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Math Teachers' Circle

A teacher-led mathematical problem-solving and
professional development experience for middle level teachers


Math Teachers' Circle Logo

Mission Statement

The Teachers' Circle brings together active mathematicians and middle-level teachers. Our goal is to discover and pass along to students the excitement and richness of problem solving in deep yet accessible mathematical topics.

What is a Math Teachers' Circle?

The Math Teachers' Circles meet in Lincoln and Kearney. A Math Teachers' Circle in Omaha met in the 2010-11 academic year. Their goal is to encourage a culture of problem solving in middle grade and algebra classrooms. The Circle brings together mathematics teachers and active mathematicians to engage in mathematical problem-solving and to provide guidance and resources math teachers can use in promoting open-ended problem-solving as a way of learning and thinking about mathematics in their classrooms. Teachers are encouraged to collaborate to adapt the mathematics learned to their classroom.

The Teachers' Circle is a place for math teachers to gather who enjoy discovering great mathematics and who enjoy engaging in conversations with colleagues and professional mathematicians.

Discussions will be held to determine what challenges exist to incorporating this style of teaching into the present curriculum, what resources would be most helpful to teachers, and other related topics.

What types of mathematics will we do?

The mathematical problems have multiple entry levels and can be accessible to a wide variety of students.

How Do I Get Involved?

The Teachers' Circle meets multiple times throughout the school year. Teachers will gather on a weekday evening to participate in a math circle, have dinner together, and discuss experiences in their respective classes over the prior few weeks. In this way participants can regularly explore exciting new math topics, which can serve both as a refreshing time spent enjoying the subject they teach as well as a potential source of enrichment material for their classes.

See the links provided to view fliers and contact the organizers for more information. Special thanks to the UNL Center for Science, Mathematics & Computer Education for providing dinners.

Quotes From Lincoln Organizers

"I have used many rich problem solving activities with my Math Intervention students as well as my gifted students. It is fun and rewarding when the students I least expect are actively involved in successfully solving the problem."
Julie Kreizel, Mickle Middle School & LPS Math Coach
"Higher level thinking problems provided my students the opportunity to surprise me with the depth of their mathematical knowledge."
Anne Schmidt, Culler Middle School Math Coach
"The mathematics is interesting, rich, deep, but accessible to all and best of all it is FUN!"
Steve Dunbar, UNL
"Math circles will provide sustainable staff development that will have a profound effect on teachers' content knowledge and the ability to transfer the mathematics to their students."
Sue Graupner, LPS

About Our Sponsors

For more information about Math Teachers' Circles, check out www.mathteacherscircle.org.

Central Nebraska

Times:
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Dates:
Monday, February 27, 2012
Monday, March 26, 2012

Location:
Horizon Middle School
Kearney

Dinner will be served.

For other information about the Central Nebraska Math Teachers' Circle, contact Dr. Pari Ford at (308) 865-8553 or fordpl@unk.edu.

Visit the web site.

Lincoln Area

Times:
5:30 pm - Dinner
6:00 pm - Presentation

Dates:
February 9, 2012
March 8, 2012

Location:
Culler Middle School
52nd and Vine streets
Lincoln

For other information about the Lincoln Area Math Teachers' Circle, contact Anne Schmidt at aschmid@lps.org.

Omaha Area

Times:
4:00 - 6:00 pm

Dates:
February 28, 2012
March 30, 2012

Location:
University of Nebraska Omaha Alumni Center
Omaha

For more information about the Omaha Area Math Teachers' Circle, contact Dr. Angie Hodge, Dr. Janice Rech, or Valerie Schovanec.



Math Teachers' Circle Logo

Mission Statement

The Teachers' Circle brings together active mathematicians and middle-level teachers. Our goal is to discover and pass along to students the excitement and richness of problem solving in deep yet accessible mathematical topics.

What is a Math Teachers' Circle?

The Math Teachers' Circles meet in Lincoln and Kearney. A Math Teachers' Circle in Omaha met in the 2010-11 academic year. Their goal is to encourage a culture of problem solving in middle grade and algebra classrooms. The Circle brings together mathematics teachers and active mathematicians to engage in mathematical problem-solving and to provide guidance and resources math teachers can use in promoting open-ended problem-solving as a way of learning and thinking about mathematics in their classrooms. Teachers are encouraged to collaborate to adapt the mathematics learned to their classroom.

