Fellow Spotlight: Carson Dunn

Carson Dunn, University High School of Science and Engineering, Hartford Public Schools

Carson teaches algebra and statistics at University High School of Science and Engineering in Hartford. Carson began his teaching journey with Teach for America (2018–2020) at his current high school, where he laid the foundation for his commitment to educational equity and student success. By 2021, he expanded his impact beyond the classroom, serving as head girls’ varsity volleyball coach at the University High School of Science and Engineering. In 2024, Carson stepped into leadership as Mathematics Department Chair, while also mentoring graduate students through the UConn Neag Internship Program, supervising their work 10–20 hours per week.  

Carson has taken a lead role in supporting other teachers in Hartford in learning about and implementing a Building Thinking Classrooms lesson model in their classrooms. Early efforts included leading a Building Thinking Classrooms (BTC) book study with his colleagues and presenting district-wide professional development sessions. Carson focused on designing and facilitating sessions for thirteen Algebra 1 instructors to support their professional application of BTC practices. He documented this work and showcased it at the Alliance District Symposium, presenting his Individual Learning Project on facilitating a teacher-led cohort of Algebra 1 educators as a model of how districts can support year-long impactful professional learning as teachers work to change their practice. Across his roles as teacher, mentor, coach, and leader, Carson has consistently worked to foster equitable, collaborative, and student-centered learning environments. 

2025 Mathstory Competition

Associate Professor Paul Hernandez-Martinez from Swinburne University of Technology in Australia is excited to announce this year’s international Mathstory Competition. 

The competition invites all undergraduate students, from any discipline, and school students in their final two years of pre-university education (senior secondary school, or high school), anywhere in the world, to create a short (3-4 min) digital story that connects a mathematical idea to the real world. It invites students to be creative, develop their curiosity and have fun with mathematics. Creating a story that is relevant to the real world helps develop their ability to communicate mathematical ideas in engaging ways, fosters storytelling and digital literacy, and gives them a chance to showcase their work internationally and be part of a global community. 

All details about the competition can be found in our website: https://mathstory.org The deadline for submissions this year is Sunday, November 23rd, 2025. 

Joint Statement from AMTE

The Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators (AMTE) recently released a new joint position statement on Evidence-Based Math Instruction. Some of its key messages include: 

  • Evidence-based math instruction requires more than procedural drills. 
  • Teaching math is fundamentally different from teaching reading. 
  • Explicit instruction has value, but it is only one tool among many that effective teachers use.  

The joint position is in collaboration with the Association of State Supervisors of Mathematics (ASSM), The American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE), National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics (NCSM), UT Austin Dana Center, and The National Council for Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM).  

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Improving Math Outcomes Partnership

The American Institutes of Research (AIR) is partnering with the Modern Classrooms Project (MCP) to study an innovative program designed to improve math outcomes through curriculum-embedded, competency-based instruction.

They are looking for district partners that use Illustrative Mathematics® or Eureka Math-Squared® in grades 4-8 .

The free program includes:

  • 20 hours of virtual synchronous summer training, curricular-aligned resources, six coaching calls, and two site visits during school year 2026 – 2027
  • The project will also provide six optional district workshops.
  • Ongoing coaching to support use of the materials and instructional approach during the year.

If you would like to learn more, contact the team at mcmp@air.org.

Watch “Counted Out” Virtually—Then Bring It to Your Community

Brought to you by YouCubed

We’re thrilled to partner with the team behind Counted Out—a powerful new film about math as a language for reason, a foundation for truth, and a tool for democracy.

Math isn’t just a subject—it’s how we make sense of the world.
It shapes our choices, our futures, and our ability to fully participate in society. But for too long, too many have been left out of the equation.

We’re changing that—and you’re invited to be part of the movement.

Virtual Screening: Thursday, August 14 | 5 PM PT
Tickets: $15

👉RSVP and watch the trailer here

Counted Out has already sparked critical conversations in 600+ communities worldwide—from SXSW EDU to the Black Archives in Miami.

Now, we’re building on that momentum as a new school year begins and key elections approach nationwide. Whether you’re an educator, parent, or advocate, this is your chance to get inspired and consider bringing the film to your community this fall.

Join us from your living room, backyard, or wherever you gather best—with family, popcorn, or a few friends who love a good conversation. Let’s make it a night that counts!

Building Thinking Classrooms Conference 2026

Save the Date!

The 4th Annual Building Thinking Classrooms (BTC) Conference will take place in New Haven, CT, on June 29–30, 2026.

Hosted by Partners for Educational Leadership, this conference will bring together educators to collaborate, learn, and share strategies for fostering deeper thinking in classrooms.

Stay up to date on all conference details by joining the mailing list.

 

 

2025 Noyce Summit

 

 

Courtney Sobanski (Thompson) and Jen Roggi (Vernon) represented our Noyce Math Teacher Leaders at the 2025 Noyce Summit! This annual gathering brings together Noyce Fellows, Scholars, and Project Leads from programs across the country to exchange ideas, share innovative teaching practices, and highlight the work happening in classrooms and communities. 

Courtney and Jennifer presented posters highlighting their Year 3 Independent Leadership Project. Courtney’s project was Professional Development, BTC Coaching, and Peer Observation. Jen’s project was Grade What You Value and Value What you Grade. Along with Megan Staples, they also presented a workshop on Advancing Fellows’ Math Teacher Leadership Skills 

Congratulations to Courtney and Jen on their incredible work and continued contributions to math education! 

FREE REC Robotics and Drone Educator Summer Institute

FREE REC Robotics and Drone Educator Summer Institute – July 7–11, 2025!

Join us for a FREE, hands-on training week at Masuk High School in Monroe, CT!
🕘 Time: 9:00 AM–3:00 PM daily
🥪 Food provided (light breakfast & lunch)
💸 Stipends available for active coaches & mentors

Designed for K–12 educators and volunteers involved in VEX IQ, VEX V5, and Aerial Drone Competitions, this institute offers:
✅ Practical training in coding, building & engineering notebooks
✅ Event hosting experience & competition teardown
✅ Workshops on fundraising, curriculum integration & more
✅ Networking with robotics leaders across Connecticut

Link to registration: https://cteea.org/event-6169862

Spring 2025 May Workshop

On May 17th, 2025, the Fellows met for their Spring Workshop went really well! Fellows brought great energy and thoughtfulness to the session. We also wrapped up the year with a joyful teacher field day! It was a fun and much-needed moment to reconnect, celebrate each other, and reflect on all we’ve accomplished together. Grateful for this community and everything we’ve built this year.