MSU Math Ed at 2026 MCTM Conference
Members of the Mathematics Education Community from MSU, including the Connected Mathematics Project group, will be presenting at the 77th Annual Michigan Council of Teachers of Mathematics (MCTM) Conference. It will be held from November 6-7th at the Richard M. DeVos Center at Grand Valley State University, featuring keynote
speaker Vanessa Vakharia, “The Math Guru.” With a keynote and extended deep-dive session
from Vanessa, plus grade-band specific breakouts, networking opportunities, and engaging
sessions from educators across the state, this two-day event is designed to inspire
and energize math teaching practices. Participants will be exploring strategies for building positive math identity, addressing math trauma, and creating
inclusive, empowering math classrooms alongside Michigan’s vibrant mathematics education
community.
This conference is an opportunity to:
✅ Learn alongside fellow Michigan educators in engaging sessions
✅ Gain new perspectives on best practices in math instruction
✅ Network with professionals who share passion for mathematics education
This year’s theme is “Connection at the Core”. It invites attendees to center relationships, relevance, and reasoning as educators reimagine mathematics instruction. Together, conference presenters and participants will explore how connection strengthens mathematical identity, expands student and educator agency, and deepens conceptual understanding so that all learners seem themselves as capable mathematicians. There are three conference strands:
- Connecting Humans – Building identity through relationships and belonging
- Connecting to the World – Expanding agency through relevance and purpose
- Connecting Ideas – Deepening understanding through coherence and reasoning
Those listed in the program this year from PRIME and the Connected Mathematics Project (CMP) include Alden J. (AJ) Edson, Elizabeth (Betty) Difanis Phillips, Sasha Rudow, and Yvonne Slanger-Grant.
MSU Math Ed Presentations at MCTM 2026
Friday, November 6th
Session 3: 12:15pm-1:15pm; Room 136E
Strand: Connect to the World; Grade Band 6-8
Engaging Students in Meaningful Mathematics: Connecting Problem-Based Learning to the World
Presenters: AJ Edson, Betty Phillips, and Yvonne Slanger-Grant
Session 5: 2:45pm-3:45pm; Room 138E
Strand: Connecting Humans; Grade Band 6-12
Fostering the Teacher-Student Performative (or Engagement) Authority Relationship
Presenter: Sasha Rudow
