News from the Western 2 Region
Kathlan Latimer, Western 2 Regional Director
Summer 2018

Greetings Western 2 Region NCSM members and friends,

I hope many of you were able to celebrate NCSM’s 50th in Washington, D.C. I thank the conference committees for a fabulous job. Their untiring efforts resulted in a stimulating experience for all who attended. If you were a conference volunteer, thank you also; we could not have had such a superb and enlightening conference without you. Thanks also to those of you who attended the regional caucus; your participation is appreciated. And (yes!) in 2019 the annual conference will be in our region April 1-3 in San Diego, California. Spread the word.

Another academic year has ended. I hope your year was productive and that you grew professionally whether you were teaching or supporting those who do. Now, hopefully, you will have some time to rejuvenate and renew, but also to take advantage of the myriad opportunities at hand.

Summer Professional Learning: An opportunity to learn and grow

This year the NCSM Summer Leadership Academy is closer to home. Join us in Colorado as we explore and extend our understanding of effective coaching. The academy, "Building Mathematics Leadership: Coaching," will be held at the Doubletree by Hilton Denver Tech Center in Greenwood Village, Colorado, from July 30 to August 1, 2018.

If you are ready to make a real difference in the teaching and learning of mathematics or if your district/school has a coaching program or is thinking about starting a coaching program, join NCSM and its coaching team for this informative and instructive event. Registration is available information on the website.

Summer Extended Learning Opportunity: An opportunity to read, study, and reflect

You are invited to join with other educators from around the country to continue the work on the Collective Call to Action, From Awareness to Action: Equity and Social Justice in Mathematics Education. Readings and reflection questions are provided as a focus for study and reflection as you contemplate the actions you will take as you continue your equity walk. The one listed below covers summer months; others continue until January 2019.

July – August 2018

Webinar September 2018

Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators (AMTE), www.amte.net

Chapter 16: How Do I Learn to Like This Child So I Can Teach Him Mathematics: The Case of Rebecca (Mary Q Foote) with accompanying commentaries:

  • Commentary 1: Examining Interest Convergence and Identity: A Commentary on Foote’s Case, Robert Q. Berry III.
  • Commentary 2: Supporting a Teacher’s Shift from Deficits to Funds of Knowledge: A Commentary on Foote’s Case, Maura Varley Gutiérrez.
  • Commentary 3: A Commentary on Foote’s Case, Nora G. Ramírez.

Chapter from: White, D. Y., Crespo, S. & Civil, M. (Eds.) (2016). Cases for mathematics teacher educators: Facilitating conversations about inequities in mathematics classrooms. Charlotte, NC: Information Age Publishing.

Link to purchase book: www.infoagepub.com/products/Cases-for-Mathematics-Teacher-Educators

Reflection Questions:

10. How would you support the teacher in addressing her negative views about the student and his mother?

11. In what ways did the case and commentary authors’ suggestions help you think about the equity-related dilemmas you face in your own work?

Look Ahead!

The Ross Taylor/Glenn Gilbert National Leadership Award

Do you know someone who

  • has a record of significant and describable contributions to mathematics education,
  • demonstrates a concern for her/his fellow mathematics educators,
  • uses self-evaluation for growth and improved performance,
  • demonstrates a clear knowledge of mathematics education, especially current issues and problems,
  • has made a contribution to mathematics education by furthering one or more of the stated purposes of NCSM?

That person would be a strong nominee for the Ross Taylor/Glenn Gilbert National Leadership Award. Please nominate them. Nominations may be submitted electronically no later than November 1, 2018. Who will you nominate?

Make Plans!

In which upcoming summer or fall professional learning opportunities will you participate? There are many great choices. Our paths may cross yet again.


Oregon Council of Teachers of Mathematics (www.octm.org)
Oregon Math Leaders Summer Conference: Mathematical Discourse – Communicating to Enhance the Student-Centered Math Experience,
August 3 – 4, 2018, Linfield College, McMinnville, Oregon


Inquiry Outside the Cube Conference for K-12 Math and Science
Teachers, October 12, 2018, La Grange, Oregon

Teachers of Teachers of Mathematics (TOTOM)
2018 Annual Meeting, September 6, 7, 8, 2018,
Southern Oregon University

Hawaii Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Engaging Math Minds, September 15, 2018, Honolulu, HI (hctm.org)


NorthWest Mathematics Conference
A joint venture of the British Columbia Association of Math Teachers, the Oregon Council of Teachers of Mathematics, and the Washington State Mathematics Council, October 18-20, 2018, Whistler, British Columbia, Canada www.bcamt.ca/nw2018


California Mathematics Council-Southern Section Conference
59th Annual Mathematics Conference, November 2-3, 2018
Palm Springs, California www.cmc-south.org/conference.html

California Mathematics Council-Northern Section Conference
61st Conference at Asilomar: Student Voice: Let’s Hear It!
November 30 – December 2, 2018
Pacific Grove, California (cmc-math.org/cmc-north)

Do check out our regional calendar. If you have an event you would like listed, get in touch.
Happy summer!

Kathlan