The Teachers' Circle is a place for math teachers to gather who enjoy discovering great mathematics and who enjoy engaging in conversations with colleagues and professional mathematicians.

Discussions will be held to determine what challenges exist to incorporating this style of teaching into the present curriculum, what resources would be most helpful to teachers, and other related topics.

What types of mathematics will we do?

The mathematical problems have multiple entry levels and can be accessible to a wide variety of students.

How Do I Get Involved?

The Teachers' Circle meets multiple times throughout the school year. Teachers will gather on a weekday evening to participate in a math circle, have dinner together, and discuss experiences in their respective classes over the prior few weeks. In this way participants can regularly explore exciting new math topics, which can serve both as a refreshing time spent enjoying the subject they teach as well as a potential source of enrichment material for their classes.

See the links provided to view fliers and contact the organizers for more information. Special thanks to the UNL Center for Science, Mathematics & Computer Education for providing dinners.

Quotes From Lincoln Organizers

"I have used many rich problem solving activities with my Math Intervention students as well as my gifted students. It is fun and rewarding when the students I least expect are actively involved in successfully solving the problem."
Julie Kreizel, Mickle Middle School & LPS Math Coach
"Higher level thinking problems provided my students the opportunity to surprise me with the depth of their mathematical knowledge."
Anne Schmidt, Culler Middle School Math Coach
"The mathematics is interesting, rich, deep, but accessible to all and best of all it is FUN!"
Steve Dunbar, UNL
"Math circles will provide sustainable staff development that will have a profound effect on teachers' content knowledge and the ability to transfer the mathematics to their students."
Sue Graupner, LPS

About Our Sponsors

For more information about Math Teachers' Circles, check out www.mathteacherscircle.org.

Lincoln Area

Times:
5:30 pm - Dinner
6:00 pm - Presentation

Dates:
February 9, 2012
March 8, 2012

Location:
Culler Middle School
52nd and Vine streets
Lincoln

For other information about the Lincoln Area Math Teachers' Circle, contact Anne Schmidt at aschmid@lps.org.



Math Teachers' Circle Logo

Mission Statement

The Teachers' Circle brings together active mathematicians and middle-level teachers. Our goal is to discover and pass along to students the excitement and richness of problem solving in deep yet accessible mathematical topics.

What is a Math Teachers' Circle?

The Math Teachers' Circles meet in Lincoln and Kearney. A Math Teachers' Circle in Omaha met in the 2010-11 academic year. Their goal is to encourage a culture of problem solving in middle grade and algebra classrooms. The Circle brings together mathematics teachers and active mathematicians to engage in mathematical problem-solving and to provide guidance and resources math teachers can use in promoting open-ended problem-solving as a way of learning and thinking about mathematics in their classrooms. Teachers are encouraged to collaborate to adapt the mathematics learned to their classroom.

The Teachers' Circle is a place for math teachers to gather who enjoy discovering great mathematics and who enjoy engaging in conversations with colleagues and professional mathematicians.

Discussions will be held to determine what challenges exist to incorporating this style of teaching into the present curriculum, what resources would be most helpful to teachers, and other related topics.

What types of mathematics will we do?

The mathematical problems have multiple entry levels and can be accessible to a wide variety of students.

How Do I Get Involved?

The Teachers' Circle meets multiple times throughout the school year. Teachers will gather on a weekday evening to participate in a math circle, have dinner together, and discuss experiences in their respective classes over the prior few weeks. In this way participants can regularly explore exciting new math topics, which can serve both as a refreshing time spent enjoying the subject they teach as well as a potential source of enrichment material for their classes.

See the links provided to view fliers and contact the organizers for more information. Special thanks to the UNL Center for Science, Mathematics & Computer Education for providing dinners.

