Mathology Grades 4-6

Brittany Aikema is an elementary teacher at Christ the Redeemer School Division in High River, Alberta. She holds degrees from both the University of Alberta in Edmonton and St. Mary's University in Calgary. Brittany’s strong passion for math education is evident in her classroom, where she strives to make the subject engaging and accessible to all students. Additionally, her dedication to creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment ensures that every child has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.

Stephanie Allen is a Diverse Learning Coordinating Teacher, supporting teachers and learners in Calgary, Alberta. After completing her education degree in her hometown of St. John’s, Newfoundland, Stephanie thoroughly enjoyed teaching elementary school in Alberta before completing her Master’s in Education in Curriculum Studies from Acadia University. With a passion for early numeracy and literacy, Stephanie enjoys inspiring students, creating engaging curriculum-rich projects, and spending time with her wonderful husband and two beautiful children.  

With over 25 years of dedicated teaching experience with the Edmonton Catholic School Division, Kyoko (Leanne) Aura is a seasoned educator whose impact extends beyond the classroom. She was privileged to provide instructional leadership in her role as a Mathematics consultant, and as an Assistant Principal, Kyoko exemplifies her commitment to academic excellence and student success.

Kyoko aims to bring her passion for mathematics education into schools and into the hearts of teachers and students. She is particularly excited about making connections between Mathematics and Art, the integration of Indigenous ways of knowing into curriculum, and fostering connections beyond the classroom that inspire creativity and critical thinking. Kyoko is committed to enriching the educational experience for both teachers and students alike.

Dakota Boddez is an elementary teacher who is grateful to learn and live on Treaty 6 Territory. She currently teaches Grade 2 and Division 1 Music in Morinville, Alberta. If someone would have told Dakota that she would one day contribute to writing a math resource, she would never have believed them. Dakota owes her knowledge of the mathematics curriculum and pedagogy to the brilliant teachers who came before her, and the students whom she is blessed to learn from every day. It is Dakota’s hope for every child to find a resonant connection within their math education. What a way to open doors and transcend barriers!

Marcia Bumbury has taught Kindergarten with the TDSB for the past 9 years and is currently on Secondment to the Eric Jackman Institute of Child Studies. She has a passion for developing tools for educators that inspire them to lead with an inquiry stance in their practice. With 22 years of experience, she is constantly adapting her practice to the needs of her students. She has presented at a variety of different conferences including STAO, ETFO Kindergarten Conference, OAME and TDSB New Horizons Early Years Equity Conference.

Kimberley Byer

Jennifer Carter is the District Numeracy Coordinator for Vernon School District in British Columbia. She has teaching experience across the elementary grades, including 15 years in Grades 1 to 3. Jennifer is an executive member of the British Columbia Association of Math Teachers (BCAMT), a member of British Columbia’s Provincial Numeracy Network, chairperson for the Interior Numeracy Network, and an Adjunct Professor for the University of British Columbia (UBCO). 

Kate Cooper is a member of Dr. Alex Lawson’s team of math educators and researchers. Throughout her career, Kate has taught in elementary classrooms in Ontario and she has also taught math curriculum courses at Lakehead University's Orillia campus. She has been involved in the development and delivery of online Primary/Junior Math Additional Qualification courses. Kate has worked closely with Dr. Lawson on a number of projects, from conducting research in primary mathematics classrooms to delivering professional learning sessions for educators across Ontario. Kate was also involved in the writing of Dr. Alex Lawson's most recent book What to Look For: Facilitator's Guide.  

Lacey Dubeau has been a teacher and administrator with Christ the Redeemer Catholic Schools in Alberta for 13 years. She holds a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Calgary, with a focus on Education Research. Most recently, Lacey has been working with The Alberta Regional Consortia to create support documents and resources in EAL, Math, and Science for the new Alberta Curriculum.

Lisa Anne Floyd is currently a PhD candidate at Western University where she also teaches Computational Modelling in Mathematics and Science Education for Intermediate/Senior preservice teachers in the Bachelor of Education program. Her research focus is on coding in Mathematics and Science within teacher education. Lisa Anne has received several provincial and national teaching and research awards and has published in academic journals, book chapters, and blogs. She has many years of experience teaching high school Computer Science, Mathematics, Science, and Cooperative Education in the Thames Valley District School Board in London, Ontario. Lisa Anne enjoys sharing her passion for coding with students and educators in school districts and at educational conferences across North America. 

Tara Flynn is an educator, author, and editor who has worked with Cathy Bruce in the fascinating world of mathematics education research since 2007. As Project Manager and Research Officer, Tara has worked with hundreds of dedicated and innovative educators through cycles of collaborative action research and lesson study, particularly in the areas of spatial reasoning and fractions. She has been an integral member of the Math for Young Children (M4YC) team since the project’s inception, and was both co-author and Editorial Project Manager for the Pearson resource, Taking Shape. As an editor, Tara cut her teeth as Executive Editor at Alternatives journal, and more recently has edited numerous mathematics education resources. She is the Principal Author of the recently published research-based Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) resource, Learning through Teacher Research: A Guidebook for your Action Research Journey.

