President's Message - May 2012

Congratulations OAME on our 40th Anniversary!

CONNIE QUADRINI

connie.quadrini@oame.on.ca

It was in the early 1990's that I attended my first York 4 Mathematics Association (Y4MA) Fall Conference as a teacher candidate. I can recall attending workshop sessions that focused on the use of concrete materials, rich problems, and assessment strategies to support student learning. I left each session energized and inspired. I was in awe of the network of individuals who were dedicated to improving mathematics education. How exciting for me to participate in such a professional learning experience! Little did I realize at the time that this would spark the desire for me to continue my learning as a mathematics educator.

Early in my teaching career, I was invited to run for the position of Y4MA councilor. Who could say no to the opportunity to network with other educators who were interested in making a difference in mathematics teaching and learning? Over my 13-year term as a councilor and treasurer, I worked collaboratively with committee members to support educators within our chapter. We organized fall and spring mini-conferences, each year brainstorming new themes that would support the needs of teachers in our local school boards and faculties of education. Whether a focus on the effective uses of manipulatives and technology, supporting the implementation of a new mathematics curriculum, or exploring the continuum of learning, K-12, our chapter offered professional learning opportunities that would draw groups of educators together to explore, learn and grow.

Such work is mirrored in 14 other chapters in the province of Ontario. From WOMA to COMA, NWOAME to SWOAME, the commitment to supporting educators is not only evident but unwavering. It is within these local contexts that we attend the OAME Annual Conference, each year sponsored by a different chapter. This exciting event offers educators a rich professional learning experience and opportunities to expand networks and to renew their passion for mathematics education.

Almost a decade ago, I was elected to serve as an OAME director. It was at that time that OAME's GUM (Growing Up Mathematically) project had come to fruition. A vision had been born, one that would guide not only those who created it, but those who would continue the work of the organization well into the future.

The Ontario Association for Mathematics Education envisions a learning environment where all students do, see, hear, and touch mathematics in a profound and meaningful way. Our association sees the classroom as a community where teachers and students work collaboratively to learn and value mathematics.

I continue to be amazed by the high quality resources that are made available to OAME members as well as the broader mathematics community. The OAME Gazette, which includes the Abacus, and our website, www.oame.on.ca offer mathematics educators: rich mathematics problems, interesting teaching and assessment ideas, as well as authentic stories from the classroom. It is these resources, along with professional learning offered at chapter mini-conferences, OAME Annual Conferences and Leadership Conferences, which support our collective learning and move us closer to realizing OAME's vision.

It is hard to believe that almost 20 years have passed. As I reflect upon my experiences, I realize just how much OAME has supported me in my growth as an educator. This is echoed by many other educators whom I've had the privilege to meet and learn from.

Congratulations OAME on our 40th Anniversary!

I wish to thank all those who have contributed to the work of local chapters and OAME Board of Directors over the past 40 years. Thank you for paving the way for our movement forward and I look forward to meeting those who will help us carve new directions for continued improvement in mathematics education in Ontario.

And finally, I wish to congratulate and thank the chairs (Don Attridge, Shirley Dalrymple and Peter Saarimaki) and the Past Presidents' committee members for their leadership in producing this special edition of the Gazette.

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