President's Message - March 2026

Spring Is Near

I write this message during a time when there has been a great deal of snowfall and challenging weather conditions where I live . I’m already beginning to yearn for sun and warmth . As we move into Spring, I’ve been reflecting on how our mission and vision come to life—not just in statements, but in the work we do together . OAME’s/ AOEM’s commitment to promoting excellence and equity in mathematics education is evident in the initiatives of our chapters, the conversations sparked by OAME Talks, and the professional learning that connects research to classroom practice .

We see this vision in action through the incredible work of our chapters across the province, each creating opportunities for collaboration and growth . TEAMS (Toronto Educators Association for Mathematics) hosted a mini-conference focused on sharing best practices, creating spaces for collegial learning and equity in action . MAC2 offered Rethinking Fractions with Shelley Yearley and Tara Flynn, a session that deepened content knowledge and strengthened instructional moves—an example of research-informed professional learning that benefits both teachers and students . NWOAME (Northwestern Ontario Association of Mathematics Educators) hosted a math night, exploring the evaluation of problem solving in high school mathematics, and GVMA (Grand Valley Mathematics Association) planned their first in-person gathering in several years .

One of the gifts of teaching is the rhythm of reflection— moments throughout the year when we pause, adjust, and refocus on what matters most for our students . We begin the school year in September with excitement and anticipation, thinking about the new students we will meet and the math challenges we face together . In January, we come back from winter break in elementary or begin to think about semester 2 in secondary schools, and we can take the time to assess what has been working well, and what changes we want to make to support our students in their learning of mathematics . After March break, we reflect and adjust our plans to ensure that key concepts are addressed, and that students deepen their understanding of math at their grade level . And at the end of June, our thoughts turn to the successes, to the “aha” moments experienced in our classrooms, as well as reflection regarding the whole year and modifications for the next or coming years .

Looking ahead, I’m excited for our annual conference, Let’s Talk Math, taking place April 30 and May 1 at Fanshawe College in London . This brings a chance to learn, share, and celebrate the work we do together . The theme centres around student voice, dialogue, and inclusion . The keynote speakers reflect these priorities: Dr . Pamela Seda, co-author of Choosing to See and creator of the ICUCARE® Equity Framework, will challenge us to design systems where every learner’s brilliance is recognized . Pamela Weber Harris, author of Building Powerful Numeracy, will share strategies for reasoning-based mathematics and vertical coherence . Our featured speakers will explore research- informed classroom practices, bringing insight into how students develop numerical understanding . These voices remind us that excellence grows where equity, evidence, and engagement intersect .

Between conferences, OAME Talks continues sparking meaningful conversations . Jamie Mitchell invited us to reimagine assessments so they’re more meaningful, inclusive, and resilient in the age of Artificial Intelligence . Chad Harris’s Wait, What Was I Learning? sheds light on neurodivergent experiences in the classroom; Stacey Jacobs’s Empowering Math Learners offered executive- function strategies to support student success; and Etuaptmumk—Two-Eyed Seeing invited us to braid Indigenous ways of knowing with western mathematics through partnerships, cultural learning, and community engagement . Each of these conversations reminds us that equity and excellence are not separate goals—they thrive together when we listen, learn, and act .

In November, our Leadership Series featured Dr . Elham Kazemi, who explored how storytelling can transform mathematics learning and foster belonging . She reminded us that we can support students when we “ask kids what’s making sense to them about a strategy, but then also compare their strategy with another one, and by listening to them, you see what questions they have, what they feel solid about, and what they’re unsure about.”

Her message—that rich mathematical conversations flourish when classrooms are rooted in reciprocity—echoes our vision for inclusive, engaging learning environments .

The learning opportunities for mathematics educators offered by OAME/AOEM continue to be offered both in person and virtually . OAME2026 will take place in person in London, Ontario . Looking ahead to OAME2027, the conference will be offered in a solely virtual format . This structure will hopefully allow for greater accessibility to educators from throughout Ontario’s regions and school boards . The conference theme for OAME2027 is Mathematics Through Stories: Cultivating Courage, Curiosity, and Connection .

As we are preparing to gather in London this Spring, I invite you to bring your voice, your questions, and your passion for high-quality mathematics education . Together we’ll continue to promote, support, and advocate for the kind of learning every student deserves—rooted in equity, research, and vibrant mathematical thinking .

Thank you for the energy and ideas you bring to this work . Together we’ll keep developing classrooms where every student sees themself as a capable math learner . I look forward to learning with you in London and continuing this journey together .

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Postive Identity As A Mathematics Learner

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