2023

Single Session Workshops 3D Printing: Steps to Successfully Enhance Your Class Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Joseph Buro, Everton Henriques, and Sandra Rossi THURSDAY, APR 27 MƒA  COMPUTER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

3D printers are great if you know how to use them, but

implementing revision-specific instructional routines,

Stefanie Ismail is an MƒA Master Teacher and science teacher at The

and (5) adjusting assessment practices. Through

Heritage School in Manhattan.

rough draft mathematics, students learn that even

Taryn Martinez is an MƒA Master Teacher and science teacher at Hunters

“correct work” is revisable, and teachers gain greater

Point Community Middle School in Queens.

access to student thinking and can better honor their strengths in the revision process. This session is open to mathematics teachers of any grade level.

Dr. Amanda Jansen is a Professor in the mathematics education

Academic Mindfulness: Supporting Executive Function Skills in Students p Facilitator: Rhys McGovern

program in the School of Education at the University of Delaware.

WEDNESDAY, MAR 8

She also holds a joint appointment in her university’s Department of

ONLINE

Mathematical Sciences. Before becoming a teacher educator, she was a middle school mathematics teacher in Arizona and earned her Ph.D.

 INQUIRY, PRACTICE, AND LEADERSHIP

they often become dust collectors because of everyday

in educational psychology from Michigan State University. Her book,

Even when it is clear our students are trying, strong

obstacles. Join us so that your students and your lesson

Rough Draft Math: Revising to Learn, was published by Stenhouse.

academic performance is not always the result. Perhaps a student performs well in class but never turns in

can be the focus of your attention, not the pile of melted plastic that was supposed to be a model. This workshop will help you seamlessly integrate 3D printing into your teaching practice. First, we’ll discuss logistical issues, including common pitfalls when purchasing supplies and maintaining printing equipment. Then, we’ll explore modeling and slicing software choices for various contexts and suggest ways to incorporate 3D printing as an instructional tool. This introductory-level workshop is best for teachers new to 3D printing.

The ABCs of Student TAs Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Stefanie Ismail and Taryn Martinez ONLINE

conceptualize, plan, and follow through on all our daily

 INQUIRY, PRACTICE, AND LEADERSHIP

Ensuring all learners receive enough targeted support is difficult, especially with large class sizes.

But without that support, student misconceptions persist, work quality suffers, and relationship-building becomes more challenging. By training students to be

Everton Henriques is an MƒA Master Teacher and science teacher at

classroom teaching assistants (TAs), we provide them

Bayside High School in Queens.

with opportunities to demonstrate mastery, develop leadership skills, and build positive associations with STEM. This leaves us, as teachers, the time to focus on students who need the most intervention. In this

5 Steps to Enacting Rough Draft Math Facilitator: Amanda Jansen, Ph.D.

address some underlying factors to help prevent these challenges! Executive functioning skills allow us to

Staten Island Technical High School in Staten Island.

Sandra Rossi is an MƒA Master Teacher and mathematics teacher at

out… again. Even though there’s no quick fix, you can

TUESDAY, MAY 16

Joseph Buro is an MƒA Master Teacher and computer science teacher at

Staten Island Technical High School in Staten Island.

homework, or maybe your last period class is zoning

workshop, we will discuss why TAing opportunities

tasks. In this workshop, we will explore different types of executive functioning skills, identify what it looks like when the demands of a school environment exceed a student’s skill set, and discuss how educators can foster executive functioning skills in their students. Teachers will leave with an understanding of executive function variability, skill-building strategies to incorporate into their classroom, and greater ability to positively impact students’ academic experience.

Rhys McGovern is a hard-of-hearing, multilingual speech-language pathologist and teacher who grew up in New England. He currently lives in Amsterdam in the Netherlands, and works with clients on both sides of the Atlantic. He holds a Master of Science in Communication

matter (especially for our most at-risk students), how to

Sciences and Disorders from Emerson College, Massachusetts State

THURSDAY, MAR 30

effectively train TAs, and how to successfully leverage

SLP and Teaching licensure, and the ASHA Certificate of Clinical

MƒA

them in the classroom. We will provide teachers

 MATHEMATICS

with examples of both short and long-term TA-led

Would you like to lower students’ anxiety and create

activities, including materials specifically used in Living

safer spaces for intellectual risk-taking in your

Environment classes. This session is appropriate for any

mathematics classes? In this workshop, we will explore

teacher but is geared toward science teachers. Those

five steps for incorporating the rough draft and revision

who enroll should think of a lesson or activity in need of

process into mathematics lessons: (1) building and

enhanced student leadership.

Competence. Rhys has been working with children, teens, and young adults for over 15 years, and founded his private practice New Leaf Language in 2018.

sustaining academic safety, (2) selecting and enacting revisable tasks, (3) planning for explicit revision, (4) 39

MƒA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE CATALOG: WINTER/SPRING 2023

Single Session Workshops Bring Back That Loving Feeling: Using PERMA To Restore Joy Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Dawn PagliaroNewman and Melissa Singer MONDAY, FEB 13 ONLINE  MATHEMATICS

Children enter their school years filled with joy. Yet along the way, many begin to associate mathematics with frustration. PERMA, developed by Martin Seligman, outlines five components of happiness: Positive emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishments. We can use this psychological theory as a lens for examining our pedagogy. Teachers will explore how this theory connects to mathematics pedagogy, plan lessons for future use, and exchange ideas. Let’s collaborate to share what we already do, what we can improve on, and what we can newly incorporate to ensure we bring back the love of mathematics in the elementary and middle grades.

Dawn Pagliaro-Newman and Melissa Singer are MƒA Master Teachers and mathematics teachers at P.S. 130 The Parkside in Brooklyn.

Building Empathy Through Origami p Facilitator: MƒA Master Teacher Rebecca Johnson TUESDAY, FEB 7 MƒA  INQUIRY, PRACTICE, AND LEADERSHIP

culturally-responsive origami lessons into a STEM class;

workshop as we explore the wonderful world of the

for instance, making origami DNA double helices while

model organism, C. elegans, and learn more about the

learning about the mRNA science behind the vaccine or

workings of the human nervous system. We’ll begin

discussing the complicated contributions of Henrietta

by discussing research on the egg-laying circuit, a

Lacks. For the second half of the session, teachers will

pathway composed of only three neurons regulating

create their own culturally responsive origami lesson,

egg-laying in these roundworms. Next, we will conduct

and by the end of this workshop, we will have co-

a few simple experiments to measure this behavior.

created a collection of lessons ready to use with our

Working in small groups, teachers will analyze actual

students.

datasets to determine how manipulating chemical

Rebecca Johnson is an MƒA Master Teacher and mathematics teacher at

neurotransmitters (such as serotonin) affects egg-laying.

Beacon High School in Manhattan.

Finally, we’ll come back together to discuss our findings,

Join us as we explore how origami can help our students develop understanding, compassion, and empathy for others and the world around them!

Numerous studies have demonstrated the value of doing origami with geometry students; however, by being mindful and purposeful about the origami models, a teacher can help students form crosscurricular, culturally responsive connections that surpass geometric connections. In the first half of this workshop, we will explore ways of incorporating

40

share our conclusions on the mechanisms of egg-

C. Elegans and Neural Networks: What Can a Simple Roundworm Teach Us? Facilitator: Robert Fernandez, Ph.D.

laying, and exchange ideas on how to perform this and other C. elegans experiments in our own classrooms.

This course is best suited for middle and high school life

TUESDAY, APR 4

science teachers.

MƒA

Dr. Robert W. Fernandez is a postdoctoral fellow in neuroscience at

 SCIENCE

Columbia University and a Junior Fellow at the Simons Society of Fellows. He received his Ph.D. in Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry

Would you believe a tiny roundworm helped lay

from Yale University. His work focuses on the role of homeodomain

the foundation for understanding how our neurons

transcription factors in regulating the neuronal identity and neuronal

communicate and regulate behavior? Join us in this

circuit assembly. He is also the co-founder of Científico Latino, a

MƒA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE CATALOG: WINTER/SPRING 2023

Single Session Workshops

and critical thinking. Collaborative debugging allows students to engage beyond the computer screen by sharing ideas and problem-solving with peers. In

science organization devoted to helping underrepresented students

this workshop, we will share and model collaborative

navigate higher education in the sciences.

debugging techniques for the whole class and small

Electrify the Grid With Tabletop Games!

Facilitators: MƒA Master Teacher Matthew Sarker and MƒA Emeritus Teacher Rachel Wax WEDNESDAY, FEB 15 MƒA

groups. We will also invite teachers to share their own

 SCIENCE

strategies. Prior knowledge of the Beauty and Joy of

Is it true that nuclear power will solve our energy crisis?

Computing curriculum and Code.org’s AP Computer

Is wind energy really too expensive? How can we power

Science Principles course is helpful but not required.

our city and our country with low carbon energy to

TUESDAY, APR 25

Teachers will leave with ready-made assessments and

mitigate climate change? In this workshop, we’ll explore

ONLINE

the confidence to apply these strategies in their current

 SCIENCE

these questions with two tabletop games, Generate: The

or future computer science courses.

Game of Energy Choices, a free game developed by the

How can we equip our students with the tools to

Rebecca Caporale-Guarino is an MƒA Master Teacher and mathematics

EPA to help students weigh the costs and considerations

evaluate science news and headlines? In this workshop,

teacher at Manhattan Village Academy in Manhattan.

of energy choices, and Energetic, a game wherein

we will develop a framework for analyzing newsworthy

Richard Premvaree is an MƒA Master Teacher and computer science

players balance a budget, determine grid stability, and

science by letting students choose headlines and then

teacher at Manhattan / Hunter Science High School in Manhattan.

consider public opinion as they build a clean power

Clickbait Science: Let’s Look at the Evidence Facilitator: MƒA Master Teacher Tracy LaGrassa, Ph.D.

chasing the claims back to the actual science. First we’ll model a versatile claim, evidence, and reasoning approach, in which students put on their scientist hats to interrogate the news and associated primary source data. We’ll consider multiple questions including, “What is the claim of this headline? How does it make us feel and do we believe it? What evidence do we expect to see in support of the claim? What is the actual evidence, and how can we make sense of it?” Then, we will discuss how to adapt this model for use in our classrooms. We will focus on an exemplar from a high school biology class, but any teacher interested in new strategies to develop media and data literacy is welcome.

facility for New York City. We’ll begin by sharing our

DeltaMath Plus: What Have They Added?

Facilitator: MƒA Master Teacher Andrew Fitts

games, continue by playing each game, and conclude

WEDNESDAY, MAR 1

by debriefing our experiences and discussing classroom

MƒA

integration. This session is best for middle and high

 COMPUTER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

DeltaMath is a powerful tool for teachers and students.

school physics teachers or anyone who teaches energy content.

With recent changes to create DeltaMath Plus, several

Matthew Sarker is an MƒA Master Teacher and science teacher at The

new features have been added (pun intended). Join

Bronx High School of Science in the Bronx.

us in this workshop to explore some of these features,

Rachel Wax is an MƒA Emeritus Teacher and science teacher at Eleanor

including how to attach instructional videos, track

Roosevelt High School in Manhattan.

student progress, make individualized assignments, customize modules, add co-teachers, integrate with

Dr. Tracy LaGrassa is an MƒA Master Teacher and science teacher at The

Google Classroom, and more. The workshop will follow

Bronx High School of Science in the Bronx.

the group’s interests and is open to all mathematics teachers. DeltaMath will provide a temporary two-week

Collaborative Debugging in Computer Science Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Rebecca Caporale-Guarino and Richard Premvaree

success and pedagogical rationale for using these

DeltaMath Plus subscription to all participating teachers.

Andrew Fitts is an MƒA Master Teacher and mathematics teacher at NYC iSchool in Manhattan.

