Candidates for Vice President Jr.High/Middle School

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Amy Wix

amywix

Current Position
6th grade Math, Kasson-Mantorville Middle School

Education
B.S. Elementary Education, Winona State University
M.Ed. Special Education, University of Minnesota

Goals as MCTM Officer

  • To promote the resources MCTM has to help all members strive to improve professionally to meet the needs of all students.
  • To promote continued communication among math teachers across districts and grade levels.
  • To support and promote best practices in math education

I will do this by highlighting the member benefits and opportunities for networking with others in the mathematics field- especially with the use of technology. I feel most of us who teach math were the types of students who favored math or found math to come easily for us. In my teaching, I continue to research and implement best practices to reach all students, especially the ones who come into my classroom saying they dislike math or “math is hard.” MCTM, NCTM and others in the mathematics community provide insight and promote professional development that helps improve learning for all students. I would like to continue to network with this group and help others be a part of this teaching community.

Professional Affiliations

  • Minnesota Council of Teachers of Mathematics
  • National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
  • Education Minnesota

Involvement in MCTM and Mathematics Education

  • Current MCTM District 1 Director
  • Membership Committee Chair
  • Executive Committee member
  • MCTM Spring Conference presenter/presider

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Deborah Rykken

deborahrykken
Current Position
Independent Contractor
Provides support around the teaching and learning of mathematics

Education
B.A. Mathematics, Southwest State University
M.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction, St. Scholastica

Goals as MCTM Officer
MCTM has been a source of relevant and timely professional development throughout my career, providing opportunities to collaborate and learn from others. My goals are to sustain this legacy and grow the collaborative community of Minnesota’s mathematics educators. Expanding opportunities for the exchange of ideas and materials through the use of technology is one strategy to accomplish this goal. I am also passionate about access and equity in mathematics education. Collaboration is essential to ensure that each and every student has the necessary support to maximize their success in the mathematics classroom. I believe that each of us has expertise to offer and something to learn. Middle level educators are responsible for building a bridge for students between elementary and secondary school experiences. The success of our students depends on our ability to collaborate and create a successful transition. Together we can find ways to close existing learning gaps and improve outcomes for all students.

Professional Affiliations

  • Minnesota Council of Teachers of Mathematics
  • National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
  • Association for Supervision of Curriculum Development
  • Association for Middle Level Education

Involvement in MCTM and Mathematics Education

  • Presenter and Presider at MCTM conferences
  • Planning Member of Minnesota Math Leaders Networking Meetings
  • SciMathMN Frameworks Writer at middle level
  • Region 11 Math and Science Teacher Academy Partnership Facilitator
  • Fellow at the Science Museum of Minnesota providing professional development for STEM leaders for 7 years
  • Middle Level Mathematics Educator for 30+ years
  • K-12 Mathematics Curriculum Facilitator for 5 years
  • Instructional Coach for 3 years

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