Workshop Overview

Unlock the power of student thinking in your mathematics classroom! This dynamic 8-hour workshop moves beyond traditional math instruction to develop students who think mathematically—who reason, conjecture, and prove with confidence.

Experience firsthand how to transform your classroom into a space where mathematical thinking flourishes. You’ll analyze and design high-cognitive-demand tasks, practice questioning techniques that deepen student reasoning, and explore strategies for making student thinking visible. Through collaborative problem-solving, instructional analysis, and practical application, you’ll discover how small, strategic changes to your teaching can dramatically enhance student thinking. Leave with a toolkit of immediately implementable strategies that elevate mathematical discourse, promote productive struggle, and help students develop as mathematical thinkers.

Join us to reimagine mathematics education—where students don’t just do math, they think mathematically. Perfect for grades 3-12 educators ready to take their inquiry-based instruction to the next level.

Facilitator:

Heidi Rhodes

As a young teacher-leader, Heidi encountered the power of teachers learning together toward improving student achievement; over five years, she and her 16 colleagues raised test scores 30 percentage points, from 10 points below the state average to 10 above. In that experience, the team proved true their research-based theory of action – if students are empowered to collaboratively solve rich mathematics problems, they will develop perseverance and understanding, resulting in increased achievement. Those early years shaped Heidi’s deep respect for the professionalism of teachers and the necessity of building a shared vision of excellent pedagogy together. For 20 years, she has shared this passion with others through designing and leading professional development in math pedagogy, STEM projects, and leadership across multiple schools and districts in the U.S. and worldwide. She brings experience with the U.S. Common Core, AP, IB MYP and DP, and PBL. Heidi’s PD offerings emphasize experiential learning opportunities for participants. Heidi holds a Ph.D. in Math and Science Education, a M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction, and a B.A. in Mathematics. She has published academic articles, led PD around the world, and presented at conferences on both classroom practices and effective educational leadership.