Shelley Gartner has been an educator, Math consultant, and School Administrator in Alberta for over 25 years. Although math was not her favorite subject in her early years, it was the lack of conceptual understanding that ignited her passion for teaching math in more engaging ways. Shelley has shared her newfound love of math with students and teachers from
K-9, with an emphasis on increasing efficacy and confidence in teaching math. Shelley thrives on those light-bulb moments with students and teachers alike, all while helping to form positive relationships with math.

Sandra Houston has worked as an educator for over 13 years across three provinces. Her focus is on the development of mathematical skills and remedial support, as well as incorporating technology into the classroom. Sandra currently resides in Alberta with her family and a few too many pets!

Keely Martin has worked for the District School Board of Niagara for 10 years as an elementary teacher and most recently as an instructional coach. She is passionate about her role as an instructional coach, supporting teachers with the development of engaging lessons that utilize research-based instruction and meet the needs of all students. As a creative and caring educator, she enjoys learning alongside her colleagues and students, using their unique abilities as mathematicians to further understand how math relates to the world around us.

Natalie McDoom-Slack has been a teacher with the Toronto Catholic District School Board for over twenty years. She holds a Master’s Degree in Sociology and Equity Studies in Education from OISE. Over the course of her career, Natalie has taught in the primary, junior, and intermediate divisions. In her role as educator, she has always been an advocate for equity and inclusive education. Natalie believes that equity frameworks can be used in mathematics to foster student success. She is the proud mother of two incredible children.

Rachel McPherson has served in education in the Durham District School Board for over 15 years as a classroom teacher, a Literacy and Numeracy Coach and as a Curriculum Facilitator focused on equitable and inclusive education in K-8 learning spaces. In her role, Rachel is part of a team that offers opportunities for educators to engage in professional learning to enhance their numeracy and literacy programming, while examining their ideologies, values, attitudes and beliefs about education. She loves to visit educators and learners in their spaces – both online and in-person – to see what knowledge, skills, intellect and fun can be constructed together. Rachel is interested in the collection and analysis of quantitative and qualitative data, particularly the methods of data collection that are favoured in education. She believes that all learners are inspired by their own mastery experiences and is driven to provide as many mastery experiences as possible for the learners with whom she works.

Tracey Miller has been a teacher with the Calgary Catholic School District for over 10 years and she holds a Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of New Brunswick. Over the course of her career, Tracey has taught grades 4 through 6, and has always been an advocate for representation, equity, and inclusion in her practice.  As a creative and caring educator, Tracey believes that learning is life long and best done with the people around us. She is the proud mother of two amazing daughters.   

Christel Osmachenko is a dedicated educator who has a deep-rooted connection to the Christ the Redeemer Catholic School Division. She first entered its halls as a student, forging an enduring relationship with the division. Over the past decade, Christel’s professional journey reflects a commitment to education and innovation. In her new role as Grade 6 Divisional Team Lead, Christel provides leadership and guidance to her colleagues, driving educational insights across the division with her passion for developing resources, supporting English as an Additional Language (EAL) students, and incorporating various types of technology to enhance student learning experiences. With an enduring passion for both her alma mater and the world of education, Christel continues to inspire students and colleagues alike with her dedication, creativity, and unwavering commitment to the pursuit of knowledge.  

Jen Perry began her teaching journey over 17 years ago as an elementary teacher. She has worked as an Educational Technology Consultant and is currently an Elementary Social Studies Consultant for the Calgary Catholic School District. Jen is a NatGeo Certified Educator, a Google Certified Educator, a Transatlantic Outreach Fellow (Sustainability and STEAM tour: 2019), and a Teach SDGs Ambassador (2020). Jen is currently completing her Master of Education in Sustainability, Creativity, and Innovation. She advocates for student-centred learning through collaborative practices with both teachers and students. 

Ann Pigeon has been an educator for 31 years. She has taught in the primary and junior divisions and worked as a Mathematics Learning Coordinator with the Thames Valley District School Board, where she worked with dedicated teachers through collaborative inquiry. Additionally, Ann completed a secondment with the Ministry of Education supporting district school boards in their implementation of the Renewed Math Strategy. While at the Ministry of Education, Ann reviewed and authored various math support documents. Ann completed her Master of Education at Western University, where she became interested in part-whole relationships and the development of students’ understanding of the operations. Supporting teachers and students with the teaching and learning of mathematics has been a passion of Ann’s for many years.