Quotes From Lincoln Organizers

"I have used many rich problem solving activities with my Math Intervention students as well as my gifted students. It is fun and rewarding when the students I least expect are actively involved in successfully solving the problem."
Julie Kreizel, Mickle Middle School & LPS Math Coach
"Higher level thinking problems provided my students the opportunity to surprise me with the depth of their mathematical knowledge."
Anne Schmidt, Culler Middle School Math Coach
"The mathematics is interesting, rich, deep, but accessible to all and best of all it is FUN!"
Steve Dunbar, UNL
"Math circles will provide sustainable staff development that will have a profound effect on teachers' content knowledge and the ability to transfer the mathematics to their students."
Sue Graupner, LPS

About Our Sponsors

For more information about Math Teachers' Circles, check out www.mathteacherscircle.org.

Lincoln Area

Times:
5:30 pm - Dinner
6:00 pm - Presentation

Dates:
February 9, 2012
March 8, 2012

Location:
Culler Middle School
52nd and Vine streets
Lincoln

For other information about the Lincoln Area Math Teachers' Circle, contact Anne Schmidt at aschmid@lps.org.

Dates Location Title Presenter Handouts/Pictures
October 15
RSVP by Oct. 8
SEC Continuing Ed Building (behind ShopKo on O St) "Jim Tanton's Cascade Machines: From place value to long division to geometric series" Steve Dunbar  
November 12
RSVP by Nov. 5
Culler Middle School (52nd and Vine Street) The Jug Problem Anne Schmidt & Delise Andrews Video: Part 1
Video: Part 2
February 11
RSVP by Feb. 4
Culler Middle School (52nd and Vine Street) Instant Insanity! Stephen Hartke & Barb Miriovsky Cubes
March 11
RSVP by Mar. 4
Culler Middle School (52nd and Vine Street)      
April 8
RSVP by Apr. 1
Culler Middle School (52nd and Vine Street)      


Math Teachers' Circle Logo

Mission Statement

The Teachers' Circle brings together active mathematicians and middle-level teachers. Our goal is to discover and pass along to students the excitement and richness of problem solving in deep yet accessible mathematical topics.

What is a Math Teachers' Circle?

The Math Teachers' Circles meet in Lincoln and Kearney. A Math Teachers' Circle in Omaha met in the 2010-11 academic year. Their goal is to encourage a culture of problem solving in middle grade and algebra classrooms. The Circle brings together mathematics teachers and active mathematicians to engage in mathematical problem-solving and to provide guidance and resources math teachers can use in promoting open-ended problem-solving as a way of learning and thinking about mathematics in their classrooms. Teachers are encouraged to collaborate to adapt the mathematics learned to their classroom.

The Teachers' Circle is a place for math teachers to gather who enjoy discovering great mathematics and who enjoy engaging in conversations with colleagues and professional mathematicians.

Discussions will be held to determine what challenges exist to incorporating this style of teaching into the present curriculum, what resources would be most helpful to teachers, and other related topics.

What types of mathematics will we do?

The mathematical problems have multiple entry levels and can be accessible to a wide variety of students.

How Do I Get Involved?

The Teachers' Circle meets multiple times throughout the school year. Teachers will gather on a weekday evening to participate in a math circle, have dinner together, and discuss experiences in their respective classes over the prior few weeks. In this way participants can regularly explore exciting new math topics, which can serve both as a refreshing time spent enjoying the subject they teach as well as a potential source of enrichment material for their classes.

See the links provided to view fliers and contact the organizers for more information. Special thanks to the UNL Center for Science, Mathematics & Computer Education for providing dinners.

Quotes From Lincoln Organizers

"I have used many rich problem solving activities with my Math Intervention students as well as my gifted students. It is fun and rewarding when the students I least expect are actively involved in successfully solving the problem."
Julie Kreizel, Mickle Middle School & LPS Math Coach
"Higher level thinking problems provided my students the opportunity to surprise me with the depth of their mathematical knowledge."
Anne Schmidt, Culler Middle School Math Coach
"The mathematics is interesting, rich, deep, but accessible to all and best of all it is FUN!"
Steve Dunbar, UNL
"Math circles will provide sustainable staff development that will have a profound effect on teachers' content knowledge and the ability to transfer the mathematics to their students."
Sue Graupner, LPS

About Our Sponsors

For more information about Math Teachers' Circles, check out www.mathteacherscircle.org.

