President's Message - September 2025

Start of the 2025-2026 School Year

Welcome to a new school year, and to this issue of the Gazette . As we embark on another academic journey, I hope you’ve all had a refreshing summer break and are ready to embrace opportunities while navigating the challenges that lie ahead . The past few years have certainly tested our collective resilience and ingenuity, prompting us to adapt and innovate in ways we might never have imagined . Yet, as mathematics educators in Ontario, we have consistently demonstrated our ability to face the unknown and succeed in supporting the growth and development of our students . This new year truly presents a fresh opportunity for growth and learning for us all .

For me, this marks the beginning of my second year as your OAME/AOEM President, and it’s a role I embrace with deep gratitude and enthusiasm . My journey with OAME/ AOEM began many years ago with my local chapter, MAC2 (Muskoka And Cottage Country) . Like others, my involvement at the chapter level profoundly shaped my own teaching philosophy and commitment to our mathematics community . I am also immensely grateful for the ongoing support and mentoring I’ve received from the dedicated members of our Board of Directors; their wisdom and guidance have been instrumental in my growth and development in this role .

At the heart of OAME/AOEM is the belief that we are a community of learners who support one another . We are incredibly fortunate to have a wealth of excellent resources available to us, thanks largely to the tireless contributions of our members . Our commitment to equity and making mathematics accessible for all students is woven into our resources .

The Gazette, along with the Abacus, serves as a rich source of professional insight and practical ideas, with an archive stretching back to February 1962 . Imagine the wealth of knowledge within those pages! I strongly encourage you to take the time to go back a few years and read a few articles . While the curriculum has changed, the critical and creative thinking about mathematics education has not . Consider sharing your expertise by writing an article for the Gazette or the Abacus . We all benefit from sharing knowledge and resources with our colleagues .

The Math Curriculum Resource Project, found at ontariomath .support, and a partnership with AFEMO (l’Association francophone pour l’enseignement des mathématiques en Ontario), offers free webinars, lessons, and assessment plans designed by Ontario teachers to support the most recent Grades 1–8 Mathematics Curriculum (2020) and the destreamed Grade 9 curriculum (2021) . Crucially, these resources are available to both English and French/French-immersion teachers and students . Similarly, the mathies .ca tools are free, designed by Ontario teachers, and available in English and French, supporting effective technology use in classrooms and encouraging new ways to incorporate them into your math program planning .

The knowledge and expertise within our Board of Directors and among our members are showcased through our premier professional development events . Our Annual Conference in May 2025, and our Leadership Conference in November 2024, provided high-quality professional development . These conferences featured inspiring sessions and speakers, who challenge our thinking, addressing crucial topics like equity, access, and empowerment for students . This coming year will be no different . Be sure to mark the dates for OAME 2026 (April 30–May 1, London, Ontario, www .sites .google .com/ oame .on .ca/oame2026?pli=1), and plan now to attend, and to submit a proposal for a workshop . Your voice is needed and valued .

Our OAME Talks podcasts continue to provide valuable insights and conversations with experts . Watch and check for this year’s lineup of speakers to be announced . Members also have access to chatOAME, an Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool built for OAME, which is trained on OAME/AOEM content (and other Ontario policies and resources) and aligned with our mission, vision, and strategic priorities . This tool can provide valuable support for educators looking to discuss ideas and receive support based on a foundation of resources from OAME/AOEM, the Ontario Ministry of Education, and Canadian education content grounded in valid and reliable sources .

The value of local chapters for “learning close to home” cannot be overstated . OAME/AOEM has 15 regional chapters across the province, like my own MAC2 . Many chapter volunteers are busy planning events for members, including mini-conferences, workshops, webinars, and book studies . If you’re unsure which chapter you belong to, you can easily check your affiliation by logging into the OAME/ AOEM website .

I strongly encourage you to get involved and leverage these incredible resources . Whether it’s attending chapter mini-conferences, submitting a proposal to present at our provincial conference (a great professional learning opportunity to share the amazing work happening in schools), or nominating an outstanding colleague for one of OAME’s annual awards, your participation strengthens our community . Reaching out to your local chapter is a fantastic way to connect and contribute .

Ultimately, our goal is to ensure that you, our members, see profound value in being a part of this organization . OAME/AOEM is constantly evolving to meet the needs of its members and the challenges that confront us . I encourage you to reach out and communicate with us, and share your ideas for future learning opportunities and resources . Keep your eyes on our website for information about upcoming events .

I wish everyone a wonderful school year! May it be filled with rich learning, meaningful connections, and the continued shared pursuit of excellence and equity in mathematics education for all students in Ontario.

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