Elementary Mathematics Laboratory

Join us to explore the complexity of mathematics teaching practice. The 2024 Elementary Mathematics Laboratories will be held June 17–21 at The School at Marygrove in Detroit, MI and on June 24–28 in Grand Rapids, MI. 2024. Click below to register by May 30.

Quicklinks:     About   |    Logistics   |    Registration  |   FAQ

About the Elementary Mathematics Laboratory

A closer look at teaching practice

How do we engage students in mathematics in ways that value their thinking, broaden their ideas of what it means to do mathematics, and advance justice in classrooms? If you’re a teacher, education leader, or researcher interested in engaging with others in the close study of mathematics teaching practice, we hope you’ll join us for a week-long opportunity to explore the complexity of teaching and investigate and challenge what it means to use skillful teaching to disrupt patterns of injustice. Each day, participants will observe lower elementary children working on mathematics in a live, two-hour class. You will discuss what is happening in the class with other educators and with the teachers, Deborah Loewenberg Ball and Darrius Robinson, and participate in an afternoon workshop of your choice. In daily pre- and post-class discussions, we’ll unpack instructional decisions, examine mathematics content, and interrogate issues of equity in classrooms.

Observe live instruction

Observe live instruction

Observers have the rare chance to watch children learn from experienced teachers in real-time as the instructors lead lessons and respond and adapt in the moment to their students.

Engage with public teaching

Engage with public teaching

Public teaching is at the heart of our laboratory classes. Participants start each day with the instructional team in a “pre-brief” session before the class, in which they examine, discuss, and refine the day’s lesson plans and strategies for instruction. Attendees then observe the instruction and reconvene afterward for a debrief and to review student work.

Hone your skills in a collaborative environment

Hone your skills in a collaborative environment

In addition to observing and engaging with public teaching, participants of the laboratory classes also select from a slate of workshops that support and extend the learning of equitable teaching practices. Some focus on the complexities of teaching and learning, while others center on the practices of teacher education, professional development, and school leadership that support teachers’ development.

Logistics

1

Location information

The Elementary Mathematics Laboratory will take place at The School at Marygrove in Detroit, MI on June 17–21 and at Grand Rapids Public Schools on June 24–28. The laboratory class will be live-streamed for those observing virtually. All observers must attend the daily pre-class discussion, whether or not they participate in any of the afternoon professional learning workshops. Participation in the post-class discussion is optional for those not joining the workshops but strongly encouraged for all. Further information about the schedules and locations can be found using the registration link below. 

2

Contact information

For questions about the laboratory class or professional learning workshops:

Nicole Garcia, TeachingWorks Associate Director, nmgarcia@umich.edu

For questions about registration, travel assistance, and policies: Kyana Taylor, kyanat@umich.edu 

If an emergency arises while you are traveling,  please call us at 734.255.3115.

Registration

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1

What is the refund policy?

TeachingWorks reserves the right to cancel in-person, virtual, or hybrid training or workshops before the start. TeachingWorks staff will notify participants of cancellation via e-mail. Participants will be eligible for a full refund of their registration fee. TeachingWorks will not be held responsible for any expenses incurred due to the cancellation of an event, training, or workshop.

For a full refund (100%), participants must submit a written request to cancel or withdraw 30 days prior to the first day of the event (in-person or virtual). Fifty percent (50%) will be refunded for requests received 15 days prior. No refunds will be issued for requests received within seven (7) business days of the first day of the event or failure to submit the required documentation required for participation.

2

Who should participate?

Anyone interested in education, education advocacy, or exploring the close study of teaching practice is welcome to attend the Elementary Mathematics Laboratory, including teachers, teacher educators, education leaders, policymakers, and researchers.

3

What do I need to participate in the Elementary Mathematics Laboratory?

A laptop or tablet is required to access digital resources. No other supplies are required.

4

What is the dress attire for this event?

Business casual.

5

What are the COVID-19 protection measures that will be taken?

Your health and safety are important to us. We will evaluate appropriate COVID-19 precautions closer to the time of the event and communicate any requirements to attendees prior to the event.

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