Spring 2016
April 20, 2016 Member's Meeting! 2-3pm SCP224
During the meeting this Wednesday we will be voting on the new co-community liaison, so any current freshman or sophomores should email us if you are interested in running. This will guarantee you a spot on e-board for Spring-Fall of 2017. It's fun and looks great on a resume, so please email us if you have any questions or are interested in running!
Hope to see you all there!
We will also be working on the teacher appreciation cards, so everyone should come by and make one to show your appreciation for our wonderful professors here at TCNJ. Click here to sign up to make a card!
March 10: 2-3pm in SCP117 Dr. Farshid Safi is visiting TCNJ!
“Modeling with Mathematics to Build Content Knowledge for Teaching”
Abstract:
Mathematics education programs throughout the country actively seek to engage prospective teachers in meaningful mathematical experiences that prepare teaching candidates while providing a deeper understanding of mathematical content. Recent research efforts have focused on ways in which prospective and practicing teachers’ conceptions of modeling with mathematics would be enhanced through engagement with tasks that impact their content knowledge for teaching (Lesh & Zawojewski, 2012; Pollack, 2012, Usiskin, 2015). In order to effectively engage students in modeling with mathematics, this talk will also highlight standards for mathematical practice involving the strategic use of tools – such as dynamic technologies - and discuss classroom connections.
Bio:
Dr. Farshid Safi has spent the last twenty years working with students and teachers at the K-12 school level as well as teaching mathematics content and methods courses at universities throughout the U.S and Canada. As a public school mathematics teacher, he has taught courses ranging from algebra to advanced placement calculus courses. He received his Bachelor’s and Master’s in Mathematics from the University of Florida and received his PhD in Mathematics Education from University of Central Florida in 2009. From 2009-2015, he was a mathematics education faculty member in the Department of Mathematics & Statistics at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ). Currently, he is a mathematics educator in the School of Teaching, Learning and Leadership at UCF in Orlando where he works with undergraduate as well as Master’s and Ph.D. students focused on mathematics education. His primary research focuses on developing teachers’ conceptual understanding of elementary and secondary mathematics and connecting essential mathematical topics through the use of multiple representations and technology. Dr. Safi has written articles for national and international journals and presented at state, national, and international conferences. He is a member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators (state and national levels) and has served in leadership positions for both organizations.
March 2- 2:30-4 SCP230 "Why do education majors have to take upper-level math classes?"
The purpose of this panel is for preservice teachers to get a sense of why the upper level math classes we take in college are important and relevant to our futures as K-12 teachers. The panel consists of:
Dr. Marcus - Number Theory Dr. Clifford- Geometry
Dr. Russell - Abstract Algebra Dr. Kardos- Real Analysis
During the meeting this Wednesday we will be voting on the new co-community liaison, so any current freshman or sophomores should email us if you are interested in running. This will guarantee you a spot on e-board for Spring-Fall of 2017. It's fun and looks great on a resume, so please email us if you have any questions or are interested in running!
Hope to see you all there!
We will also be working on the teacher appreciation cards, so everyone should come by and make one to show your appreciation for our wonderful professors here at TCNJ. Click here to sign up to make a card!
March 10: 2-3pm in SCP117 Dr. Farshid Safi is visiting TCNJ!
“Modeling with Mathematics to Build Content Knowledge for Teaching”
Abstract:
Mathematics education programs throughout the country actively seek to engage prospective teachers in meaningful mathematical experiences that prepare teaching candidates while providing a deeper understanding of mathematical content. Recent research efforts have focused on ways in which prospective and practicing teachers’ conceptions of modeling with mathematics would be enhanced through engagement with tasks that impact their content knowledge for teaching (Lesh & Zawojewski, 2012; Pollack, 2012, Usiskin, 2015). In order to effectively engage students in modeling with mathematics, this talk will also highlight standards for mathematical practice involving the strategic use of tools – such as dynamic technologies - and discuss classroom connections.
Bio:
Dr. Farshid Safi has spent the last twenty years working with students and teachers at the K-12 school level as well as teaching mathematics content and methods courses at universities throughout the U.S and Canada. As a public school mathematics teacher, he has taught courses ranging from algebra to advanced placement calculus courses. He received his Bachelor’s and Master’s in Mathematics from the University of Florida and received his PhD in Mathematics Education from University of Central Florida in 2009. From 2009-2015, he was a mathematics education faculty member in the Department of Mathematics & Statistics at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ). Currently, he is a mathematics educator in the School of Teaching, Learning and Leadership at UCF in Orlando where he works with undergraduate as well as Master’s and Ph.D. students focused on mathematics education. His primary research focuses on developing teachers’ conceptual understanding of elementary and secondary mathematics and connecting essential mathematical topics through the use of multiple representations and technology. Dr. Safi has written articles for national and international journals and presented at state, national, and international conferences. He is a member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators (state and national levels) and has served in leadership positions for both organizations.
March 2- 2:30-4 SCP230 "Why do education majors have to take upper-level math classes?"