Engaging Earth Day Activities Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Shakira Provasoli and Jeanne Salchli THURSDAY, MAR 2 ONLINE  SCIENCE

Do you want to celebrate Earth Day with engaging,

THURSDAY, MAR 9

student-driven activities? Join us in this workshop

ONLINE

to explore a variety of activities inspiring activism

 COMPUTER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

and appreciation for our planet. We’ll open with a

Debugging is not just about stomping on those

collaborative activity to raise awareness for the natural

pesky lanternflies! Debugging code requires content

world, then we’ll discuss some tried and tested projects,

knowledge, research skills, effective communication,

including Green Team led workshop ideas, and finally,

41

MƒA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE CATALOG: WINTER/SPRING 2023

Single Session Workshops we’ll collaborate to adapt or design lessons for our

Facilitation as Leadership: A Refresher Facilitator: Alan Cheng, Ed.D.

cosmic proportions, led to scientists discovering that Universe expansion was accelerating. The aim of this

THURSDAY, APR 27

workshop is to share a high-level introduction to some

MƒA

key physical concepts in cosmology (including redshift, the expanding Universe, and Type-1a Supernova) and

own classrooms. Throughout, we’ll use protocols to

 INQUIRY, PRACTICE, AND LEADERSHIP

guide our work. Teachers will leave with a toolbox of

Facilitation plays an important role in supporting

resources ranging from short lessons to complete units

teaching communities’ learning and ensuring equity

and projects. All teachers are encouraged to bring their

and access for all students. In this workshop, we will

favorite Earth-centered activity to share. This workshop

practice responsive facilitation, build a toolkit to manage

is best suited for elementary and middle school teachers

group dynamics, and receive descriptive feedback. We

who want to instill a love of nature as they celebrate

will begin with a refresher on strategies for effective

Earth Day or any teacher who leads a Green Team.

facilitation and common pitfalls. Then teachers

Dr. Will Coulton is a cosmologist at the Center for Computational

Shakira Provasoli is an MƒA Master Teacher and science teacher at P.S.

will have the opportunity to navigate challenging

Astrophysics at the Simons Foundation Flatiron Institute. His research

333 Manhattan School for Children in Manhattan.

facilitation dilemmas and give and receive feedback.

Jeanne Salchli is an MƒA Master Teacher and science teacher at P.S. 376

Thereafter, we’ll reflect on how we can bring these

in Brooklyn.

refined facilitation practices into our work at MƒA and our school communities. This course is best suited for

Exploring Conic Sections Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Alexander Lord, Ed.D., and Violetta Pinkhasova

any teacher who has previously taken a facilitation or leadership course with Dr. Cheng.

Dr. Alan Cheng is a former MƒA fellow and co-facilitator of the MƒA

explore how these ideas were combined with careful observations to shake up scientific discourse. This course is best suited for physics teachers, but as the material is largely conceptual any teacher interested in learning more about these revolutionary discoveries is welcome.

focuses on trying to elucidate the properties and processes governing the Universe at large. He explores questions such as how old is the Universe and what happened during the hot Big Bang?

Focus on the Process: Opening Up Questions in the Mathematics Classroom Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Renu Budhraja and Andy Deegan

TUESDAY, MAY 23

School Leader Fellowship. Alan is currently a superintendent for NYC

WEDNESDAY, MAR 15

ONLINE

high schools in the Consortium after serving as the Principal of City-As-

MƒA

 MATHEMATICS

School High School for many years.

For over 2,000 years, mathematicians have studied the famous conic sections, circles/ellipses, parabolas, and hyperbolas. This workshop will explore the profound aspects of conic sections through problem-solving and applications. We will make connections to a wide array of mathematical topics, including concepts of eccentricity, discriminants, matrices/determinants, and

The Fate of the Universe: From Restless Stars to Expansion Facilitator: William Coulton, Ph.D. WEDNESDAY, APR 19 MƒA  SCIENCE

polar coordinates. This workshop is best for teachers

Two revolutionary discoveries in cosmology—that the

familiar with the basic properties of conic sections

Universe is expanding and that it is occurring at an ever

and who wish to work collaboratively to explore their

faster rate—have fueled decades of scientific debate,

advanced properties.

shifting our view of the eternal Universe in stasis to a

Dr. Alexander Lord and Violetta Pinkhasova are MƒA Master Teachers

dynamic one that began with the hot Big Bang. Join us

and mathematics teachers at Francis Lewis High School in Queens.

in this workshop to explore the science behind these two great discoveries. We’ll begin by returning to the 20th century to review the evidence that led to Edwin Hubble’s discovery that the Universe was expanding.

In the second half of the session, we’ll jump forward fifty years and explore how a campaign to understand

 MATHEMATICS

How might we change the language and structure of mathematical tasks to encourage students to analyze the problem-solving process? For example, rather than asking students to “Solve: cos x = 1”, what happens if we instead say, “The cosine of an angle is almost 1.

What could the angle be?” Open-middle and openended questions require students to focus on analysis, planning, and process, rather than asking students to memorize procedures. In this workshop, high school mathematics teachers will learn how to modify existing course materials to incorporate these “open questions” that demand students truly understand the entire problem-solving process. Examples of “open questions” can be found at Robert Kaplinsky’s and Nanette Johnson’s website, Open Middle.

Renu Budhraja and Andy Deegan are MƒA Master Teachers and mathematics teachers at Millennium Brooklyn HS in Brooklyn.

and document distant supernovae, stellar explosions of 42

MƒA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE CATALOG: WINTER/SPRING 2023

Single Session Workshops

methods. Then, we will examine the golden ratio’s irrational nature by introducing continued fractions.

Lastly, we will use continued fractions to generate

From Distance to Resistance: Physics Demo Derby Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Jared Jax, Ed.D., and Marieke Thomas

solutions to Pell’s equation and get a taste of classic algebraic number theory. This workshop is suitable for any teacher comfortable with algebra who wants to

WEDNESDAY, MAR 22

explore sequences beyond arithmetic, geometric, and

MƒA

introductory algebraic number theory.

 SCIENCE + PLEASE NOTE: TEACHERS WILL BE EXPECTED TO SHARE A DEMO OR EXPERIMENT DURING THE WORKSHOP.

Looking for ways to spice up your physics classroom?

Live demos spark interest, make abstract concepts concrete, and connect physics to students’ daily lives.

In this workshop, each teacher will share a demo or activity showcasing a principle of physics, along with a short written description so others can replicate the demo in their classrooms. Every teacher will leave with new ideas and activities to help students discover the beauty of physics. This workshop is intended for high school physics teachers or middle school teachers who teach a physics unit.

Dr. Jared Jax is an MƒA Master Teacher and science teacher at Staten Island Technical High School in Staten Island.

Marieke Thomas is an MƒA Master Teacher and science teacher at The Bronx High School of Science in the Bronx.

From Phi to Pell’s Equation Facilitator: MƒA Master Teacher Isabella Shen WEDNESDAY, FEB 15 MƒA  MATHEMATICS

There are general methods to find the explicit formula for arithmetic and geometric sequences, but what about Fibonacci-style sequences x(n+1)=ax(n)+bx(n-1)? Most

Isabella Shen is an MƒA Master Teacher and mathematics teacher at New Utrecht High School in Brooklyn.

The Galapagos and Nature Journaling Facilitator: MƒA Master Teacher Crystal Thiele WEDNESDAY, MAR 22 ONLINE  SCIENCE

Salt-water snorting iguanas, nocturnal seagulls, and penguins that live north of the equator—these are just some of the unique adaptations of the animal inhabitants of the Galapagos Islands. Tap into your inner Darwin as we use nature journaling to explore photos, videos, and other resources gathered from a National Geographic expedition to the Galapagos. We will study specific animal adaptations to better understand natural selection and try our hand at nature journaling, a tool

Gender-Inclusive Data Collection in Statistics and Science Classrooms p Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Susie Kang and Akil Wilson

used by many scientists past and present, including

WEDNESDAY, MAR 22

Darwin, Audubon, and Goodall. We will practice these

MƒA

journaling activities and discuss how to recreate them in any classroom to encourage students to deepen connections to the natural world and develop a greater love of biodiversity, wherever they are. While this course may be most interesting to grade 4-9 science teachers, all are welcome.

Crystal Thiele is an MƒA Master Teacher and mathematics teacher at P.S. 321 William Penn in Brooklyn.

 INQUIRY, PRACTICE, AND LEADERSHIP

How might we establish gender-inclusive data collection practices and highlight the importance of accurate and equitable gender representation in surveys and experiments? The workshop’s goal is for teachers to better understand the importance of addressing gender inclusivity when collecting data in the classroom

know the golden ratio is embedded in the Fibonacci

and strategies for approaching this work with students.

sequence, but a lesser-known fact is its place as “the

Teachers will examine classroom activities illuminating

most irrational” number. Why? What’s Pell’s Equation,

gender-related pitfalls in statistical and experimental

and how is it related to irrational numbers? In this

data collection, including misgendering of participants

workshop, we will seek answers by exploring some

(whether intentional or not) and the exclusion of

non-routine sequences and finding the explicit formula

nonbinary participants. We will also review excerpts

of the Fibonacci sequence with elementary algebraic

from modern research to educate ourselves on current

43

MƒA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE CATALOG: WINTER/SPRING 2023

Single Session Workshops

Dr. Brett Fors is an associate professor in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology at Cornell University. He received his B.S. in Chemistry from Montana State University and Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His research focuses on the

HackMƒA Facilitators: MƒA Master Teacher Marieke Thomas and MƒA Early Career Teacher Elissa Levy

practices and model potential solutions with students.

development of new synthetic methods and catalyst systems to control

THURSDAY, MAY 25

Throughout the workshop, there will be opportunities

polymer architecture, composition, and function.

MƒA

to share our thoughts on what we have read and

Jesse Hsu is a 4th-year graduate student in the Fors research group.

observed, reflect on proposed ideas, and generate new

He received dual bachelor’s degrees in chemistry and physics from

strategies for addressing such an unresolved problem

Ithaca College. At Cornell University, Jesse is interested in finding

 COMPUTER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Are you looking for a chance to use your programming

ways to make and use polymers for sustainability—both by degrading

skills to build something useful, fun, or meaningful? In

and chemically repurposing existing plastics and by synthesizing new

incorporate data collection into their classes, whether as

this hackathon workshop, teachers will work in groups

plastics that are important for clean energy devices. In this role, he is

part of a high school statistics course, a unit on statistics

passionate about communicating with the public about polymers and

to plan and execute an original coding project matching

in a middle school mathematics curriculum, or a peer-

sustainability.

to-peer data-collection science activity.

Mark Walsh is the outreach programs coordinator for the Cornell Center

in STEM. This workshop is best suited for teachers who

Susie Kang is an MƒA Master Teacher and science teacher at Essex Street

for Materials Research. He coordinates outreach with graduate students

their skills and interests. Teachers will share expertise, learn from each other while making something meaningful to them, and showcase their projects at

and professors, developing hands-on kits and bringing STEM to the

the session’s end. This workshop is best for computer

wider community. He received his bachelor’s in Biology from Hartwick

science teachers or those who know the basics of any

Akil Wilson is an MƒA Master Teacher and mathematics teacher at

College and taught middle and high school science for 20 years in New

coding language. We will organize groups by coding

School of the Future High School in Manhattan.

York City, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and Malaysia.

Glued Into Science: Sustainable Polymers Facilitators: Brett Fors, Ph.D., Jesse Hsu, and Mark Walsh

Going Gradeless in Your STEM Classroom Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Shannon Guglielmo and Melissa Rodriguez

Academy in Manhattan.

language preference. Take the leap and join us—you may code a mess or a gem, but it’ll be a blast either way.

TUESDAY, MAY 9

MONDAY, JUN 5

ONLINE

ONLINE

Marieke Thomas is an MƒA Master Teacher and science teacher at The Bronx High School of Science in the Bronx.

Elissa Levy is an MƒA Early Career Teacher and science teacher at Hunter College High School in Manhattan.

 SCIENCE

 INQUIRY, PRACTICE, AND LEADERSHIP

With more plastic generated than ever before, and very

What if we told you “going gradeless” could increase

little of it being recycled, there is a tremendous need for

student agency, advocacy, and deep learning? Join

sustainable polymers—polymers that meet the demand

us to make a plan around your grading practices for

WEDNESDAY, MAR 15

for plastic but do so without long-term damage to our

the 2023-2024 school year that will shift both your

ONLINE

environment. Researchers at Cornell University are

grading practices and your students’ learning! First,

currently working to transform how plastics are made,

we’ll look at research from big names like Alfie Kohn

unmade, and remade through innovative research.

as well as other STEM practitioners about why the

In this workshop, members of the Fors lab at Cornell

practice of “ungrading” is both backed by research and

University will share some of their work on developing

empowering for students. Then, we’ll talk through the

sustainable polymers. Following the presentation,

“going gradeless” approach in our own classrooms

teachers will explore a hands-on activity to create their

and common areas for troubleshooting. This course is

own non-toxic polymers and use them, along with other

ideal if you are ready to “go gradeless” but need some

household plastics, to test for material properties. We

resources to do it in your own classroom.

will conclude by discussing how plastics are classified

Shannon Guglielmo is an MƒA Master Teacher and mathematics teacher

for recycling and the inherent problems of these

at Landmark High School in Manhattan.

classifications. This course is best suited for chemistry

Melissa Rodriguez is an MƒA Master Teacher and mathematics teacher at

teachers but all middle and high school STEM teachers

Central Park East High School in Manhattan.

are welcome.

44

Health Inequities: Analysis and Ethics p Facilitators: Jacob Appel, M.D., and MƒA Master Teacher Deame Hua

 SCIENCE

Why are infant mortality rates drastically different across NYC communities? What is the relationship between high school completion and long-term disability risk?

