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Dear Members, Educators, and Supporters of Mathematics Education,
As we step into a new year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible work we’ve accomplished together and to look ahead with optimism and determination. 2024 was a year of growth, collaboration, and innovation for the Rhode Island Mathematics Teachers Association. We hosted enriching professional development sessions, fostered meaningful discussions on equity in mathematics education, and celebrated the successes of our students and teachers alike.
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Dear Rhode Island Math Educators,
As the President of the Rhode Island Math Teachers Association, I am thrilled to extend a heartfelt welcome to each of you as we embark on a new school year. Our commitment to nurturing curiosity, fostering critical thinking, and inspiring a love for mathematics is more important than ever.We have an exciting year ahead, filled with professional development opportunities, collaborative events, and resources designed to support you in your teaching journey. Our association is here to provide you with the tools and community you need to thrive. I encourage you to take full advantage of our workshops, conferences, and...
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Congratulations to our 2024 RIMTA Excellence Awardees who were recognized this spring. We are so pleased to recognize the excellence they show each and every day!
RIMTA Student of the Year is awarded to a student in grades K-12, who brings multiple strengths to mathematics learning in support of their own and others' success. This year's awardee, ISHA from North Providence High School was nominated by Jocelyn Alexandre and the entire mathematics department for her keen analytical mind, infectious curiosity and passion for mathematics
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It is well known that the students in our schools and classrooms are increasingly diverse in terms of cultural, linguistic, and cognitive strengths and backgrounds. In her opening message for this calendar year, the commissioner has challenged us as educators to work collectively to “ensure all students are equipped with what they need to thrive during their educational journey” and “address challenges and tear down barriers to student success” (RIDE, August 2023). This call-to-action aligns with NCTM’s (the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics) position on access and equity which states:
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Greetings Rhode Island mathematicians!
As we dive into the start of the 2023-2024 school year, the RIMTA Access & Equity committee would like to take this opportunity to share some ways that you can create a culturally responsive mathematics classroom that engages and excites learners of all ages. In our monthly newsletters, we will provide examples of activities, research, and best practices that lend themselves to access and equity and that aim to develop agency and self efficacy in all students.
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Each year RIMTA highlights the outstanding work and contributions made by Rhode Island teachers and students to mathematics education through its three RIMTA Recognition Awards categories:
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an “Outstanding Teacher of the Year” who has demonstrated the effective characteristics of an outstanding practitioner who positively impacts mathematics education for all members of the school community,
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an “Outstanding Rookie of the Year” who has shown...
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The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), the National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics (NCSM), and TODOS: Mathematics for ALL have all called upon mathematics educators across the country to make social justice a key priority in our work in order to create systemic change that will promote “fair and equitable teaching practices, high expectations for all students, access to rich, rigorous, and relevant mathematics, and strong family/community relationships” (NCSM & TODOS, 2020).
Heeding this call to action, the RIMTA board is working to establish a Committee for Access and Equity and to more actively engage our members (and future members) in...
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“You want us to see that there can be different approaches to solving a problem,” said one of my PrepareRI math scholars, his face showing up in a box on Zoom and a green band flashing indicating he has unmuted and is talking. “You really want to hear about our thinking,” typed another, in a chat window. A Seats at the Table task they were confronted with on this day.
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RIMTA is partnering with the Rhode Island Department of Education in assisting teachers in this era of Distance Learning. RIDE/RIMTA have organized a Professional Learning Community as a forum for teachers to share ideas and resources. The session scheduled for this Tuesday, May 12, will focus on blended learning with breakout sessions for elementary and secondary teachers. Join this PLC every Tuesday at 3:30 to be a part of this extremely beneficial program. To get on the mailing list for the PLC, fill out this Google Form.
As of now, the ATMNE Fall Conference is scheduled to be held on December 4-5 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Danbury, CT...
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The Rhode Island Department of Education has compiled resources to help educators and parents navigate the current COVID-19 situation. On this site https://www.ride.ri.gov/InsideRIDE/AdditionalInformation/Covid19.aspx , under the heading of "Resources for Distance Learning" there is a spread sheet with a Distance Learning Resource Guide by topic, subject and grade that will be updated regularly.
Thanks to Chris Castillero from RIDE for sharing this update with us.