A conference with more than 40 presentations about the latest techniques and concepts in teaching is scheduled April 2 at the University of Houston-Victoria.
The Victoria Crossroads Council of Mathematics Educators Conference will feature math and science presentations for education students, teachers and parents, as well as a luncheon speaker. The conference will be hosted by the UHV School of Education, Health Professions & Human Development and is modeled after the Conference for Advancement of Mathematics Teachers.
“This is a great opportunity for local teachers looking for continuing education opportunities,” said Barba Patton, a UHV professor of mathematics education. “Typically, teachers in this area would have to drive at least two hours to reach some in service opportunities. This offers them a more convenient alternative.”
The conference will be from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at various locations on the UHV campus, 3007 N. Ben Wilson St. It is open to parents and educators, including pre-kindergarten to 12th-grade teachers in area public and private schools, as well as homeschool educators. Registration costs $15 before March 25 and $25 after.
The conference will feature presentations about different teaching methods. Most of the presentations will focus on mathematics, but eight will look at science education. Conference attendees will earn seven hours of continuing education credit.
Education students from UHV and other universities also are encouraged to attend. Patton hopes that the conference will inspire students and help them stay excited about constantly learning as they start their careers.
“Too often, continuing education opportunities are seen as a kind of chore that teachers have to put up with but don’t enjoy,” Patton said. “Hopefully, this conference can help students see that conferences can be valuable opportunities full of interesting information and strategies to become better educators.”
The conference will open with a welcome address from UHV Nursing Director Cindy Hudson about the importance of professional development. During lunch, attendees will listen to a presentation by Carl Juenke, a graduate math education student at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. He will talk about the importance of math and education in his life and why he chose to pursue a career in education.
“Math education is becoming an increasingly important part of today’s society, and the UHV School of Education, Health Professions & Human Development is excited to host this conference to encourage area educators,” said Fred Litton, dean of the school. “We are always looking for ways to support the education community, and I hope plenty of educators and education students will take advantage of this option.”
Attendees are asked to register before the day of the conference. A limited number of spots will be available on the day of the conference. Those interested may register online at uhvconnect.org/event/MathDay or by contacting Patton at pattonb@uhv.edu to receive a brochure with sign-up forms.