Health inequities and differential healthcare access have risen to the forefront of public health. Join us in this workshop to explore the root causes of health inequity and discuss the ethical questions surrounding it. We will examine healthcare access and treatment, resource allocation, and priority setting. Teachers will collaborate to analyze a case study, consider current data, and explore all topics from a scientific and ethical lens. This workshop is best suited for any middle or high school science teacher interested in learning more about health MƒA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE CATALOG: WINTER/SPRING 2023

Single Session Workshops

of how traumatic experiences get passed down through multiple

constraints of our schools. This workshop is open to all

generations. He completed his Ph.D. in neuroscience at the Medical

courageous teachers seeking to no longer feel isolated

College of Wisconsin, where he used human stem-cell derived brain organoids as models for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. Outside

inequities and bringing ethics into the classroom.

Dr. Jacob M. Appel is a physician, bioethicist, attorney, author, and poet. He is currently the Director of Ethics Education in Psychiatry and teaches at Mount Sinai’s Icahn School of Medicine. His publications

and to belong in their school communities.

of the lab, Dr. Arzua fights for diversity and equity within science as a

Yishan Lee is an MƒA Master Teacher and science teacher at P.S. 219 Paul

co-founder of Black In Neuro, as well as a policy ambassador for the

Klapper in Queens.

Society for Neuroscience. In his rare free time, he trains for triathlons, recently completing the 2021 Ironman Wisconsin.

Cathy Xiong is an MƒA Master Teacher and science teacher at Robert F. Wagner, Jr. Secondary School for Arts and Technology in Queens.

include pieces on reproductive ethics, neuroethics, organ donation, and euthanasia. His novel, The Man Who Wouldn’t Stand Up, won the Dundee International Book Prize in 2012. Dr. Appel is also the subject of the 2019 documentary “Jacob,” by director Jon Stahl. He has a J.D. from Harvard Law School and an M.D. from Columbia University of Physicians

A Hundred Ways to Differentiate: Work Smarter, Not Harder With the UDL Framework p Facilitator: MƒA Early Career Teacher Stephen Kos

and Surgeons.

WEDNESDAY, FEB 8

Deame Hua is an MƒA Master Teacher and science teacher at Stuyvesant

MƒA

High School in Manhattan.

 INQUIRY, PRACTICE, AND LEADERSHIP

In this workshop, teachers will learn how to use the

How to Create a Brain: Neurodevelopment and Stem Cells Facilitator: Thiago Arzua, Ph.D.

Universal Design for Learning Framework (UDL) as a guide for differentiation. We’ll begin with a brief overview of the neuroscience research backing this

WEDNESDAY, MAR 22

powerful tool, then gain familiarity with the three

MƒA

tenets of UDL. This work will help us reduce reteaching,

 SCIENCE

It’s difficult to say precisely how many cells the human brain has, but scientists estimate between 80 to 100 million, all originating from a single stem cell. During the nine months of gestation, over three thousand cells are created every second, migrate to the right location,

improve assessment accuracy, and ultimately help ALL students thrive and enjoy school. Finally, we’ll explore and use GoalBookApp’s free UDL-Aligned Strategies to update our own lessons. This course is suited for all teachers striving to increase student success and enthusiasm.

and form connections to neighboring cells. Join us to

Stephen Kos is an MƒA Early Career Teacher and science teacher at

learn more about the amazing and intricate process of

New Explorations into Science, Technology and Math High School in

human brain formation. We’ll begin by examining the most recent research in neurodevelopment, including the many unfortunate ways things can go wrong. Then, we’ll explore how stem cells have been used in the past decade to study brain development, with an emphasis on human brain organoids, 3D models that can mimic the structure and function of a human fetal brain. We will conclude by discussing the scientific, societal, and

Manhattan.

I’m a Teacher and I Want to Belong Too! Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Yishan Li and Cathy Xiong WEDNESDAY, FEB 15 ONLINE  INQUIRY, PRACTICE, AND LEADERSHIP

philosophical questions that arise from studying these

What does it look like to work in a welcoming and

complex models made from human tissue. This course

supportive environment that provides a safe space for

is best suited for middle and high school life science

us to be honest about our victories and our struggles?

teachers.

In this workshop, we will explore creative ways to foster

Dr. Thiago Arzua is a postdoctoral scientist at Columbia University’s Zuckerman Institute. He studies the neurodevelopmental aspects

45

An Introduction to Quantum Mechanics: What Happens When Objects Are Very Small?

Facilitator: Klejda Bega, Ph.D. WEDNESDAY, MAY 24 MƒA  SCIENCE

Quantum Mechanics, one of the most successful scientific theories, has made possible many of the technological wonders we now take for granted. Yet, the theory’s implications for how nature works at its most elementary level are often beyond the grasp of a typical introductory physics student. In this workshop, we will explore the double-slit experiment to learn how to make the following questions accessible and engaging for any student: (1) what occurs when pellets, water waves, and electrons pass through a wall with two-slits?, (2) what is the wavefunction and what is the role of probability in quantum mechanics?, (3) what is the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle and how does it fundamentally limit the precision of concurrent measurements of position, momentum, and speed of an object?, and (4) what happens to a particle when a measurement is undertaken on its entangled partner, and what does this tell us about the usual notion of locality? All physics teachers are welcome.

Dr. Klejda Bega has a Ph.D. in particle physics from Caltech and is currently a Lecturer in Discipline at Columbia University, where she teaches Frontiers of Science, a required interdisciplinary science course, part of the Columbia Core Curriculum.

connection between staff and collaborate to design relationship-building activities tailored to the needs and MƒA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE CATALOG: WINTER/SPRING 2023

Single Session Workshops iPad Master Class Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Ryan Bittman and Andrew Fitts THURSDAY, FEB 16 ONLINE

Let Them Figure it Out! Strategies to Develop Basic Logic Skills Facilitators: MƒA Master Teacher Andy Nissinboim and MƒA Early Career Teacher Jesse John, Ph.D. MONDAY, MAY 1 ONLINE  INQUIRY, PRACTICE, AND LEADERSHIP

How do we get students to uncover and learn content

 COMPUTER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

in ways that move beyond direct instruction? In this

Would you like to use your iPad in class more

workshop, we will reflect on our teaching practices,

effectively? In this workshop, teachers will learn how

examine strategies to develop students’ logical thinking

to develop content and strengthen teaching practices

skills, and explore task design strategies to maximize

using iPad technology. We will focus on several

learning and minimize teacher-centered content

computer and iPad applications to support teachers,

delivery. We will also find areas where we can better

including Notability, Explain Everything, Doceri, Desmos,

facilitate students’ critical thinking. We’ll plan and leave

Sidecar, and X Mirage. The workshop is open to all who

with a lesson that empowers students and de-centers

have an iPad and want to learn how to use it in the

the role of the teacher. This course is best for secondary

classroom.

teachers, but all teachers are welcome.

Ryan Bittman and Andrew Fitts are MƒA Master Teachers and

Andy Nissinboim is an MƒA Master Teacher and science teacher at High

mathematics teachers at NYC iSchool in Manhattan.

School for Innovation in Advertising and Media in Brooklyn.

Dr. Jesse John is an MƒA Early Career Teacher and science teacher at

Learning to Love Row Reduction Facilitator: MƒA Master Teacher Patrick Honner THURSDAY, FEB 16 MƒA  MATHEMATICS

If mathematics teachers have learned anything about

High School for Innovation in Advertising and Media in Brooklyn.

modify existing math trails for our classroom.

Math Trails: Exploring Mathematics in the Real World Facilitators: New York State Master Teacher Tara Redican and MƒA Master Teachers Ramona Fittipaldi-Deoraj and Andrea Kung

matrices, it’s how to put them into row reduced form.

THURSDAY, JUN 15

Row reduction is often seen as a perfunctory exercise

MƒA

Tara Redican is a New York State Master Teacher and science teacher in Newburgh, New York.

Ramona Fittipaldi-Deoraj is an MƒA Master Teacher and mathematics teacher at Young Women’s Leadership School in Manhattan.

Andrea Kung is an MƒA Master Teacher and mathematics teacher at Urban Academy Laboratory High School in Manhattan.

in symbol manipulation, but the right approach offers

 MATHEMATICS

vital insights into linear algebra, like independence, rank,

Are you interested in taking your students outside to

and invertibility. In this workshop, teachers will learn (or

explore mathematics in nature? In this workshop, we will

re-learn) how to put a matrix into row reduced form and

discuss how to integrate field-based instruction in the

then explore the many profound ideas connected to this

mathematics classroom through math trails. A math trail

simple procedure.

WEDNESDAY, MAR 1

is a discovery walk in which students solve mathematical

ONLINE

Patrick Honner is an MƒA Master Teacher and mathematics teacher at

problems around natural objects, such as calculating

Stuyvesant High School in Manhattan.

angles and areas of the Flatiron building and analyzing patterns in architecture, nature, and movement, providing students with real-life mathematical experiences. Join us as we practice a math trail at Madison Square Park and discuss how to create and

46

Middle School Science Fair: A Toolkit for Differentiation and Engagement p Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Devan Aptekar, Allison Cohen, Pamela Flanagan, and James Salazar

 SCIENCE

Are you looking to revamp your middle school science fair or perhaps you’re implementing one for the first time? Join us in this workshop as we explore a pedagogical toolkit to help us design an equitable

MƒA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE CATALOG: WINTER/SPRING 2023

Single Session Workshops

facilitating professional development on inclusive co-teaching practices and Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Additionally, she is an educational coach and workshop facilitator for Roots ConnectED, where she facilitates workshops on inclusive practices focused on high-

science fair fostering agency, identity, and engagement

impact co-teaching models and the theory and practice of UDL.

in our middle school students. We’ll begin by discussing

Millen Tesfaldet is an educator at Community Roots Charter School

our previous challenges and then explore a series of

in Brooklyn, New York, a Roots ConnectED learning site, where she

practical plans to guide students in conducting and

teaches 1st grade and focuses on developing and revising curriculum.

sharing their own rigorous scientific research. Teachers

Millen has taught in high impact ICT classrooms utilizing various co-

Parking Functions: Choose Your Own Adventure Facilitator: Pamela Harris, Ph.D. TUESDAY, MAR 7 ONLINE  MATHEMATICS

Consider a parking lot consisting of n consecutive parking spots along a one-way street labeled 1 to n.

teaching approaches and the Universal Design for Learning framework

Suppose n cars want to park one at a time in the parking

to meet the needs of all her students. She has effectively designed and

lot, and each has a preferred parking spot. Each car

support authentic investigation, successful group work,

revised units that guide students to explore issues of identity, power,

entering the lot initially tries to park in its preferred spot.

differentiation, vertical-alignment, and tested timelines

perspective, and access.

will leave with an array of ready-to-use resources to

and logistics. This workshop is most suitable for middle school science teachers, but anyone interested is welcome to join.

Devan Aptekar, Alison Cohen, Pamela Flanagan, and James Salazar are MƒA Master Teachers and science teachers at Tompkins Square Middle School in Manhattan.

However, if a car’s preferred spot is already occupied, it will proceed forward to the street parking in the next

Paper Circuit Identity Portraits Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Shiela Lee and Diana Scheck THURSDAY, MAY 25 MƒA  INQUIRY, PRACTICE, AND LEADERSHIP

available spot. Since the parking lot is along a one-way street, it is not guaranteed that every car will be able to park before driving past the parking lot. If we let ai denote the preference of car i and all of the cars can park under these conditions, then the preference list (a1,a2, ... ,an) is called a parking function (of length n). For

Affirming student identity is essential in building

example, (1,2,4,2,2) is a parking function, but (1,2,2,5,5)

community in the classroom, getting to know

is not (you should convince yourself of this!). In this

WEDNESDAY, APR 26

your students, and improving engagement. In this

workshop, we will explore combinatorial problems

ONLINE

workshop, teachers will make their identity portraits

related to parking functions and consider many new

and incorporate circuits to light up the parts of their

avenues for research stemming from this enumerative

identities that are most important to them. Join us for a

question. Come ready to collaborate and wonder about

STEAM-filled evening as we discuss using paper circuit

these mathematical objects!

identity portraits to extend learning in science and

Dr. Pamela E. Harris is a Mexican-American mathematician,

engage students. Teachers will leave with tools to affirm

award-winning mathematical educator, and Associate Professor

their students’ identities in the classroom and ways to

of Mathematics at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She

Myth of the Average Learner p Facilitators: Ellen Cantrell and Millen Tesfaldet

 INQUIRY, PRACTICE, AND LEADERSHIP

We have witnessed far too many classrooms where students are taught to an imaginary “average,” excluding differentiation for any student outside of this “middle.”

