#SWOCTMlearns Blast

Our purpose is to support the mathematics education community from throughout the area. Through the content of this blast, we hope that you get more connected, find opportunities to collaborate and feel celebrated as an educator in Southwest Ohio.

We encourage everyone to follow the hashtag of #SWOCTMlearns to see what's happening around the area in math education. Also, join the conversation by using #SWOCTMlearns in your tweets!

Want to be a part of SWOCTM? Members of SWOCTM have the opportunity to connect, collaborate and celebrate mathematics instruction with other area math educators as part of this professional network. Stay current and grow your craft through the opportunities provided by SWOCTM. Members can attend SWOCTM local meetings for free (including food when available) and receive a reduced rate on registration for all SWOCTM conferences and mini-conferences.

Interested in joining this professional network? Visit the membership site for more information.

The following individuals will be joining the SWOCTM Board beginning next school year:

Michelle Lemmon- President Elect

Jared Olson- Vice President of Elementary

Allyson Klovekorn- Butler/Warren County Representative

Thank you to Alexa Fulmer and Alicia Mailhot for their work in these roles for the past three years. We are forever grateful for the work you have done to help make this organization a place where educators can Connect, Collaborate and Celebrate.

Unprecedented times call for unprecedented solutions. Fortunately, Ohioans have a rich history of collaborating, innovating and inventing to solve complex challenges. Ohio's partners in education are no exception. Since the ordered school-building closure began, the state's education community has stepped up to ensure student success. Without missing a beat, they are engaging students in authentic remote learning. The Ohio Department of Education applauds Ohio's educators, parents and caregivers who are partnering to deliver high-quality teaching and supplemental learning opportunities and Ohio's students who are applying themselves during one of the most challenging times of their generation.

This Remote Learning Resource Guide is designed to be a one-stop shop to help schools, educators, students, parents and caregivers consider how to approach and apply a comprehensive remote learning plan that enables each child to carry on learning during this time of social distancing. If you have not checked out this comprehensive resource, take time now to see what is available to you from ODE!

Also, if you haven't joined an ODE Math Virtual Meetup, check out what they are offering. They will be continuing these virtual meetups through the summer months. You can find the meetup schedule, links and topics here.

SWOCTM Game Night

Join us for a VIRTUAL end of year celebration event on June 9th, 2020. The social half hour will begin at 7:30 pm and the game night will be at 8:00 pm. Be on the lookout for more information and also a sign-up form.

2020 OCTM Annual Conference: A Vision for Growth

Have you heard the good news... the OCTM Annual Conference is in Cincinnati next year! That's right- mark your calendars for October 15th and 16th at the Sharonville Convention Center. Check here to find the most up to date information about the conference. Registration for the conference will be opening this spring.

by: Southwest Ohio Students

What makes you a mathematician?

“What makes me a mathematician is the effort that I put in every time I do math, making mistakes, and learning from those mistakes” ~9th Grader

“I think I am a good mathematician because I am a good problem solver." ~5th Grader

“I am a mathematician because I participate in math :)” ~8th Grader

What do you appreciate about your math teacher?

“You can tell how much they loves math. It's endearing.” ~11th Grader

“They can put up with our craziness.” ~7th Grader

“She is really fun while teaching and teaches us with hands on stuff like models and figures so we get engaged in learning and it's easier for understanding.” ~7th Grader

What do you like most about math?

“I like that math is preparing us for later life because no matter what you do there always seems to be math involved.” ~5th Grader

“Learning new things can be difficult, but then you get the hang of it and learn something new.” ~7th Grader

“I enjoy how math can sometimes be calming... It is just you and the numbers/letters. Just solving things. Figuring out the issue. Other times it is the most frustrating thing in the world.” ~8th Grader

“How there are different ways to come to the same answer.” ~11th Grader

If math was an animal, what would it be? Why?

“A dolphin because math can be fun and challenging.” ~7th Grader

“A camel because math has ups and downs like a camel’s back.” ~8th Grader

“A peacock. It would be this because the peacock has variety of colors, and math has a variety of different types of math.” ~7th Grader

“A lion or tiger because they have to estimate how much prey they need.” ~3rd Grader

“A zebra because it has many patterns and it is black and white with one solution.” ~7th Grader

Twitter Handle: @OhioSchoolMath

Years in Education: 46

What is one of your go-to online sites for finding resources? JSTOR, The New York Times, Teaching Tolerance

What is your favorite part about being in education? Meeting new people, exchanging ideas, solving problems collaboratively, sharing lives and stories with others

How do you stay connected professionally to other math educators? My job as a mathematics education faculty member at Miami University keeps me connected---I observe lots of teacher candidates in field; I've been volunteer tutoring at Middletown Middle School for the past year---that helps, too. I routinely visit classrooms and meet with students and teachers.

Is there a quote you like to use with your students? "Don't let schooling interfere with your education." ~Mark Twain

Twitter Handle: @mflorence_LM

Years in Education: 7

What is your favorite part about being in education? I love seeing my students' confidence build throughout the year. I love the student-teacher relationships. I love that my classroom turns into a family.

What is your favorite professional book? The Innovator's Mindset: Empower Learning, Unleash Talent, and Lead a Culture of Creativity by George Couros

What is your favorite way to celebrate yourself and other educators in the profession? In public- I love to praise educators in a way that others can see how amazing they are and how hard they are working.

Is there a quote you like to use with your students? Productive struggle is good and necessary!

Twitter Handle: @MsH_TL_MCSD

Years in Education: 9

What is one of your go-to online sites for finding resources? Twitter! The online network of teachers and resources is amazing!

What is your favorite part about being in education? Being able to build excitement for learning thru relationship building

What is your favorite professional book? Personal & Authentic by Thomas Murray

Is there a quote that motivates you? Be the change you want to see!

On March 12, the Ohio mathematics community suffered a great and sudden loss. Our friend and colleague, Lynn Aring, passed away after collapsing at a meeting of the Greater Cleveland Council of Teachers of Mathematics (GCCTM). Lynn has been instrumental in the leadership of GCCTM and OCTM for many years, as well as being active in OEA, and it is hard to imagine these organizations without her. Most recently, Lynn served as OCTM's Affiliate Services Chair where she represented SWOCTM. Lynn taught mathematics at Bay Village HS for many years and had also taught chemistry. Lynn always attended several OCTM affiliate events including the SWOCTM Mini-Conference for the past three years. She was a constant cheerleader for SWOCTM and will be incredibly missed.

• If you need to update your email address with SWOCTM, please send the information to swoctm@gmail.com in order to continue receiving information.
• Want to be added to the mailing list for SWOCTM? Please complete this form to provide your information.
• There are many upcoming learning opportunities. Want to know what is going on in this area and at the state level? Visit the Calendar of Events on SWOCTM's website.

SWOCTM is an affiliate of Ohio Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

For information about joining SWOCTM visit: http://bit.ly/SWOCTMmembership.

To join the SWOCTM email list, visit: http://bit.ly/SWOCTM1

Email: swoctm@gmail.com
Website: www.swoctm.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/swoctm1
Twitter: @SWOCTM1