Lincoln Area

Times:
5:30 pm - Dinner
6:00 pm - Presentation

Dates:
February 9, 2012
March 8, 2012

Location:
Culler Middle School
52nd and Vine streets
Lincoln

For other information about the Lincoln Area Math Teachers' Circle, contact Anne Schmidt at aschmid@lps.org.

Dates Location Title Presenter Handouts/Pictures
September 18
RSVP by Sep. 15
LPSDO E111 Size of Your Reflection Steve Dunbar  
October 16
RSVP by Oct. 9
LPSDO E111 Mathematical Surprises Ira Papick Handout
November 20
RSVP by Nov. 13
Room 304, SEC Continuing Ed Building (behind ShopKo on O St.) Problem Solving Oscar Chavez, University of Missouri  
January 22
RSVP by Jan. 15
LPSDO E111 The Hat Trick Stephen Hartke (UNL)
Julie Kreizel (LPS)
Handout
February 19
RSVP by Feb. 12
LPSDO E111 The Mad Veterarian Cheryl Miner (NE Wesleyan)
Anne Schmidt (LPS)
Handout
Powerpoint
March 19
RSVP by Mar. 12
LPSDO E111 The Game of SET Kristie Pfabe (NE Wesleyan)
Michelle Homp (UNL)
Kyla Hall (LPS)
Handout
April 16
RSVP by Apr. 9
LPSDO upper cafeteria Decimal Representation of Rational Numbers Gordon Woodward (UNL)
Margaret Kaiser-Woodword (Lincoln Pius X)
Handout

**Special thanks to the UNL Center for Science, Mathematics and Computer Education for providing the dinner!



Math Teachers' Circle Logo

Mission Statement

The Teachers' Circle brings together active mathematicians and middle-level teachers. Our goal is to discover and pass along to students the excitement and richness of problem solving in deep yet accessible mathematical topics.

What is a Math Teachers' Circle?

The Math Teachers' Circles meet in Lincoln and Kearney. A Math Teachers' Circle in Omaha met in the 2010-11 academic year. Their goal is to encourage a culture of problem solving in middle grade and algebra classrooms. The Circle brings together mathematics teachers and active mathematicians to engage in mathematical problem-solving and to provide guidance and resources math teachers can use in promoting open-ended problem-solving as a way of learning and thinking about mathematics in their classrooms. Teachers are encouraged to collaborate to adapt the mathematics learned to their classroom.

The Teachers' Circle is a place for math teachers to gather who enjoy discovering great mathematics and who enjoy engaging in conversations with colleagues and professional mathematicians.

Discussions will be held to determine what challenges exist to incorporating this style of teaching into the present curriculum, what resources would be most helpful to teachers, and other related topics.

What types of mathematics will we do?

The mathematical problems have multiple entry levels and can be accessible to a wide variety of students.

How Do I Get Involved?

The Teachers' Circle meets multiple times throughout the school year. Teachers will gather on a weekday evening to participate in a math circle, have dinner together, and discuss experiences in their respective classes over the prior few weeks. In this way participants can regularly explore exciting new math topics, which can serve both as a refreshing time spent enjoying the subject they teach as well as a potential source of enrichment material for their classes.

See the links provided to view fliers and contact the organizers for more information. Special thanks to the UNL Center for Science, Mathematics & Computer Education for providing dinners.

Quotes From Lincoln Organizers

"I have used many rich problem solving activities with my Math Intervention students as well as my gifted students. It is fun and rewarding when the students I least expect are actively involved in successfully solving the problem."
Julie Kreizel, Mickle Middle School & LPS Math Coach
"Higher level thinking problems provided my students the opportunity to surprise me with the depth of their mathematical knowledge."
Anne Schmidt, Culler Middle School Math Coach
"The mathematics is interesting, rich, deep, but accessible to all and best of all it is FUN!"
Steve Dunbar, UNL
"Math circles will provide sustainable staff development that will have a profound effect on teachers' content knowledge and the ability to transfer the mathematics to their students."
Sue Graupner, LPS

About Our Sponsors

For more information about Math Teachers' Circles, check out www.mathteacherscircle.org.

Lincoln Area

Times:
5:30 pm - Dinner
6:00 pm - Presentation

Dates:
February 9, 2012
March 8, 2012

Location:
Culler Middle School
52nd and Vine streets
Lincoln

For other information about the Lincoln Area Math Teachers' Circle, contact Anne Schmidt at aschmid@lps.org.