Achieving equity in our classrooms requires recognizing the variability of learners in our communities. To do this, we must eradicate the myth of the average learner from our mindsets. In this session, we will discover how addressing learning needs is related to equity and justice in our classrooms. Because a central component of our Anti-Bias Framework is inclusion, developing an inclusive mindset is essential in creating anti-biased classrooms and school communities. Teachers will leave with tangible next steps on how to create personal and

integrate paper circuits within their curricula no matter the grade level. This workshop is open to all teachers.

received her B.S. from Marquette University and her M.S. and Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Dr. Harris’s research is in algebraic combinatorics and she is the author of over 50

Shiela Lee is an MƒA Master Teacher and computer science teacher at

peer-reviewed research articles in internationally recognized journals.

P.S. 059 Beekman Hill International in Manhattan.

She has supervised the research of over 120 undergraduate students,

Diana Scheck is an MƒA Master Teacher and mathematics teacher at P.S. 059 Beekman Hill International in Manhattan.

most of whom identify as members of historically excluded groups in higher education. She has served as a research faculty mentor for undergraduate research programs at the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute and the Institute for Computational and Experimental Research in Mathematics. She is the President and co-founder of Lathisms: Latinx and Hispanics in the Mathematical Sciences, cohosts

systemic shifts in understanding around inclusion and

the podcast Mathematically Uncensored, and is a co-author of the book

anti-bias at their schools.

series about advocating for students of color in mathematics Asked and

Ellen Cantrell is an elementary school educator who works in co-taught

Answered, Practices and Policies, and Read and Rectify.

classrooms at Community Roots Charter School in Brooklyn, New York, a Roots ConnectED learning site. Ellen has been a member of the Inclusive Practices Group (IPG) at Community Roots since its inception,

47

MƒA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE CATALOG: WINTER/SPRING 2023

Single Session Workshops

we’ll use the free Phyphox app to explore classroom-

consequences of this trophic disruption. Throughout,

ready lessons developed by Lawrence Livermore

teachers will learn how to identify native raptors on a

National Labs and tested in physics classrooms around

guided raptor walk with a ranger from the National Park

the country. After conducting a few investigations

Service.

together, we’ll divide into groups to further explore

Stephen McClellan is an MƒA Master Teacher and science teacher at

online materials. We’ll conclude by discussing how

Stuyvesant High School in Manhattan.

THURSDAY, MAR 30

phone physics can supplement (or replace) some of the

Scott Wassmuth is an MƒA Master Teacher and science teacher at N.Y.C.

ONLINE

labs we do in our physics classes today. This course is

Museum School in Manhattan.

Physics in Math and Math in Physics Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Pheona Hunt and Elli Simonen

 INQUIRY, PRACTICE, AND LEADERSHIP

best suited for physics teachers of grades 7-12.

Are you a physics teacher with students who need

Dr. David Rakestraw is a senior scientist at Lawrence Livermore National

algebra support? Are you an algebra teacher who is

Laboratory. Following decades of conducting and managing research,

interested in integrating physics into the curriculum?

While we know that these subjects overlap, in many schools, they are taught in isolation. Join us as we collaborate to refine curriculum and devise instructional strategies to support learning both physics and mathematics. We will open by discussing each curriculum, finding connections between them, and determining skills needed for state assessment. Teachers will leave this session with resources compiled from our shared past experiences and our work together. This course is best suited for high school level physics and

David is currently working in the field of STEM education.

RoboExpo FacilitatorS: MƒA Master Teachers Everton Henriques, Jared Jax, Ed.D., and TJ Smolka

Elissa Levy is an MƒA Early Career Teacher and science teacher at Hunter

THURSDAY, MAR 30

College High School in Manhattan.

MƒA  COMPUTER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Raptors in NYC: Eagles, Osprey, and Hawks, Oh My! Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Stephen McClellan and Scott Wassmuth WEDNESDAY, MAY 31 OFFSITE  SCIENCE

Are you interested in creating or expanding a robotics program at your school but want support in getting started? Come to the MƒA RoboExpo! Teachers will explore a variety of approaches to robotics used by MƒA Master Teachers across various grade levels and contexts, including virtual platforms, Arduinos, Lego, VEX, TETRIX, and FIRST Competition robots. Learn

algebra teachers.

+ PLEASE NOTE: THIS SESSION WILL TAKE PLACE IN ISHAM AND INWOOD PARKS.

Pheona Hunt is an MƒA Master Teacher and science teacher at Special

If you ask your students to name some NYC wildlife,

STEM classrooms and join a network of MƒA teachers

Music School in Manhattan.

they will probably list rats, pigeons, and cockroaches,

ready to support you and your students in getting

Elli Simonen is an MƒA Master Teacher and mathematics teacher at

but rarely will they mention birds of prey. For decades,

started. No previous experience with robotics is

raptor populations in NYC were in decline, but thanks

necessary.

to recent restoration efforts, raptors are back! Join us

Everton Henriques and Dr. Jared Jax are MƒA Master Teachers and

in this workshop as we walk through Isham park and

science teachers at Staten Island Technical High School in Staten Island.

explore the infrastructure and reintroduction efforts

TJ Smolka is an MƒA Master Teacher and science teacher at Ralph R.

to restore our native raptor population. We’ll begin

McKee Career and Technical Education High School in Staten Island.

Special Music School in Manhattan.

Physics With Phones: Redesigning Labs Using Cellphone Sensor Data Facilitators: David Rakestraw, Ph.D., and MƒA Early Career Teacher Elissa Levy THURSDAY, FEB 9 MƒA  SCIENCE

Our cellphones’ internal sensors are impressively

about opportunities to incorporate robotics into your

by discussing the history of predators in the city and the sudden disappearance of birds of prey coinciding with the increased use of organophosphate and organochloride biocides. Then, we will examine the

The Science of Smell: A Journey Into the Brain Through the Nose Facilitator: Beka Stecky

slow scientific and societal recognition of the dangers

TUESDAY, APR 25

powerful, enabling us to experimentally determine the

of these chemicals, the environmental legislation to

MƒA

acceleration of an elevator, the coefficient of friction

curtail their release, and the eventual protection of our

 SCIENCE

between our phone and a table, the centripetal force

top predators. We’ll also consider trophic cascades,

Have you ever caught a whiff of something that

exerted by a salad spinner, and even the strength of a

connections between raptor loss and a rise in rodent

suddenly transported you back to a specific time and

magnetic field produced by a solenoid. In this workshop,

populations, and the epidemiological and ecological

place? Perhaps you sat next to a stranger who wore the

48

MƒA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE CATALOG: WINTER/SPRING 2023

Single Session Workshops

Beka Stecky is a Ph.D. candidate and National Science Foundation fellow at Columbia University’s Zuckerman Institute. She currently studies how the brain adapts to traumatic experiences. Before starting her doctoral work at Columbia, Beka earned her B.S. in Anthropology

same perfume as your grandmother or walked past an

at Appalachian State University. Thereafter, she received her molecular

open window that billowed out clouds of the dish your

biology training at the University of North Carolina at Asheville. When

father used to make. In a world where sight and sound

she’s not doing science, you can find her biking, doing acrobatics,

take priority, we often forget how the power of smell gives meaning to our world. A finely tuned chemical detector, the nose can identify odor molecules at surprisingly low concentrations while also discerning slight differences between complex molecular mixtures.

Join us in this workshop as we explore the molecular physiology and neuroscience of smell. We will discuss what our sense of smell means for our well-being, how olfactory dysfunction can impact our health in mysterious ways, and how the olfactory system serves as a research model to help us study all sorts of biological questions. This course is best suited for middle and high school biology and chemistry teachers, but all noses are welcome!

cooking, and spending time with friends.

Trauma Informed Practices and Adult Wellness p Facilitators: Natalie Ginsburg and Jillian Morgan WEDNESDAY, MAR 1 ONLINE  INQUIRY, PRACTICE, AND LEADERSHIP

As educators, we care for students and their varied needs. But our ability to care for others is affected by

Teacher Leadership for Impactful School Change II Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Sharon Collins and Ben Morgenroth

how well we care for ourselves. Collective trauma, which manifests and is experienced differently by all, requires us to have the skills and language to both understand and respond to different needs. Through

TUESDAY, MAR 7

connection and reflection, we will examine how our

ONLINE

own trauma shapes both how we respond to or think

 INQUIRY, PRACTICE, AND LEADERSHIP

How can we influence urban education beyond the walls of our classrooms? As NYC grapples with complex educational issues, teacher voice and expertise should be a required part of educational policy conversations and decisions. In this workshop, we will explore how to transfer our classroom leadership skills to our school

about students and families, and how we view fellow teachers and school leaders. All teachers will leave with a more developed practice regarding nonviolent communication, self-care, and continued reflection and applications to practice.

Natalie Ginsburg is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Community Roots Charter School in Brooklyn, New York, a Roots ConnectED learning site. In her role as a Social Worker, Natalie provides individual

communities and beyond. By reading selections from

and small group counseling to students, supervises social work master’s

Teacher Leaders: Transforming Schools from the Inside,

degree students, facilitates family workshops, and collaborates closely

from Bank Street College of Education, we will learn

with teachers and families. She is a member of the Anti-Bias Education

how teachers are changing education for their students.

We will apply a Success Analysis Protocol to analyze and

Collective (ABC), a staff leadership initiative focused on implementing anti-bias curriculum and staff professional development. Additionally, Natalie has served as a Teaching Associate for research and practice

better understand the determining factors that lead to

courses at Columbia University’s School of Social Work.

effective teacher advocacy and activism. Lastly, we will

Jillian Morgan is a licensed clinical social worker working as the

be resources for each other in expanding our leadership

Director of Community and Wellness at Mediabrands, a global company

and planning targeted ways to amplify our voices,

spanning 13,000 employees. In this role, she works closely with DEI

integral in contributing to wider educational decisions.

Join us as we move from discussion to execution. This

teams and employees to enhance psychological safety, well-being, and a sense of belonging for staff. She also works as a private therapist.

Through her role at Roots ConnectED, she hopes to support school

workshop is a sequel to the fall 2022 Teacher Leadership

leaders, teachers, and educational professionals in creating brave

for Impactful School Change workshop, but it is open

spaces and communities that center equity and justice.

to any teacher interested in developing their leadership skills.

Sharon Collins is an MƒA Master Teacher and mathematics teacher at New Heights Academy Charter School in Manhattan.

Ben Morgenroth is an MƒA Master Teacher and mathematics teacher at Brooklyn Technical High School in Brooklyn.

49

MƒA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE CATALOG: WINTER/SPRING 2023

Single Session Workshops

gasoline use and deepen your understanding of climate

Rebecca Haverstick is an MƒA Master Teacher and science teacher at

change science. We’ll begin by reviewing the basic

Battery Park City School in Manhattan.

science behind climate change and discuss the causes

Viete’s Formulas: Quadratics, Cubics, and Beyond Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Priscilla Won and Malgorzata Zareba MONDAY, FEB 27 ONLINE

behind climate anxiety. Then we’ll dive into scale, highlight the challenges of teaching this concept, and finally share concrete strategies for overcoming these

Writing in Math Class: How Writing Prompts Deepen Mathematical Thinking Facilitator: MƒA Master Teacher Diane Thole

difficulties. Teachers will leave ready to act and with a

TUESDAY, MAY 30

toolbox of ready-to-use resources for middle and high

MƒA

 MATHEMATICS

school STEM classrooms.

 MATHEMATICS

How can we extract information about a polynomial’s

Dr. Don Haas is the Director of Teacher Programming at the

Join us as we develop and incorporate writing prompts

roots without knowing their numerical value? In this

Paleontological Research Institution and its Museum of the Earth and

for everyday use in our mathematics classrooms.

Cayuga Nature Center in Ithaca, NY. He is a nationally regarded expert

By transforming an ordinary question into an open-

workshop, we will explore applications of Viete’s formulas, collaboratively tackle problems, and delve into

in climate and energy education, place-based and technology-rich Earth and environmental science education, and is a past president

ended writing prompt, teachers can spark student

the quadratic case, the cubic case, and beyond. We will

of the National Association of Geoscience Teachers. He is co-author

conversations while reinforcing mathematics

also discuss Francois Viete, the French mathematician,

of the books, The Teacher-Friendly Guide to Climate Change and The

vocabulary, foundational skills, and reasoning abilities.

Science Beneath the Surface: A Very Short Guide to the Marcellus Shale.

Writing prompts are also a great formative assessment

and the history behind his famous formulas. Teachers will leave with a better understanding of Viete’s formulas and how to create problems inspiring curiosity in

He is committed to helping others thrive in their teaching and learning, especially as related to climate and energy. And… he wants you to talk more about fire.

experience.

Wild About Worms!

Facilitator: MƒA Master Teacher Rebecca Haverstick

Priscilla Won and Malgorzata Zareba are MƒA Master Teachers and

TUESDAY, MAY 2

mathematics teachers at The Bronx High School of Science in the Bronx.

