Updates from the region directors!

Hello math education community!  I’m hoping that you are starting to find your groove for this challenging school year.

First and foremost, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the outgoing regional directors.  Dave Kennedy from region 1, May Vang from region 4, and Jessica Strom from region 7 have done a tremendous job on the board.  They have all inspired me to become a better teacher and leader.  Although they have finished their terms as region directors, I know that they will continue to help improve math education in Minnesota.  I thank them for their dedication, service, and leadership.

Secondly, I would like to take a moment to introduce you to our incoming region directors.  Ann Miller is now representing region 1, Rachel Baker is representing region 4, and Greta Bergman is representing region 7.  After meeting with these women briefly during a virtual meeting, I can already tell that they will be great assets to the board and to math education.  I thank these ladies for stepping into their roles so flawlessly during this far-from-ideal year.

Next, I would like to reach out to all of you to see how the region directors can better support you during this pandemic.  What is it that you would like to see from us?  Are you interested in a book study?  Are you interested in virtual math EdCamps?  Do you want to have social media chats?  Do you need support in a different way?  Would you like to be connected with a mentor from your region?  Do you have a specific situation that you need help with?  Please email me (region8dir@mctm.org) with the ways that you would like to be supported.  The region directors will do our best to help you however we can.

Finally, I would like you to consider running for a leadership position on the MCTM board.  This spring my term as region 8 director is over–along with the region 2 and region 5 directors.  We will be needing people to represent these areas.  If you have ever thought about giving back to the MCTM community or taking on a leadership role, now is the perfect time!  I have nothing but good things to say about my time on the board.  I have learned so much, met many amazing people, and have had oodles of fun.  You do not have to commit to anything yet, but just be thinking about it.  Please reach out if you are interested. 

Good luck to all of you this year.

Kristen Helland, Region 8 Director

If you are unsure which region you are in, you can find out here.