The purpose of this panel is for preservice teachers to get a sense of why the upper level math classes we take in college are important and relevant to our futures as K-12 teachers. The panel consists of:
Dr. Marcus - Number Theory Dr. Clifford- Geometry
Dr. Russell - Abstract Algebra Dr. Kardos- Real Analysis
Fall 2015
Meeting #1- Wednesday, September 9
Location: SCP224
Time: 11:00-12:00
Location: SCP224
Time: 11:00-12:00
Math Anxiety Presentation- Wednesday, September 30
Counts towards Capstone Seminar Requirement for all Math Ed Majors!
Presenter: Dr. Vandersandt
Location: SCP224
Time: 11:00-12:00
Counts towards Capstone Seminar Requirement for all Math Ed Majors!
Presenter: Dr. Vandersandt
Location: SCP224
Time: 11:00-12:00
Meeting #2- Wednesday, October 21
Location: SCP224
Time: 11:00-12:00
Location: SCP224
Time: 11:00-12:00
NCTM Regional Conference- October 21-23
Location: Atlantic City, NJ
This is a great opportunity to meet administrators, educators and fellow preservice math teachers from all over the region.
Location: Atlantic City, NJ
This is a great opportunity to meet administrators, educators and fellow preservice math teachers from all over the region.
JFE Panel
Location: SCP 224
Time: 11:00-12:00
Come hear Jess Martin, Illana Feldscher and Nick Brion as they share their JFE Experiences!
Location: SCP 224
Time: 11:00-12:00
Come hear Jess Martin, Illana Feldscher and Nick Brion as they share their JFE Experiences!
E-Board Elections
Location: SCP 224
Time: 11:00-12:00
This is a great opportunity to get involved in CSTM and the math department!
Location: SCP 224
Time: 11:00-12:00
This is a great opportunity to get involved in CSTM and the math department!
Spring 2015
Meeting #1- Wednesday, February 11
Location: SCP229
Time: 1:00-2:00
Location: SCP229
Time: 1:00-2:00
Technology Integration in a Math Classroom- Wednesday, March 4
Counts towards Capstone Seminar Requirement for all Math Ed Majors!
Presenter: Dr. Safi
Location: SCP229
Time: 1:30-2:30
Counts towards Capstone Seminar Requirement for all Math Ed Majors!
Presenter: Dr. Safi
Location: SCP229
Time: 1:30-2:30
Administrative Panel- Wednesday, March 11
Counts towards Capstone Seminar Requirement for all Math Ed Majors!
Panelists: Mr. Brian Harris, Mrs. Andrea Bean, Mr. Donald Wahlers
Mr. Brian Harris (Principal- Grover Middle School, West Windsor)
Mr. Harris earned his Master’s degree from TCNJ in 2000 and became a high school math teacher in Edison for 8 years. Later he became the Assistant Principal at J.P. Stevens High School, and in 2013 he became the Principal at Grover Middle School in West Windsor.
Mrs. Andrea Bean (6-12 Math Supervisor, West Windsor- Plainsboro School District)
After graduating from Temple University, Mrs. Bean taught all levels of mathematics at West Windsor- Plainsboro High School South for 20 years. Following high school, she taught 3 years at Thomas Grover Middle School and earned my Master’s Degree at TCNJ. She is currently the District Supervisor of Mathematics for grades 6-12. She also serves as a member at large for the Association of Mathematics Teachers of New Jersey.
Mr. Don Wahlers (K-6 District Math Supervisor of Curriculum & Instruction, Ewing Public Schools)
Donald Wahlers earned a B.S. and B. A. from Pennsylvania State University and a M.A. from Rider University. He spent ten years as a high school science teacher followed by ten years as K-12 Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction in Mathematics and Science. He is currently starting his focus on Curriculum and Instruction for STEM in grades K-6, where he looks forward to developing an integrated instructional experience to foster a strong foundation to support students in further studies in mathematics, science, technology, and engineering.
Location: Social Science Building 227
Time: 5:00-6:00pm
Counts towards Capstone Seminar Requirement for all Math Ed Majors!
Panelists: Mr. Brian Harris, Mrs. Andrea Bean, Mr. Donald Wahlers
Mr. Brian Harris (Principal- Grover Middle School, West Windsor)
Mr. Harris earned his Master’s degree from TCNJ in 2000 and became a high school math teacher in Edison for 8 years. Later he became the Assistant Principal at J.P. Stevens High School, and in 2013 he became the Principal at Grover Middle School in West Windsor.
Mrs. Andrea Bean (6-12 Math Supervisor, West Windsor- Plainsboro School District)
After graduating from Temple University, Mrs. Bean taught all levels of mathematics at West Windsor- Plainsboro High School South for 20 years. Following high school, she taught 3 years at Thomas Grover Middle School and earned my Master’s Degree at TCNJ. She is currently the District Supervisor of Mathematics for grades 6-12. She also serves as a member at large for the Association of Mathematics Teachers of New Jersey.