MƒA  SCIENCE

Where Does Gasoline Go?: Climate Change, Climate Anxiety, and Climate Action Facilitator: Don Haas, Ph.D. WEDNESDAY, APR 19 ONLINE  SCIENCE

learning in a low-stakes fashion. Together, we will explore example writing prompts, modify existing

our students. This workshop is an introduction to Viete’s Formulas and is best for those with little to no

tool that gives students a routine to self-assess their

curricular materials, and investigate student selfassessment and peer assessment. This workshop is open to middle and high school mathematics teachers.

Diane Thole is an MƒA Master Teacher and mathematics teacher at School of the Future High School in Manhattan.

Did you know every bit of soil on the planet has passed through the body of an earthworm at least once? Worms are nature’s recyclers. As they eat their way through dirt, they transform decaying matter into fertile soil. Join us in this workshop to learn more about worms, how to acquire and care for them in

Did you know a gallon of gasoline weighs about

the classroom, and the myriad ways to integrate a

six pounds? A vehicle burning just ten gallons per

colony of red wiggler worms into your curriculum.

week results in sixty pounds of gasoline seemingly

First, we’ll discuss how worms can be a valuable tool to

disappearing from the tank. But where exactly does it

engage your students, then we’ll conduct a few simple

all go? In 2021, Americans burned 369 million gallons

investigations with live worms to guide us in planning

of gasoline per day—more than a gallon per person.

student-driven investigations, and finally we’ll share

Such large numbers can be difficult to comprehend,

how students can raise classroom worms with fruit and

but a deeper understanding of scale can help us better

vegetable scraps from the school cafeteria. All teachers

grapple with our use, our environmental impact, and

will leave with their own colony of worms and a habitat

ultimately how to meet our civic responsibilities. In

to house them. Science teachers of all grades are

this workshop, we will explore the story of a gallon of

welcome.

gasoline, a gripping tale that will inspire you to rethink 50

MƒA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE CATALOG: WINTER/SPRING 2023

Affinity Groups

Affinity Groups Affinity Groups are a series of workshops in which teachers with shared identities grapple with how their particular identities intersect and inform their role as STEM educators, their classroom practice, and their engagement with the broader MƒA community.

51

MƒA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE CATALOG: WINTER/SPRING 2023

Affinity Groups + PLEASE NOTE: FOR ALL AFFINITY GROUPS, YOU MAY SIGN UP FOR EACH MEETING SEPARATELY IN ACCORDANCE WITH YOUR AVAILABILITY AND PREFERENCE FOR IN-PERSON OR VIRTUAL MEETINGS. CLICK ON THE DATES BELOW TO NAVIGATE TO EACH MEETING’S REGISTRATION PAGE.

LGBTQIA+ Affinity Group p Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Pooja Bhaskar and Lisa Bueno and MƒA Program Officer Nakita VanBiene

White Anti-Racist Educators Affinity Group p Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Brian Palacios, Christa Quint, and Andrew Slivosky TUESDAYS, FEB 14, MAR 21, APR 25, MAY 23

THURSDAYS, FEB 16, MAR 9 MONDAYS, APR 17, MAY 15 WEDNESDAY, JUN 7

 COMMUNITY

OFFSITE & ONLINE

Are you a white person interested in working towards

MƒA & ONLINE

 COMMUNITY

a more racially just educational system? Join us as we

Are you interested in meeting other queer educators

learn from and support one another, take on a more

in the MƒA community? Join us as we collaborate,

vocal role in our school communities, seek ways to lean

recharge, and discuss common challenges we may face

into racial discomfort, decenter ourselves, and dismantle

with fellow LGBTQIA+ STEM teachers. We will meet

our privilege in educational settings. We will meet

TUESDAYS, FEB 14, MAR 14, APR 18, MAY 16, JUN 13

monthly, and the needs of our community will set our

monthly, and the needs of our community will set our

OFFSITE & ONLINE

agenda.

agenda.

Asian American Affinity Group p Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Yishan Lee, Sin Li, Susie Li, and Cathy Xiong

 COMMUNITY

Our monthly meetup aims to create a tight-knit community of Asian American educators who explore how our identity intersects with our role as educators.

We will discuss and share the diversity of social and

Space to Breathe: Women of Color Affinity Group p Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Alana Burgos and Alyson Lopez

cultural values within the Asian American community.

WEDNESDAYS, FEB 8, MAR 8, APR 26, MAY 31, JUN 14

We will also examine the challenges facing all minorities

MƒA, ONLINE, & OFFSITE

and stand in solidarity with all.

 COMMUNITY

Do you identify as a Black, Latinx, Indigenous, or woman

Black, Latinx, and PoC Affinity Group p Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Shangaza Banfield, Leton Hall, Joshua Modeste, Eric Portales, and Samantha Tulloch

of color interested in discussing ways to prioritize selfcare? Join us in this affinity group as we honestly discuss our shared struggles with work-life balance and explore research-based self-care practices. Gathered by the

WEDNESDAYS, FEB 15, MAR 15, APR 19, MAY 17, JUN 7

community, these practices will help us pour back into

MƒA & ONLINE

ourselves and each other to restore and rejuvenate. Any

 COMMUNITY

BIPoC woman-identified folks can join!

Do you identify as a Black, Latinx, Indigenous, or PoC educator interested in discussing the experiences and challenges faced by people of color in the world of education? Join us as we consider the issues met by our communities and support one another in our educational endeavors. We will meet monthly, and the needs of our community will set our agenda.

52

MƒA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE CATALOG: WINTER/SPRING 2023

Interest Groups Interest Groups are one-time workshops in which small groups of teachers meet informally around a common interest or identity. They provide opportunities to make connections and begin conversations with MƒA colleagues.

53

MƒA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE CATALOG: WINTER/SPRING 2023

Interest Groups All-Levels Vinyasa Yoga Facilitator: Emilie Brockmann

The Assassination Classroom: An Exploration of Teaching in Anime Facilitator: MƒA Master Teacher Deborah Katz TUESDAY, MAR 28 MƒA  COMMUNITY

MONDAYS, FEB 6, MAR 6, APR 3, MAY 8 ONLINE  COMMUNITY

Brainstorm and Build: MƒA Course Proposal Support Facilitators: MƒA Staff Courtney Ginsberg and Uzma Shah, and MƒA Master Teachers TBD WEDNESDAY, FEB 22 MONDAYS, MAR 6, MAR 27 ONLINE

Are you interested in discussing how teaching is

 COMMUNITY

portrayed in anime? Join us for an in-depth pedagogical

+ PLEASE NOTE: YOU MAY SIGN UP FOR EACH MEETING SEPARATELY IN ACCORDANCE WITH YOUR AVAILABILITY.

+ PLEASE NOTE: YOU MAY SIGN UP FOR EACH MEETING SEPARATELY IN ACCORDANCE WITH YOUR AVAILABILITY.

conversation centered on teaching in anime. We will set our agenda based on teacher choice and may

Are you interested in facilitating a course at MƒA but

Are you interested in starting a yoga practice but feel a

include watching key moments in anime, sharing

don’t know where to start? Do you have an idea for a

bit intimidated? Vinyasa yoga incorporates all levels of

recommendations, exploring how to build connections

course and want support in fleshing it out? Do you have

movement, making it perfect for beginners. In this hour-

with students, and compiling relevant resources and

questions about the course proposal process and want

long session, we will safely move the body through

opportunities.

guidance from MƒA staff and other MƒA teachers to help you navigate the steps and timeline for submission?

carefully curated yoga postures as we explore different breathing techniques, build heat, seek balance, and stretch and strengthen the muscles. By linking breath to movement, our practice will become a moving meditation.

Emilie Brockmann is a yoga instructor, sound meditation facilitator, and

Board Game Appreciation Facilitator: MƒA Master Teacher Yishan Lee WEDNESDAY, MAR 1 MƒA  COMMUNITY

wellness practitioner.

Amplifying Up Facilitator: MƒA Master Teacher Jackie Rivas THURSDAY, FEB 9 MƒA  SCIENCE

successes and challenges in proposing courses. We’ll conclude with an opportunity for you to share your this time, you can work in affinity groups aligned with

games beyond classic games like Monopoly, Scrabble,

areas of interest and expertise. By the end of the session,

or Uno, this is the space for you! Gamers of all levels

you might even leave with your course proposal fully

are welcome, from non-gamers to fellow tabletop

developed!

gaming enthusiasts. Experience the joy of face-toface interaction as we test out non-mainstream titles, incorporating play elements into our instruction.

added to the curriculum.

hear from MƒA teacher facilitators as they share their

course ideas and to give and receive feedback. During

for your students? In this interest group, we will find new

and share best practices for how we have altered or

with an overview of the course proposal form, then

knowledge? If you are curious about the world of board

explore game mechanics, and brainstorm ideas for

our students’ needs. We will discuss our experiences

to develop a successful course proposal. We’ll begin

Are you interested in expanding your board game

Are you interested in making Amplify exciting and fun and exciting ways to adapt and modify lessons to meet

Then join us in this workshop to learn what it takes

Bringing Students to the MƒA Table Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Naomi Hawkins and Mario Simonelli TUESDAY, MAY 30 ONLINE  MATHEMATICS

Are you interested in bringing students to the virtual table at MƒA? In this interest group, we will discuss how we can actually involve students in the MƒA experience (beyond sharing student work). Join us as we propose ideas for getting our students involved in the virtual MƒA community—together, we will share our ideas with MƒA staff for possible implementation in the 2023-24 school year.

54

MƒA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE CATALOG: WINTER/SPRING 2023

Interest Groups

we teach and want to teach! Computer science teachers of all grade levels are welcome!

Cancer: Health and Social Justice Curriculum Information Session Facilitators: Alia Komsany, Ph.D., and Erica Phillips, M.D. MONDAY, MAR 13 ONLINE  SCIENCE

Are you passionate about the intersection of public health and social justice? Do you want to empower your students to help reduce and control the uneven distribution of cancer in NYC? Join us in this information session as we introduce our innovative approach to integrating a school-based cancer and social justice curriculum. Designed for middle school science

Crafting Through Cricut in the Classroom Facilitators: Hareem Ahmed-Zia and MƒA Master Teacher Quratul Waqas

classroom.

ONLINE

and ideas with other Earth Science teachers? Would you

 COMMUNITY

Are you interested in crafting using a Cricut smart cutting machine in your classroom? Join us as we

research, she mentors, teaches, and tutors young women in health

like to collaborate to discuss the unique challenges that we face? Join us for an informal brainstorming session about best teaching practices in our subject area.

explore a variety of ways to use a Cricut, share ideas, and discuss how to use Cricut design space to create simple projects. Any teachers who have previous knowledge of Cricut design space are welcome!

Hareem Ahmed-Zia is a science teacher at John Adams High School in Queens.

Experiential Educators: Bringing First-Hand Science Fieldwork Into the Classroom Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Jerry Citron, Justin Czarka, and Laura Ralph WEDNESDAY, MAR 22 ONLINE  SCIENCE

Department Chair Support Group Facilitator: MƒA Master Teacher Matt Baker WEDNESDAY, MAR 8 ONLINE

Dr. Alia Komsany is a cancer biologist. In addition to conducting

 SCIENCE

Are you interested in sharing materials, lesson plans,

of cancer in vulnerable youth and the current cancer and present opportunities to test the lessons in your

THURSDAY, MAY 11 ONLINE

WEDNESDAY, MAY 24

teachers, the curriculum aims to reduce the future onset risk of their families. We’ll share parts of the curriculum

Earth Science Teacher Meetup Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers James Anderson and Jeanne Kopun

 INQUIRY, PRACTICE, AND LEADERSHIP

Are you interested in learning how to engage in science fieldwork and bring it back to your classroom? The goal of this interest group is to inspire, encourage, and support each other in doing fieldwork, expanding our content knowledge, and improving our teaching

education. She is also a nationally recognized rower and champion for

Are you interested in collaboratively thinking through

practice. We will highlight stories from our field

Muslim women’s rights.

the challenges of leading a department? Many

experiences, share engaging learning activities, and

Dr. Erica Phillips is the Jack Fishman Associate Professor of Cancer

members of the MƒA Community have moved into

Prevention at Weill Cornell’s Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center.

provide resources from partner organizations around

leadership roles at their schools, often as chairs of their

fieldwork opportunities and funding.

She is a health services researcher and clinical obesity medicine specialist with extensive experience in conducting community-engaged research.

Computer Science Elective Share Out Facilitator: MƒA Master Teacher Paige Healy MONDAY, MAR 13 ONLINE  COMPUTER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

departments. But coordinating resources, planning meetings, and coaching adults is a different set of skills than we normally use in teaching. This interest group is for those in leadership roles to brainstorm and

Fiber Arts Interest Group Facilitator: MƒA Master Teacher Kate Maschmeyer

troubleshoot the challenges teacher leaders face, build

TUESDAY, MAR 7

a toolbox of resources, and create a community of

MƒA

support.

