President's Message - September 2015

The 2015 School Year!

The OAME is a vibrant community because of the volunteers who share so many ideas and experiences. As the new president, I find value in a charitable organization that fosters support among educators in a way that allows us to collectively explore our practice without being impeded by the boundaries of our respective teaching roles.
With a goal to explore our collective practice, chapter events are diverse and are an opportunity to discuss our teaching practices. To new members of the OAME, and those who have been enjoying the Gazette, but have been otherwise passive members, I would like to encourage you to find out what your chapter has to offer. It is inspiring to the chapter leadership to see interest expressed by simply being an available voice at a chapter meeting. The sharing of new and fresh ideas often leads to interesting conversation for everyone who participates. It is an opportunity to meet a broader range of math colleagues and see beyond the walls that may confine one's daily math thinking.
If you have attended past events, I encourage you to look for opportunities to present what you have found useful in your classroom or teaching environment. Often presenters find that new inspiration emerges from the process of explaining what they have done. It is in our professional best interests to share our inspiration. If you have presented at OAME events, I encourage you to continue that practice because of the professional learning you are sure to have realized. It may also be worthwhile to consider turning your presentation into an article for the Gazette-a challenge that highlights a different form of professional growth. If you know of someone in your chapter who has a good presentation, perhaps you can encourage him or her to consider proposing it for the annual conference (see MCIS for the timeline for proposals). I would also encourage you to consider helping within your chapter so that others have opportunities for the presenter-mentorship that you have had.
The value of our chapters should not be underestimated. They are, in many ways, scaled versions of the board of directors and executive. It is through a process of "proportional reasoning" that experiences in our chapters prepare members who are up to the challenge of running for a position on the democratically elected board of directors and executive. It is not for everyone, but there is no doubt that it is an extraordinary math-education opportunity for those who take it on. In some cases, chapters look for initiatives of their own making, e.g., has your chapter considered taking up the Provincial OMO or the annual conference in the coming years? There is also some money available for special projects if your chapter is looking to do something special.
Within our organization, changes to the structure of the board of directors and executive have taken place over the past few years, and it is my vision that, over the course of the coming year, growing the organization with respect to the modified structure will be a central theme. Already this vision is being enacted in several ways. The OAME Leadership Conference is taking place November 5 to 7, 2015. It is no accident that registration for this event is on MCIS, a tool that can facilitate members visiting different chapters. I would encourage all chapters to consider the value of sharing information about their events by means of MCIS. It may not always be the easiest tool to use, but the support provided for it is second to none. (Your chapter representative will receive details at the upcoming board of directors' meeting in October.)
In terms of my presidency, I felt I should start by expressing some elements of my vision. It is very much about moving beyond understanding the changes in the board of directors and executive and looking at how we can most effectively engage ourselves in the vision and mission of the organization. Last year, the board of directors planned the annual conference. We now have the opportunity to focus that energy on assisting chapters and dealing with developments from the larger mathematics-education community.
While I wanted my initial message to start solidly with a focus on the forward motion of the OAME, it is important to acknowledge events that have moved us to this point. Paul Alves, whose presidency I follow, demonstrated a dedication and work ethic that was remarkable. He faced a variety of challenges with grace and poise, and was an excellent role model. Fred and Lynda Ferneyhough, our remarkable executive directors, have been enablers at all levels of our organization, and truly embody the mission and vision. Bill Otto has been a strong contributor to keeping conversations and discussions on an even keel, and brings a wealth of experience. Judy Mendaglio has been instrumental in supporting the initial stages of the vision for the year and in developing her vision for next year.
To the directors and chapter leaderships, thank you for your service. Your roles are pivotal to our organization and, in many ways, define who we are to many members. Lastly, but most certainly not least, are our Abacus editors, Mary- Lou and Kathy; Gazette editor, Dan; NCTM affiliate representative, Todd; and the webmastering triumvirate, Greg, Kathy, and Claudio. This is a remarkably talented group who support the membership in so many ways.

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