Brenda Sherry is currently an Educational Consultant with Taking IT Global and Advanced Learning Partnerships, working with transformative technologies that empower learners in programs such as Connected North, Code To Learn, Girls Who Game and Soar with Mentor. She has 32+ years of experience in Ontario public education in a variety of roles; classroom teacher, instructional coach, vice-principal, and as an Education Officer with the Ontario Ministry of Education in the 21st Century Learning Unit. She holds a Master of Education in Curriculum, Teaching and Learning from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education with an emphasis on educational technology, and loves to support educators and school leaders to explore the empowering potential of project-based learning as well as the ways that the arts and technology can transform learning. Brenda was honoured for her impact in leading teacher professional learning locally and internationally as a recipient of ISTE’s Making IT Happen Award in 2013 and Guelph’s YMCA/YWCA Women of Distinction Award in 2014.  

Peter Skillen, M.Ed., is Curriculum & Project Leader for CodeToLearn.ca—a federally funded Taking IT Global project that introduces computational thinking and coding to educators and students Canada-wide. Peter ‘draws’ students into ‘being mathematicians’ through the use of turtle graphics—an artistic aspect of the coding platform he has helped develop (LYNXcoding.club). He supports a Lakehead University project focusing on Indigenous ways of knowing mathematics through loom beading and finger weaving. Students code their creations in LYNX (currently available in four Indigenous languages).

Peter has been involved in technology-supported learning since the 1970s and has developed learning opportunities for both TeachOntario and the Ontario Teachers’ Federation. He was Global Ambassador for the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) and received two ISTE awards—including the Making IT Happen award that honours educators who demonstrate extraordinary commitment in improving digital learning opportunities for students.

Peter recently co-authored the YourVoiceIsPower.ca (YVIP) curriculum. Students learn about Indigenous issues in Canada. They use computational thinking, math, and music skills to express their message by coding a remix of Canadian Indigenous musicians’ sound clips in EarSketch. YVIP is a collaboration of Amazon Future Engineer, TakingITGlobal.org, CodeToLearn.ca, and ConnectedNorth.org.

Jonathan So is a proud teacher for the Peel District School Board in Ontario. He has taught grades 2–8 and is currently a Vice Principal. Jonathan always looks to promote creativity and exploration in his family, students, and colleagues. He completed his Masters of Education, focusing on how his questions impacted students’ learning of part-whole relationships in fractions. Jonathan’s interests lie in math, assessment, and technology and he is passionate about inquiry and the endless possibilities it has for students. He is also keynote presenter, and workshopper. Jonathan is a proud parent of 3 wonderful young children.

Erik Teather has had the opportunity to work in Ontario elementary math education for close to 20 years. His various roles have included classroom teacher, math coach, and consultant.  He continues to be excited about working with students and educators as they look for the mathematics in their world in ways that help them to reason and make sense of the mathematics they are learning. 

Wendy Weight has worked in education in Manitoba for over 40 years as a classroom teacher, support services teacher, and as an Early Years divisional consultant focused on improving literacy and numeracy achievement in grades K–4. She has facilitated a wide variety of Early Years numeracy workshops including First Steps in Math Professional Development. Wendy has a strong belief that when teachers understand the conceptual ideas behind the mathematics, can observe and probe for what students know, and have a repertoire of robust learning activities, student learning in mathematics will strengthen dramatically.

Chad Williams is an elementary school teacher from Saskatoon and lecturer with the Department of Curriculum Studies at the University of Saskatchewan in the area of Elementary Mathematics. He is the past president and current director of the Saskatchewan Mathematics Teachers' Society. Chad enjoys facilitating professional development across Canada, hosting math nights in school communities, and curating resources for teachers on his website. Chad continues to show his parents, teachers, and students the joy, love, and beauty of mathematics.  

Shelley Yearley

After 8 years as a Provincial Lead of Mathematics on assignment with the Council of Ontario Directors of Education (CODE), Shelley returned to the classroom teaching mathematics in Trillium Lakelands DSB for 3 years before retiring. While on assignment, the key project within her portfolio was the action research led by Dr. Cathy Bruce of Trent University that focused on the teaching and learning of fractions. This work, a partnership between CODE, Trent University, and the Ontario Ministry of Education, involved students and educators from K–12 classrooms in several Ontario district school boards. Shelley also played a role in the development of numerous resources and professional learning supports for K–12 educators, including the Paying Attention to… series and the provincial GAINS Math CAMPPPs. Shelley has served on a number of committees, including NCTM’s Educational Materials Committee (2014–2017), Action Research Network of the Americas Executive Committee (2009–2014), Ontario Ministry of Education Connecting Practice and Research — Mathematics Advisory Panel (2007–2010), and as an executive member of the Ontario Mathematics Coordinators Association (2002–2006). Educators’ passion for learning and desire for quality research-based educational tasks inspires Shelley to continue to support an increased alignment between research and classroom practice.