 COMMUNITY

Are you interested in learning about and sharing fiber arts skills? Do you knit, crochet, spin, weave, cross stitch,

Are you interested in computer science (CS) curricula?

embroider, needle felt, or create other fiber art? Join

Do you teach a CS elective and wonder what other

us as we chat, share, learn, and create fiber art! All skill

schools offer or how to vertically align your courses?

levels welcome whether new, novice, or expert—we all

Join us in this interest group as we discuss the electives

have the potential to create something beautiful!

55

MƒA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE CATALOG: WINTER/SPRING 2023

Interest Groups

Andy Yung is a pre-K teacher at P.S. 244Q The Active Learning Elementary School. He has used DonorsChoose.org to raise over $35,000 for his classroom, school, and community and is always willing to help those who wish to start their own crowdfunding journey.

Getting Started With Grant Writing and DonorsChoose Facilitators: Andy Yung, and MƒA Master Teachers Steve Oszust and Jordan Wolf THURSDAY, FEB 9 ONLINE  COMMUNITY

Happy Teachers Change the World: A Book Club for Cultivating Mindfulness Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Amanda Bollati and Aoife Walsh

projects. We have over 600 completed projects among us. The skills learned in this session are easily transferable to many other grant applications as well.

leading other extracurricular activities overlaps with teaching STEM? Join us as we discuss coaching and teaching, including relationship building, the impact a coach has on a school community, switching between

+ PLEASE NOTE: YOU MAY SIGN UP FOR EACH MEETING SEPARATELY IN ACCORDANCE WITH YOUR AVAILABILITY.

support you in writing and submitting DonorsChoose

Are you interested in learning how coaching sports or

ONLINE

classroom but don’t have the budget to do so? Then

account, teach you the craft of grant writing, and

 MATHEMATICS

THURSDAYS, FEB 9, MAR 2, APR 27, MAY 25  INQUIRY, PRACTICE, AND LEADERSHIP

writing experts will help you create a DonorsChoose

TUESDAY, MAY 9 ONLINE

Are you interested in acquiring resources for your look no further than DonorsChoose. Our team of grant

The Intersection of Coaching and Teaching Facilitator: MƒA Master Teacher Mario Simonelli

Are you interested in being a happier teacher? Then join us in this interest group as we explore the book Happy Teachers Change the sWorld, by Thich Nhat Hanh and Katherine Weare. We’ll use the book to cultivate our own mindfulness practice and discuss how to take these techniques back to our students. Open dialogue about our own mindfulness journey will be shared throughout.

Everyone is welcome!

our teacher and coach hats, and navigating the PSAL.

Learn Spanish to Support Your Multilingual Students p Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Laura Antunez Rodriguez and Francisco J. Perez Martinez WEDNESDAYS, FEB 15, MAR 29, APR 26, MAY 24, JUN 14 MƒA & OFFSITE  COMMUNITY + PLEASE NOTE: YOU MAY SIGN UP FOR EACH MEETING SEPARATELY IN ACCORDANCE WITH YOUR AVAILABILITY.

Are you interested in practicing Spanish as a way to

International Teaching Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Elisabetta La Tanza and Leslyn Morris

support your multilingual students? Then join this fun and interactive Spanish conversation group! Improve your fluency, confidence, and culturally relevant

THURSDAY, MAR 30

teaching practices. This group will help you connect

ONLINE

with your students and with other educators.

 COMMUNITY

Are you interested in connecting with other teachers who have taught abroad? Whether you are an

Let’s Do...Calculus!

Facilitator: MƒA Master Teacher Stephanie Bohbot

international teacher originally from another country

WEDNESDAY, MAY 31

or you have taught abroad for some time, join us

MƒA

to share experiences, compare and contrast the different education systems and curricula, and discuss successes and struggles throughout our teaching career transitions. Teachers are encouraged to bring examples of topics or curricula taught in a different country. This group is for those who have taught internationally but all are welcome.

 MATHEMATICS

Are you interested in working through calculus problems with a group of teachers? Whether you want a refresher on the content before you teach calculus in the future, or want to engage with calculus problems for fun, this is the place for you! Join us to do some mathematics, learn from each other’s techniques and reasoning, and engage with the prerequisite skills you may be teaching

56

MƒA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE CATALOG: WINTER/SPRING 2023

Interest Groups

MƒA Magic: The Gathering Meet Up Facilitator: MƒA Emeritus Teacher Sherri Shaarbafan WEDNESDAY, FEB 8

in your current or future courses. We will work through the 2008 and 2012 AP Calculus AB exam questions

MƒA  COMMUNITY

together. Self-checking Desmos Activities covering

Are you interested in playing Magic: The Gathering? This

all eight AP Calculus AB Units will be provided as an

is a tabletop card game played by two or more players.

additional resource.

Defeat your opponent by casting spells and attacking

Math and Science Teachers Can Cook Too! Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Stephen Jackson and Andrea Steele TUESDAYS, FEB 28, APR 18 MƒA & ONLINE  COMMUNITY + PLEASE NOTE: YOU MAY SIGN UP FOR EACH MEETING SEPARATELY IN ACCORDANCE WITH YOUR AVAILABILITY AND PREFERENCE FOR IN-PERSON OR VIRTUAL MEETINGS.

Are you interested in learning more about the cultural diversity of your students through the culinary talents of your MƒA colleagues? MƒA teachers reflect NYC, and in

a mindful yoga flow, and conclude with a guided yoga nidra meditation. Sessions are open to all yoga practitioners—from first-timers to seasoned yogis.

Roque (pronounced: ROW-Keh), the son of Dominican-American immigrants, is a 500-hour trained Yoga teacher. In addition to his 500 hours of training, Roque has studied Anatomy with Jason Brown, Restorative Yoga and Yoga Nidra with Mona Anand, and is a certified Hosh Kids Yoga Teacher. Roque is a proud founder of Suryaside Yoga and Wellness in Queens, NY. When he’s not teaching the Suryaside

with creatures to deal damage! Anyone interested in

community and mentoring his new teacher trainees, he is dedicated

learning how to play or interested in playing casually is

to spreading love and yoga to underserved and under-resourced

welcome.

communities through programs and partnerships such as Liberation Prison Yoga, which provides yoga and meditation to incarcerated people, and his “I Can Breathe” Yoga program, which offers teacher

MƒA Teacher Poker Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Diane Pflug and Peter Sell THURSDAY, MAR 2 MƒA  COMMUNITY + PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS A COMPETITIVE GAME UNSUITABLE FOR BEGINNERS, SO PLEASE ONLY REGISTER IF YOU ARE FAMILIAR WITH TEXAS HOLD’EM.

training scholarships to BIPOC who want to bring yoga to their community.

Netrunner: A Competitive Card Game for Teachers and Students Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Dave Richardson and Erika Richardson THURSDAY, MAY 11 MƒA

this interest group we will explore this through the foods

Shuffle up and deal! Show off your poker skills at our

 COMMUNITY

we enjoy cooking and eating. We will share our cultures,

annual MƒA Teacher Poker Tournament! Join us to

Are you interested in learning how to play Netrunner?

culinary expertise, recipes, and final products, all while

compete against other MƒA teachers for the chance

Netrunner is an award-winning, two-player,

having fun!

to play at our big poker event this spring. The top four

asymmetrical strategy card game played worldwide.

winners of the March teacher tournament will attend

Both within and around the game, the Netrunner

and compete alongside MƒA Founder Jim Simons and

community supports diversity with an ongoing

others at the 2023 MƒA Poker Night Tournament, a

commitment to a transmedia universe. It features a

fundraising event for MƒA on Thursday, April 20.

wide array of playable character identities in terms

MƒA Game Night Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Deborah Reich and Matt Steiniger

of race, sexuality, gender, and even fictional forms

WEDNESDAY, MAR 22 MƒA  COMMUNITY

Mindful Yoga Practice Facilitator: Roque Rodriguez

Are you interested in strategy and diplomacy or

WEDNESDAYS, FEB 8, APR 19

backstabbing and intrigue? How about learning

ONLINE

and sharing new games while socializing with your

 COMMUNITY

colleagues in an informal in-person setting? If so, join us

+ PLEASE NOTE: YOU MAY SIGN UP FOR EACH MEETING SEPARATELY IN ACCORDANCE WITH YOUR AVAILABILITY.

for the MƒA Game Night! Board games will be provided, but feel free to bring your favorites along as well!

of transhuman and artificial intelligence. Join us to learn how to play and bring the game back to your students and school community. No prior experience is necessary.

Are you interested in an hour of mindfulness and selfcare? Join us for a yoga experience in which we turn our attention inward and link our movement and breath.

We’ll begin by warming our bodies, then move through

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MƒA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE CATALOG: WINTER/SPRING 2023

Interest Groups Overbooked Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Phylicia Hoyt and Theresa Stanley

School Trip and Club Leaders Interest Group Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Brittany Beck and Matt Pastore

successes and challenges in proposing courses. You will have an opportunity to share, discuss, reflect, and

 COMMUNITY

MƒA & ONLINE

experiences for your students and school communities?

to discuss how to create meaningful and fun Many MƒA teachers plan trips, oversee student

TUESDAY, FEB 7 ONLINE

have time? Join our book club as we read (mostly

been doing so for years, all are welcome as we build a

fiction) for enjoyment and come together to discuss

network of Activity Coordinators!

the book. In the past, we have read books such as

Braithwaite, Exit West by Mohsin Hamid, and Dancing in the Mosque by Homeira Qaderi.

Travel Opportunities With Your Students Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Ramona Fittipaldi-Deoraj and Andrew Mittiga

graduation, and fundraise! Whether you are at a big or small school, new to planning activities, or have

Sarah M. Broom, My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan

receive feedback on your ideas.

government, create school-wide events, manage

Are you interested in reading for FUN but don’t always

Beartown by Fredrik Backman, The Yellow House by

with proposal and facilitation experience share their

ONLINE

TUESDAYS, MAR 28, MAY 9 MONDAY, JUN 12

+ PLEASE NOTE: YOU MAY SIGN UP FOR EACH MEETING SEPARATELY IN ACCORDANCE WITH YOUR AVAILABILITY AND PREFERENCE FOR IN-PERSON OR VIRTUAL MEETINGS.

to create a successful proposal as MƒA Master Teachers

TUESDAY, MAR 7

Are you interested in joining other activity coordinators

 COMMUNITY

this informal setting to find out more about what it takes

 COMMUNITY

Are you interested in traveling the world with your students and giving them opportunities to engage with new cultures, foods, and experiences? Join us to

Sound Meditation: Exploration and Experience Facilitators: Emilie Brockmann and MƒA Master Teacher Andy Brockmann WEDNESDAY, MAR 22

learn about amazing travel opportunities for teachers and students, fundraising best practices, and how to organize a trip within school guidelines. This interest group is open to all middle and high school teachers.

MƒA

Practice Your Poker Face for the MƒA Poker Tournament Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Lauren Schulman and Peter Sell

 COMMUNITY

Are you interested in experiencing sound meditation and learning how different instruments, acoustics, and applications can affect states of consciousness? Then

WEDNESDAY, FEB 15

join us for an evening of exploration and relaxation as

MƒA

you are immersed in sound meditation.

 COMMUNITY

Are you interested in honing your poker skills for the

Emilie Brockmann is a yoga instructor, sound meditation facilitator, and wellness practitioner.

MƒA Teacher Poker Tournament? Join us for a no-stakes friendly game of Texas Hold’em and explore some techniques behind the game to help refine your skills.

No expertise is necessary.

Trivia Night Facilitator: MƒA Master Teacher Keith Lau WEDNESDAYS, MAR 15, MAR 29, APR 19 MƒA  COMMUNITY + PLEASE NOTE: YOU MAY SIGN UP FOR EACH MEETING SEPARATELY IN ACCORDANCE WITH YOUR AVAILABILITY.

Are you interested in testing your brain? Then put your lesson plans aside and enjoy a night of pub-style trivia!

Think Tank for Future Facilitation Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Shangaza Banfield, Kristen Brown, and Alana Burgos

Come on your own or come with a team. All types of knowledge and random facts are welcome.

TUESDAYS, FEB 14, FEB 28, MAR 21 ONLINE  COMMUNITY + PLEASE NOTE: YOU MAY SIGN UP FOR EACH MEETING SEPARATELY IN ACCORDANCE WITH YOUR AVAILABILITY.

Are you interested in facilitating a course at MƒA but don’t know where to start? Maybe you have a course idea and need help honing and developing it. Join us in 58

MƒA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE CATALOG: WINTER/SPRING 2023

MƒAdventures

MƒAdventures MƒAdventures are offsite events organized by MƒA teachers that allow teachers to explore shared interests. They are a great way to meet MƒA community members outside the MƒA office.