Mr. Don Wahlers (K-6 District Math Supervisor of Curriculum & Instruction, Ewing Public Schools)
Donald Wahlers earned a B.S. and B. A. from Pennsylvania State University and a M.A. from Rider University. He spent ten years as a high school science teacher followed by ten years as K-12 Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction in Mathematics and Science. He is currently starting his focus on Curriculum and Instruction for STEM in grades K-6, where he looks forward to developing an integrated instructional experience to foster a strong foundation to support students in further studies in mathematics, science, technology, and engineering.
Location: Social Science Building 227
Time: 5:00-6:00pm
Math Teacher Alumni Symposium- Wednesday, April 29
Counts towards Capstone Seminar Requirement for all Math Ed Majors!
Location: SCP 317
Time: 12:30-5:00pm
Counts towards Capstone Seminar Requirement for all Math Ed Majors!
Location: SCP 317
Time: 12:30-5:00pm
Math Secondary Education Capstone Presentations- Tuesday, May 12
Location: Look on schedule
Time: 5:00-7:00pm
Location: Look on schedule
Time: 5:00-7:00pm
Fall 2014
Meeting #1- Wednesday, September 10!
Location: P228
Time: 11:00-12:00
Location: P228
Time: 11:00-12:00
Meeting #2- Wednesday, October 1!
Location: P228
Time: 11:00-12:00
Location: P228
Time: 11:00-12:00
AMTNJ 25th Annual Two Day Conference- October 23, 24
Location: Hyatt Regency Hotel in New Brunswick, NJ
Time: 5:30-7:30
The Association of Math Teachers of New Jersey (AMTNJ) is currently celebrating its 100th year. Invited to this conference are many notable figures in the math education, such as NCTM past and present presidents, other NCTM officers and the writers of the CCSSM.
Location: Hyatt Regency Hotel in New Brunswick, NJ
Time: 5:30-7:30
The Association of Math Teachers of New Jersey (AMTNJ) is currently celebrating its 100th year. Invited to this conference are many notable figures in the math education, such as NCTM past and present presidents, other NCTM officers and the writers of the CCSSM.
Mathematics Education Faculty Panel- Wednesday, October 29!!-
Counts as Capstone Seminar Requirement for all Math Ed Majors!
Presenters: Dr. Cunningham, Dr. Liebars, Dr. Russell, Dr. Safi, Dr. Vandersandt
Location: 223
Time: 11:00- 12:30
Counts as Capstone Seminar Requirement for all Math Ed Majors!
Presenters: Dr. Cunningham, Dr. Liebars, Dr. Russell, Dr. Safi, Dr. Vandersandt
Location: 223
Time: 11:00- 12:30
| math_ed_faculty_panel_highlights.docx |
Meeting #3- Wednesday, November 12!
Location: P228
Time: 11:00-12:00
Location: P228
Time: 11:00-12:00
What IS and what AIN'T Stats...The CCSS, the PARCC, and Teaching Statistics in the Algebra Classroom- Wednesday, November 19!!
Counts as Capstone Seminar Requirement for all Math Ed Majors!
Presenter: Professor Adam Shrager
Location: SCP 230
Time: 4:00-5:00
Presentation Details:
Whereas most people confuse probability for statistics, the new Common Core State Standards expects 12 year olds (and their teachers) to be able to "use random sampling to draw inferences about a population." In short, seventh graders are supposed to be exposed to concepts in inferential statistics.
This reality, and a dozen more examples of statistical knowledge that must be included throughout the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade curricula, as well as the Algebra I and Algebra II curriculum, are the focus of this dynamic (and fun) 45 minute presentation.
Brief Bio:
Adam Shrager is an adjunct faculty member in the department of Mathematics and Statistics at The College of New Jersey, and also teaches courses in Statistics and Applied Finance at Princeton University's Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs. He is a full time teacher of AP Statistics and Mathematics at Hopewell Valley Central High School in Pennington, NJ. He is a former Wall Street executive who has also written a best-selling book about Star Trek: The Next Generation.
Counts as Capstone Seminar Requirement for all Math Ed Majors!
Presenter: Professor Adam Shrager
Location: SCP 230
Time: 4:00-5:00
Presentation Details:
Whereas most people confuse probability for statistics, the new Common Core State Standards expects 12 year olds (and their teachers) to be able to "use random sampling to draw inferences about a population." In short, seventh graders are supposed to be exposed to concepts in inferential statistics.
This reality, and a dozen more examples of statistical knowledge that must be included throughout the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade curricula, as well as the Algebra I and Algebra II curriculum, are the focus of this dynamic (and fun) 45 minute presentation.
Brief Bio:
Adam Shrager is an adjunct faculty member in the department of Mathematics and Statistics at The College of New Jersey, and also teaches courses in Statistics and Applied Finance at Princeton University's Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs. He is a full time teacher of AP Statistics and Mathematics at Hopewell Valley Central High School in Pennington, NJ. He is a former Wall Street executive who has also written a best-selling book about Star Trek: The Next Generation.
