"A study of middle school math instruction found that when teachers used new, high-quality instructional materials but did not receive professional learning support, students’ math achievement increased by 6 percent of a standard deviation. However, when teachers used the new materials and participated in curriculum-based professional learning, their students’ test scores improved by 9 percent of a standard deviation—about the same effect on student achievement as replacing an average teacher with a top performer or reducing class size by 15 percent." (Short and Hirsh 2020).
"Among the many elements that make up an effective educator, the most important is self-efficacy—the belief that one has the abilities and resources necessary to accomplish a set goal." Chase Mielke, ASCD
"Teachers report that the quality of the professional learning they receive is low, with half indicating that their preparation for teaching “did not prepare [them] at all” or only to a “slight extent” to use the curricular materials they were provided." (Doan et al., 2021; EdReports, 2022).
"A 2019 study highlighted that, on average, teachers received only one to two days of professional learning tailored to specific instructional materials, and a recent analysis by RAND Corporation indicates that roughly 23% of teachers reported receiving no professional learning on how to implement classroom materials, 38% just one to five hours, and only 10% more than 20 hours."
(Short & Hirsh, 2022; EdReports, 2022; Doan et al., 2021).
Each session will be led and coached by math expert, Shannon Kiebler. She has taught each grade level and each unit in the Math Expressions program, grades K-6th. She is also the creator of the Math Genius Squad and a children's book author.
We will start each session by discussing what has been working for you so far this year. Then we will backward plan the unit and have time to collaborate with other teachers and schools all over the country.
All sessions are recorded and will be available for 120 days.
For 2025-2026 workshop sessions, prices for the Unit Planning Workshops will be reduced for Squad members. We happily welcome non-Squad members into the Unit Planning Workshops, as well. We will go through the Math Expressions lessons and utilize materials provided in Math Genius Squad.
Definitely plan to bring your teacher manual for the unit that you are signed up to attend. You'll receive an email 2 weeks before each session with a detailed list of materials needed.
Each session will be on a unique Zoom link that will be provided to you ahead of time. Please check that you have a working microphone and video camera. Each session is interactive and full participation and engagement will make it a flourishing session for you!