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MƒA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE CATALOG: WINTER/SPRING 2023

MƒAdventures

Brooklyn Math Teacher Meetup Coordinated By: MƒA Master Teacher Renu Budhraja THURSDAY, MAR 30 FRIDAY, MAY 19 OFFSITE

Birdie, Eagle, Albatross, Condor!: MƒA Mini-Golf Coordinated By: MƒA Master Teacher Lisa Cover SATURDAY, MAY 20 OFFSITE  COMMUNITY

Horseshoe Crab Walk Coordinated By: MƒA Master Teachers Melissa Dowd, Rebecca Haverstick, and Cynthia Jimenez FRIDAY, JUN 2 OFFSITE

 MATHEMATICS

 SCIENCE

+ PLEASE NOTE: YOU MAY SIGN UP FOR EACH MEETING SEPARATELY IN ACCORDANCE WITH YOUR AVAILABILITY. EACH MƒADVENTURE IS FROM 5:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M.

Are you interested in observing living fossils in their

Are you interested in meeting other MƒA mathematics

walk at Plumb Beach in Brooklyn! We will observe these

natural habitat? Join us for a twilight Horseshoe Crab

teachers in Brooklyn to connect and build community?

fascinating marine invertebrates as they come to our

Are you interested in birding? Careful! This is not a

If the answer is yes, join us at various Brooklyn locations,

shores to spawn under the full moon. Teachers should

meeting of The Audubon Society, but rather a gathering

where we will share our teaching and MƒA experiences

bring a flashlight and wear shoes they don’t mind getting

of wannabe pro golfers! Join us for a round of mini golf

and get to know each other better over food. Teachers

wet.

in Williamsburg at Putting Green, an 18-hole mini golf

are responsible for their own dinner and drinks.

course designed to educate visitors about climate change issues while providing fun family entertainment. Let’s build community while spending time with our families and networking with other Master Teachers. Kids of all ages are welcome—see you on the links!

Day at the American Museum of Natural History Coordinated By: MƒA Master Teachers Christine Kola and Gloria Nicodemi SATURDAY, MAR 18 OFFSITE

Brooklyn Elementary Teacher Meet Up Coordinated By: MƒA Master Teachers Sarah Leaman and Laurie Matthews THURSDAY, MAY 11 OFFSITE  COMMUNITY

 SCIENCE

Manhattan Elementary Teacher Meet Up Coordinated By: MƒA Master Teachers Lauren Anderson and Meera Zucker MONDAY, MAR 20 OFFSITE  COMMUNITY

Are you interested in joining fellow elementary school

Are you interested in discovering what minerals are

teachers in Manhattan for drinks and good cheer? Join

found in New York City, if iron meteorites are magnetic,

us as we celebrate spring and teaching! This is a great

or why some dinosaurs are considered archosaurs but

chance to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones.

not all archosaurs are dinosaurs? Spend the day with us

Bring along colleagues who may be on the fence about

at the American Museum of Natural History to learn the

applying for an MƒA Fellowship—let us convince them!

Are you interested in joining fellow elementary school

answers! We will visit on a Saturday and explore the Hall

teachers in Brooklyn for drinks and good cheer? Join

of Gems and Minerals, Hall of Meteorites, Hall of Planet

us as we celebrate spring and teaching! This is a great

Earth, and the Fourth Floor Fossil Halls. We will participate

chance to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones.

in a scavenger hunt and learning activities, experience

Bring along colleagues who may be on the fence about

what it’s like to walk through a giant cladogram, and

applying for an MƒA Fellowship—let us convince them!

discuss the museum’s many resources.

MƒA Pride March p Coordinated By: MƒA Master Teachers Pooja Bhaskar and Lisa Bueno and MƒA Program Officer Nakita VanBiene SUNDAY, JUN 25 OFFSITE  COMMUNITY

​​​​Are you interested in joining a group of MƒA teachers to walk in the Queer Liberation March? Join us to march in solidarity, celebrate our diversity, and get a free t-shirt!

ALL members of the MƒA community are welcome.

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MƒA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE CATALOG: WINTER/SPRING 2023

MƒAdventures MƒA Summer Softball Coordinated By: MƒA Master Teachers Bob Burton and James Milana TBD OFFSITE  COMMUNITY + PLEASE NOTE: THE DATES WILL BE COMMUNICATED TO TEACHERS ONCE FINALIZED BY THE LEAGUE IN APRIL.

​​​​Are you interested in playing gender-inclusive, casual softball with other MƒA teachers this summer? We participate in a Zogsports league and have games on a handful of Sundays at various locations in Manhattan.

We hope you can join us! Please register to indicate that you are interested in playing softball this summer. The facilitators will reach out before each game to confirm your availability.

Mothing Adventure Coordinated By: MƒA Master Teacher Wendy Castillo SATURDAY, MAY 13 OFFSITE  SCIENCE

​​​​Are you interested in the hidden world that comes to life at night? Most often, we are so busy we don’t stop and take a moment to appreciate it. Join us and experience the beauty and diversity in nature through Lepidoptera.

Prospect Park Ice Skating Coordinated By: MƒA Master Teacher Ben Morgenroth

department and an entomologist.

61

entomology, riparian ecology, and physics! Our meetups may include casting practice in a park, followed by fishing

THURSDAY, FEB 9

tales or fly tying in a pub, with the hope of a trip to an

OFFSITE

upstate trout stream. This interest group is best suited

 COMMUNITY

​​​​Are you interested in connecting with MƒA colleagues on the ice rink? Join us for an evening of skating in Prospect

for experienced fly fishers who own equipment, but beginners interested in learning and trying their hand at fly-casting are welcome!

Park. The cost of entry is approximately $10. Bring your own skates or rent at the rink for a small fee. Snacks are available for purchase, and lockers are available for rent.

The Science of Walking Coordinated By: MƒA Master Teacher Diana Lennon TUESDAY, MAY 9

After sundown, we will spend some time identifying and learning about moths with the help of the parks

members who are passionate about this combination of

Rather Be Fishing: MƒA Fly Fishing Coordinated By: MƒA Master Teachers David Connelly and Douglas Shuman

OFFSITE  SCIENCE

Are you interested in the benefits walking offers—physical,

WEDNESDAY, MAR 29

spiritual, and emotional? In 52 Ways to Walk, author

OFFSITE

Annabel Streets recommends research-based weekly

 COMMUNITY

walks to help anyone develop a fulfilling walking lifestyle.

​​​​Are you interested in fly fishing and want to learn more

We will review a few “ways to walk” and the scientific

about it? Join other MƒA teachers and their family

background for each.

MƒA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE CATALOG: WINTER/SPRING 2023

MƒAdventures Spring is Coastal Clean-Up Time!

Coordinated By: MƒA Master Teacher Cynthia Jimenez

Stained Glass Creations: Beginner Coordinated By: MƒA Master Teacher Scott Wassmuth

Teachers, Take a Hike!

Coordinated By: MƒA Master Teachers Nicole Beall, Courtney Ferrell, Yishan Lee, and Mary O’Keefe

WEDNESDAY, FEB 8

TBD

OFFSITE

OFFSITE

 COMMUNITY

 COMMUNITY

+ PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS A THREE SESSION HYBRID MƒADVENTURE. SESSION 1 WILL TAKE PLACE VIRTUALLY, AND SESSIONS 2 AND 3 WILL TAKE PLACE IN-PERSON AT NYC MUSEUM SCHOOL. TEACHERS WILL HAVE TO PURCHASE SOME OF THEIR MATERIALS.

+ PLEASE NOTE: DATES WILL BE DETERMINED BY THE GROUP, AND WILL FALL ON NON-SCHOOL DAYS, INCLUDING SOME WEEKENDS.

​​​​Are you interested in hiking as a means to rejuvenate

 SCIENCE

​​​​Are you interested in how stained glass crafts are made?

and reflect as a teacher? Previous hikes have been in the

​​​​Are you interested in celebrating New York City’s

Do you want to make stained glass items for yourself or as

Hudson Valley and Palisades, and new suggestions are

coastlines by showing them a little love? Join us for the

a gift for someone else? Join us at NYC Museum School

appreciated! Once you register, the group will be polled

second annual MƒA coastal clean-up! We will spend

to learn the basics and hone your stained glass making

about available dates, ability levels, car pool needs, and

time picking up trash while connecting with other MƒA

skills. At the end of the session, you will learn the basics

location preferences/ideas. See you on the trail!

teachers in the great outdoors. Gloves, garbage bags, and

of stained glass creation and make your very own piece!

pickers will be provided. Please bring water, sunscreen,

You may then wish to create more pieces in the advanced

and comfortable shoes you don’t mind getting dirty.

course offered later in the semester. No previous artistic

SATURDAY, MAR 18 OFFSITE

ability is needed to sign up and create stained glass!

Stained Glass Creations: Advanced Coordinated By: MƒA Master Teacher Scott Wassmuth WEDNESDAY, MAR 1 MONDAY, MAR 13 SATURDAY, APR 1 ONLINE & OFFSITE  COMMUNITY + PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS A THREE SESSION HYBRID MƒADVENTURE. SESSION 1 WILL TAKE PLACE VIRTUALLY, AND SESSIONS 2 AND 3 WILL TAKE PLACE IN-PERSON AT NYC MUSEUM SCHOOL. TEACHERS WILL HAVE TO PURCHASE SOME GLASS AND FOIL AT THE VERY LEAST - TO BE DETERMINED AFTER THE FIRST VIRTUAL MEETING.

​​​​Are you interested in further developing the skills you learned in the Stained Glass Creations: Beginner MƒAdventure to make a more elaborate piece? This three session hybrid MƒAdventure is open to those who participated in a beginner Stained Glass Creations MƒAdventure. We will start with a short overview of stained glass history, a showcasing of potential creations, and an opportunity to discuss any pitfalls we may encounter. Next, we will create our designs and prepare pieces for foiling. Finally, we will have a full day to finalize

Star Party on Staten Island Coordinated By: MƒA Master Teachers David Deutsch, Alia Jackson, and Jay Lang

Unlocking Nature’s Potential: A Visit to a Chinese Pharmacy Coordinated By: MƒA Master Teachers Erin RatzGuiñals and Meng-Ping Tu, Ph.D. SATURDAY, MAY 13 OFFSITE  SCIENCE

MONDAY, APR 24

​​​​Are you interested in Chinese herbal medicine? Join

OFFSITE

us as we visit a Chinese pharmacy, explore how

 SCIENCE

Chinese prescriptions are made, and speak to the

+ PLEASE NOTE: RAIN DATES INCLUDE APRIL 25 AND APRIL 26.

practitioners about their experiences. Teachers will have

​​​​Are you interested in stargazing? Then spend an evening with us as we observe the night sky using telescopes and cell phone apps and experience other fun astronomyrelated activities! You’ll learn how to safely observe the Sun and explore some basic astrophotography

the opportunity to ask questions, observe herbalists fill prescriptions, and peruse the pharmacy’s herbal remedies. Afterward, we will celebrate with dim sum in a nearby restaurant. Anyone interested in learning more about Chinese herbal medicine is welcome.

and spectral analysis methods, all while gazing at the Manhattan skyline. The urban evening sky offers more than you may realize; we hope to observe the Moon, available planets, bright stars, and possibly even nebulae or galaxies. Part of the adventure will be riding the Staten Island Ferry, as our stargazing will take place at Curtis High School, just a short walk from the Staten Island Ferry Terminal.

our pieces.

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MƒA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE CATALOG: WINTER/SPRING 2023

Thursday Thinks Thursday Thinks are monthly STEM talks open to MƒA teachers, their colleagues, and guests from the wider STEM community. This speaker series features engaging and accomplished experts who delve into cutting-edge mathematics, science, computer science, and education topics.

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MƒA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE CATALOG: WINTER/SPRING 2023

Thursday Thinks

Dr. Jacqueline (Jackie) Faherty is a staff scientist and senior educator at

Cornelius Minor is a Brooklyn-based educator who works with teachers,

the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH). Her research centers

school leaders, and community-based organizations to support

on novel techniques for refining the detection and characterization of

equitable literacy reform in cities across the globe. His latest book, We

brown dwarfs, exoplanets, and exoplanet atmospheres. In addition,

Got This, explores how the work of creating more equitable school

Jackie is a passionate educator at AMNH, preparing public programs

spaces is embedded in our everyday choices—specifically in the choice

and sharing her love of space with teachers in the Masters of Arts in

to really listen to kids. He has been featured in numerous publications

Teaching program.

and has partnered with The Teachers College Reading and Writing Project, The NYC Department of Education, The International Literacy Association, and Lesley University’s Center for Reading Recovery and Literacy Collaborative. Cornelius was also featured in the documentary “Out of Print.” Most recently, along with his partner and wife, Kass Minor, he established The Minor Collective, a community-based movement designed to foster sustainable change in schools. Cornelius uses his love for technology, hip-hop, and social media to bring communities together. As a teacher, Cornelius draws not only on his years teaching middle school in the Bronx and Brooklyn, but also on time spent skateboarding, shooting hoops, and working with young people. You can connect with him at Kass and Corn, or on Twitter at @MisterMinor.

