24-26
Virtual Leadership Institute 2025
Exploring ways to launch and sustain an equitable and effective implementation of Bridges in Mathematics
Whether you’re a classroom teacher or a coach, an instructional leader or an administrator, a university faculty member or part of a local educational agency, you know the joys and challenges that accompany student-centered, asset-based implementation of the Bridges curriculum.
We’ve invited a dynamic group of speakers, teacher leaders, and educators from across the country to share their knowledge. They’ll help us explore ways to launch and sustain an equitable and effective implementation of Bridges in Mathematics.
Now all we need is you.
Presentations
Leveraging Thinking Traps to Enhance Professional Learning Systems
Transforming math instruction needs more than just new programs. In this session, we explore a set of “thinking traps” - habitual ways of thinking about educational change that are not aligned with research and unlikely to be effective. We share how we have used these thinking traps in our design of a more powerful, research-based professional learning system.
Trish Dunn
Trish, a passionate educator and math leader, champions early math education. She believes everyone can learn math, and advocates disrupting traditional professional learning systems to empower educators and transform teaching practices.
Jessica Tufnell
Jess Tufnell, a Professional Learning Coordinator, is passionate about unlocking the mathematical potential in every individual. Jess advocates for robust professional learning systems that empower educators to inspire and guide learners of all ages.
Rusty Anderson
Rusty Anderson, a leading math educator and project director, supports Michigan's preK-5 transformation. He leads state-level initiatives, coaches teachers, and advocates for equitable learning opportunities for all students. With a strong focus on curriculum, assessment, and instruction, he empowers educators to create high-quality learning experiences.
Collaborative Coaching: Rehearsing Routines as a Tool for Learning Together
In this session participants will examine the ways that collaborative coaching can build community while also fostering a team’s content and pedagogical knowledge. Participants will learn about rehearsing routines, exploring ways to center student thinking, dig deeper into mathematical strategies, and practice eliciting and respond to students’ ideas.
Nicora Placa
Nicora Placa is an assistant professor at Hunter College in New York City and author of “6 Tools for Collaborative Mathematics Coaching.”
Increasing the Mathematical Intensity in Collaborative Conversations
In this session, we will introduce a professional learning design cycle which includes opportunities to plan for lessons in great detail, teach lessons, and reflect on lesson enactments using video. Participants will engage with an illustration of a lesson analysis cycle and walk away with concrete ideas on how to design a professional learning culture based on research that supports continuous study of teaching.
Lynsey Gibbons
Lynsey Gibbons is an associate professor at the University of Delaware. Her work builds on her experiences as an elementary teacher and mathematics coach.
Using Games to Nurture Curiosity and Wonder in Grades K–5
Let’s find ways to nurture wonder and curiosity with students in grades K–5 as they explore mathematical games through the lens of mathematical argumentation! Using examples of games found in the Bridges curriculum, participants will learn ways to grow wonder in their students and open opportunities for argumentation.
Jody Guarino
Jody Guarino, EdD, is a teacher educator at University of California, Irvine. A former classroom teacher, she enjoys seeing the brilliance of young children and learning alongside students and teachers.
Chepina Rumsey
Chepina Rumsey, PhD, is an elementary mathematics educator at the University of Northern Iowa. She loves seeing students' brilliance, natural curiosity, and wonder shine as they learn through exploration and think deeply about mathematics.