Dates Location Title Presenter Handouts/Pictures
September 13
RSVP by Oct. 8
LPSDO E111 Mathematicians Go Square Dancing: Tangles, Knots and Fractions Steve Dunbar
Cheryl Miner
Handout
October 11 LPSDO E111 Mathemagic! Steve Dunbar
Cheryl Miner
Powerpoint
November 8 East Campus Union, UNL Geometry with Zomes Michelle Homp
Kristie Pfabe
Handout
January 17 LPSDO E111 Fault-Free Bricks & Technology Demonstration

Technology websites:
David Hartman Brick Handout
Fault-Free Brick Article
February 21 LPSDO E111 The Game of Bridg-It Stephen Hartke
Pari Ford
Handout
March 13 SEC Continuing Ed Building (behind ShopKo on O St.) The Puppies and Kittens Game Anne Schmidt
Heidi Feller
Handout
April 17 SEC Continuing Ed Building (behind ShopKo on O St.) Smoke and You Croak Lenny VerMaas Smoke and Croak (doc,ppt)
Mystery Block (doc,ppt)
May 8 LPSDO E111 You Can Learn A Lot From A Notecard! Bob Mann Website
I have... Who has... (from Lenny VerMaas)


Math Teachers' Circle Logo

Mission Statement

The Teachers' Circle brings together active mathematicians and middle-level teachers. Our goal is to discover and pass along to students the excitement and richness of problem solving in deep yet accessible mathematical topics.

What is a Math Teachers' Circle?

The Math Teachers' Circles meet in Lincoln and Kearney. A Math Teachers' Circle in Omaha met in the 2010-11 academic year. Their goal is to encourage a culture of problem solving in middle grade and algebra classrooms. The Circle brings together mathematics teachers and active mathematicians to engage in mathematical problem-solving and to provide guidance and resources math teachers can use in promoting open-ended problem-solving as a way of learning and thinking about mathematics in their classrooms. Teachers are encouraged to collaborate to adapt the mathematics learned to their classroom.

The Teachers' Circle is a place for math teachers to gather who enjoy discovering great mathematics and who enjoy engaging in conversations with colleagues and professional mathematicians.

Discussions will be held to determine what challenges exist to incorporating this style of teaching into the present curriculum, what resources would be most helpful to teachers, and other related topics.

What types of mathematics will we do?

The mathematical problems have multiple entry levels and can be accessible to a wide variety of students.

How Do I Get Involved?

The Teachers' Circle meets multiple times throughout the school year. Teachers will gather on a weekday evening to participate in a math circle, have dinner together, and discuss experiences in their respective classes over the prior few weeks. In this way participants can regularly explore exciting new math topics, which can serve both as a refreshing time spent enjoying the subject they teach as well as a potential source of enrichment material for their classes.

See the links provided to view fliers and contact the organizers for more information. Special thanks to the UNL Center for Science, Mathematics & Computer Education for providing dinners.

Quotes From Lincoln Organizers

"I have used many rich problem solving activities with my Math Intervention students as well as my gifted students. It is fun and rewarding when the students I least expect are actively involved in successfully solving the problem."
Julie Kreizel, Mickle Middle School & LPS Math Coach
"Higher level thinking problems provided my students the opportunity to surprise me with the depth of their mathematical knowledge."
Anne Schmidt, Culler Middle School Math Coach
"The mathematics is interesting, rich, deep, but accessible to all and best of all it is FUN!"
Steve Dunbar, UNL
"Math circles will provide sustainable staff development that will have a profound effect on teachers' content knowledge and the ability to transfer the mathematics to their students."
Sue Graupner, LPS

About Our Sponsors

For more information about Math Teachers' Circles, check out www.mathteacherscircle.org.

Lincoln Area

Times:
5:30 pm - Dinner
6:00 pm - Presentation

Dates:
February 9, 2012
March 8, 2012

Location:
Culler Middle School
52nd and Vine streets
Lincoln

For other information about the Lincoln Area Math Teachers' Circle, contact Anne Schmidt at aschmid@lps.org.