Mapping the Universe Across Space and Time Speaker: Jacqueline Faherty, Ph.D. THURSDAY, MAR 16 MƒA AUDITORIUM & ONLINE  SCIENCE

It is an exciting time for space science. With several high-profile astronomy mapping missions sharing their findings, scientists have an unprecedented opportunity to explore this new data for the next big discovery about our place in the Universe. In this talk, Dr. Jackie Faherty will launch teachers into an immersive tour of the most complete map of the Milky Way Galaxy (and beyond) and guide them on an adventure into nearby stellar systems, exoplanet systems, star-forming regions, and more. Specifically, Dr. Faherty will focus on the distribution of objects within 1500 light-years—including stars, brown dwarfs, and exoplanets—and discuss how they form and disperse.

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What It Means to Be Us Right Now p Speaker: Cornelius Minor THURSDAY, APR 20 MƒA AUDITORIUM & ONLINE  INQUIRY, PRACTICE, AND LEADERSHIP

We know more now than we have ever known—about teaching, communities, numeracy, how to position students on the path to success, and all the different kinds of success that can coexist. Why is it, then, that in many communities, the strategies for student success continue to elude us? The world in which we teach is ever-changing and radically different than it was even two years ago. In this talk, Cornelius Minor, author of the book We Got This, will discuss how to succeed in this new context by fostering equity through authentic listening. We are more than enough. We got this!

MƒA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE CATALOG: WINTER/SPRING 2023

Thursday Thinks

Building Thinking Classrooms Speaker: Peter Liljedahl, Ph.D. THURSDAY, JUN 1 MƒA AUDITORIUM & ONLINE  MATHEMATICS

What our classrooms look like and what happens in them is often guided by institutional norms laid down at the inception of an industrial-age model of public education. These norms enable a culture of teaching and learning frequently devoid of student thinking. In this talk, Dr. Peter Liljedahl will present results from over fifteen years of research into how teachers can transform their classrooms from a space where students mimic to one where students think. Dr. Liljedahl will draw upon and discuss practices from his recently published book Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics (Grades K-12): 14 Teaching Practices for Enhancing Learning.

Dr. Peter Liljedahl is a Professor of Mathematics Education in the Faculty of Education at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, Canada.

He is the author of the best-selling book Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics (Grades K-12): 14 Teaching Practices for Enhancing Learning. A former high school mathematics teacher, Peter has kept his research interests and activities close to the classroom. He regularly consults with teachers, schools, districts, and ministries of education on issues of teaching and learning, problem-solving, assessment, numeracy, and building thinking classrooms.

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MƒA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE CATALOG: WINTER/SPRING 2023

Equity Webinar Series

Equity Webinar Series Equity Webinar Series are virtual workshops open to MƒA teachers, other Master Teacher programs, and people interested in learning more about MƒA. Each webinar leads with a nationally recognized STEM educator talk, followed by breakout sessions, where small groups discuss how they can apply these powerful ideas in their classrooms. Teachers are expected to stay for the entire session, including the talk and the small group discussion.

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MƒA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE CATALOG: WINTER/SPRING 2023

Equity Webinar Series

Empowering Black Males in Mathematics Contexts p Speaker: Christopher Jett, Ph.D. WEDNESDAY, MAY 3 ONLINE  MATHEMATICS + PLEASE NOTE: TEACHERS ARE EXPECTED TO STAY FOR THE ENTIRE SESSION, INCLUDING THE TALK AND SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION.

Black males’ mathematics experiences have gained traction in the literature. The majority of this scholarship has employed a critical race theory (CRT) perspective.

Discussions about CRT have entered mainstream discourse and these debates have lasting implications for mathematics teachers and their students. In this talk, Dr. Christopher Jett will draw upon his critical race praxis to provide an overview of scholarship regarding the plight of Black males in mathematics. He will also share evidencebased practices and recommendations that positively influence and ultimately empower Black male students in mathematics contexts.

Dr. Christopher C. Jett is an Associate Professor of Mathematics Education at Georgia State University. His research examines Black males’ mathematics and racialized experiences. In 2019, he received the Early Career Award from the Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators (AMTE) and a Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE). He is the author of Black Male Success in Higher Education: How the Mathematical Brotherhood Empowers a Collegiate Community to Thrive and the co-editor of Critical Race Theory in Mathematics Education.

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MƒA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE CATALOG: WINTER/SPRING 2023

Community Contributions Community Contributions are leadership opportunities for MTII+ (teachers in their second, third, or fourth Master Teacher Fellowship) to deepen their connections within the MƒA community by becoming involved with admissions, recruitment, communications, facilitation, supporting new MƒA teachers, and other leadership activities. Please review each contribution for its unique structure and requirements.

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MƒA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE CATALOG: WINTER/SPRING 2023

Community Contributions

Applicant Screener Coordinated By: MƒA Chief Operating Officer Michael Driskill, MƒA Manager of Admissions & Community Engagement Keoma Distan and MƒA Manager of Admissions & Recruitment Bryan Galligan THURSDAY, MAY 25 ONLINE  COMMUNITY + PLEASE NOTE: BEFORE SIGNING UP, PLEASE BE SURE YOU CAN ATTEND BOTH THE THURSDAY, MAY 25 (5:30 - 7:30 P.M.) ORIENTATION AND AT LEAST ONE OF THE FOLLOWING DATES FOR SCREENING: JUN 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 24, OR 25 (8 A.M. - 5 P.M.)

Screeners help MƒA identify teachers with a strong foundation in content, pedagogy, and knowledge of students to become part of our MƒA Master Teacher community. Screeners are assigned to a panel of interviewers to help gather more information about fellowship finalists in a two-part, full-day interview

Brainstorm and Build Facilitator Coordinated By: MƒA Director of Programming & Admissions Courtney Ginsberg and MƒA Associate Director, Scientific Outreach and Partnerships, Uzma Shah

day, they collaborate with a team of two content experts to observe applicants’ presentations and conduct interviews. Over the course of the day, screeners will interview four to six teacher candidates and provide insight as to whether each meets the Master Teacher Fellowship criteria.

to become familiar with their roles and responsibilities and are then required to help facilitate two Information Sessions this spring.

MONDAY, FEB 6 ONLINE  COMMUNITY + PLEASE NOTE: BEFORE SIGNING UP, PLEASE BE SURE YOU CAN ATTEND BOTH THE MONDAY, FEB 6 ORIENTATION AND AT LEAST TWO OF THE FOLLOWING DATES: FEB 22, MAR 6, MAR 27.

Learning Materials Screener Coordinated By: MƒA Chief Academic Officer Eileen Murray, Ph.D., MƒA Program Officer Nakita VanBiene, and MƒA Master Teachers Jeffrey Lowenhaupt and Michelle Sims

Have you successfully proposed and facilitated courses at

WEDNESDAYS, MAR 29, MAY 31

MƒA? Are you interested in supporting and encouraging

ONLINE

other MƒA teachers to do the same? Join us as we create a warm, inviting space for teachers to share and workshop their course proposal ideas. As a Brainstorm and Build Facilitator, you will work with members of the Programming and Admissions team to plan and co-lead two engaging sessions for participating teachers. Whether they don’t know where to start, have questions about the process, have an idea and want to solidify it, are looking for a co-facilitator, or all of the above, you can help guide them on their journey.

 COMMUNITY

Once a PLT ends, what happens with the materials that teachers co-created? Are they destined to live in a Google Drive collecting electronic dust, or are there ways they can be shared with the wider MƒA community? MƒA Master Teachers have worked to create an organized database of excellent resources developed by MƒA teachers. The goal is to create more spaces where teachers can talk about what is and is not working in their classrooms, have an impact on each other while doing so, and demonstrate the power of a community.

process. Screeners first attend a mandatory orientation on Thursday, May 25. Then, on their assigned screening

All Information Session Hosts attend a virtual orientation

Information Session Host Coordinated By: MƒA Manager of Admissions & Community Engagement Keoma Distan and MƒA Manager of Admissions & Recruitment Bryan Galligan

In this community contribution, Screeners will have the opportunity to review materials submitted by MƒA teachers, add these materials to a repository found on the Small-World Network, and influence discussion and shape practice of MƒA teachers across the city. As a

TUESDAY, FEB 7

Screener, you will continue the work of expanding our

ONLINE

repository of materials created by and for MƒA Teachers.

 COMMUNITY + PLEASE NOTE: BEFORE SIGNING UP, PLEASE BE SURE YOU CAN ATTEND BOTH THE TUESDAY, FEB 7 ORIENTATION AND AT LEAST TWO OF THE FOLLOWING DATES: VIRTUAL: FEB 16, MAR 14 IN-PERSON: MAR 2, MAR 29

Current MƒA teachers are essential in encouraging and supporting prospective fellowship candidates through the application process. If you are interested in helping create an MƒA community built on diversity and excellence and sharing your MƒA experiences meaningfully with others, then become an Information Session Host this spring!

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MƒA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE CATALOG: WINTER/SPRING 2023

general questions about the MƒA fellowship and

Community Contributions

experience. As part of this community contribution, Praxis Prep Session Facilitators attend a virtual orientation to learn about their roles and responsibilities. They later lead

MƒA Orientation Host Coordinated By: MƒA Chief Academic Officer Eileen Murray WEDNESDAY, JUN 21 MƒA  COMMUNITY + PLEASE NOTE: BEFORE SIGNING UP, PLEASE BE SURE YOU CAN ATTEND BOTH THE WEDNESDAY, JUN 21 PLANNING SESSION AND AN AUGUST ORIENTATION DATE TBD.

Have you taken the MƒA ƒundamentals Part 1: The Five Dimensions of Powerful Classrooms workshop? Have you participated in the Communication Norms workshop during orientation since 2021? Are you excited about these frameworks and interested in introducing them to new MƒA Master Teachers? MƒA Orientation Hosts will co-plan and co-facilitate the MƒA ƒundamentals Part 1 and Community Norms workshops at summer Master Teacher Orientation. Hosts may also assist with other aspects of orientation. Join us as we help welcome our new cohort of fellows.

a two-hour virtual Praxis Prep Session with prospective applicants in their content area.

Professional Development Catalog Builder Coordinated By: MƒA Director of Programming & Admissions Courtney Ginsberg and MƒA Associate Director, Scientific Outreach and Partnerships, Uzma Shah MONDAYS, APR 3, APR 24 ONLINE  COMMUNITY

Are you interested in playing an integral role in supporting the design of the MƒA Professional Development Catalog?

Join us as we review teacher course proposals and plan the MƒA program for the 2023-2024 academic year. As a team, we’ll discuss how the TRU frameworks for powerful classrooms and professional growth shape our catalog design process, read and offer insights about course proposals, and collaborate to plan a program responding to the wants and needs of the MƒA teacher community.

Catalog Builders must read and evaluate course proposals

Praxis Prep Session Host Coordinated By: MƒA Manager of Admissions & Community Engagement Keoma Distan and MƒA Manager of Admissions & Recruitment Bryan Galligan TUESDAY, FEB 7 ONLINE  COMMUNITY

between our two sessions.

Small-World Network Community Mobilizer Coordinated By: MƒA Director of Data Systems Miriam Ignatoff WEDNESDAYS, FEB 9, APR 13 ONLINE  COMMUNITY

+ PLEASE NOTE: BEFORE SIGNING UP, PLEASE BE SURE YOU CAN ATTEND BOTH THE TUESDAY, FEB 7 ORIENTATION AND THE PRACTICE SESSION DATE ALIGNED TO THEIR CONTENT AREA.

Are you interested in connecting with your colleagues

FEB 28: BIOLOGY, CHEMISTRY, EARTH SCIENCE, MATHEMATICS

and sharing your knowledge with the online MƒA

MAR 8: BIOLOGY, ELEMENTARY MATHEMATICS/SCIENCE, GENERAL SCIENCE, PHYSICS, MATHEMATICS

community? Join us as we help initiate discussions and

Praxis Prep Session Facilitators play a crucial role in MƒA

Mobilizers will log into the SWN weekly to reply to posts,

recruitment, helping prospective applicants by preparing

ask their own questions, and select a post(s) to highlight

them to take content-specific Praxis tests and answering

in the weekly community digest email.

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respond to questions on the Small-World Network (SWN).

*Community Contributions are opportunities for MƒA teachers who have completed at least one Master Teacher Fellowship.

MƒA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE CATALOG: WINTER/SPRING 2023