What is the
The Math That Counts Summit?
The Math That Counts Summit is a one-day professional learning experience for PreK–5 educators designed to strengthen mathematics teaching and learning by connecting the essential elements of powerful mathematics instruction.
Rather than choosing among unrelated breakout sessions, participants join one of four learning communities and remain with that cohort throughout the day. Through a carefully designed sequence of learning experiences, attendees deepen their understanding of mathematics content, instructional practice, student thinking, mathematical identity, and effective implementation while building meaningful professional connections.
The summit is intentionally designed to inspire educators, strengthen instructional practice, and provide practical ideas that can be implemented immediately in classrooms and schools.
Learning Communities
Participants select one learning community during registration and remain with that group throughout the day.
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PreK-K
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Grades 1–2
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Grades 3–5
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Coaches & Administrators
Each learning community is intentionally limited to 75 participants to encourage collaboration, discussion, and networking.
Summit Experience
Unlike a traditional conference, every participant experiences all four learning rotations.
Each learning community rotates through:
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One session with Liesl McConchie
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One session with Latrenda Knighten
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One session with Cheryl Fricchione
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One interactive Math Resource Studio experience
The result is a cohesive professional learning experience where each rotation builds upon the previous one.
What To Expect
Featured Presenters &
3 Learning Experiences
The Math That Counts Summit is intentionally designed around three essential elements of powerful mathematics instruction. Rather than presenting unrelated topics, each featured presenter focuses on a complementary aspect of effective mathematics teaching, creating a cohesive professional learning experience.
Liesl McConchie
Focus: Brain Science & Mathematical Identity
Liesl McConchie is a globally recognized expert in brain-based learning, mathematics education, and instructional practices that improve student achievement. A former K–12 mathematics teacher with more than 25 years of experience, Liesl has partnered with over 300 schools to bridge neuroscience research and classroom practice. She is the co-author of Brain-Based Learning and the author of the forthcoming Building a Positive Math Identity: A Brain Science Approach. Her work focuses on helping educators foster engagement, confidence, belonging, and positive mathematical identities through practical, brain-based teaching strategies.
Session description: Effective mathematics instruction requires more than helping students engage in the cognitive process of learning mathematics—it requires helping them see themselves as capable mathematicians. In this session, participants will explore how a student’s emotional relationship with math is foundational to their cognitive relationship with math. Leading brain expert, Liesl McConchie, will share strategies that reduce math anxiety, foster belonging for all students, and build positive mathematical identities.
Latrenda Knighten
Focus: Tasks that Promote Reasoning & Problem Solving
Latrenda Knighten, President (2024 - 2026) of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) is a retired Mathematics Supervisor from Baton Rouge, LA. As a passionate advocate for high-quality mathematics instruction for all students, Latrenda is a regular presenter at local, state, and national conferences and often facilitates professional learning for teachers. Her work focuses on the implementation of the eight effective mathematics teaching practices with a focus on selecting and implementing rich tasks that promote reasoning and problem solving, facilitating productive mathematics discourse, and learning strategies to implement targeted interventions based on just in time support.
Session description: Effective teaching of mathematics engages students in solving and discussing tasks that promote reasoning and problem solving. In this session, participants will actively engage in activities centered around identifying and selecting rich tasks to promote these ideas. Strategies for working with these tasks and fostering student engagement will also be shared.
Cheryl Fricchione
Focus: Standards & Content Knowledge
Cheryl Fricchione is a K–12 mathematics consultant, national presenter, founder of Coaching That Counts, and Past President of the Association of Mathematics Teachers of New Jersey (AMTNJ). A former mathematics teacher and instructional coach, Cheryl works with schools and districts nationwide while remaining deeply committed to mathematics education in New Jersey. Her work helps educators deepen their content knowledge, understand learning progressions and student thinking, and translate standards and curriculum into meaningful instruction that promotes conceptual understanding, productive discourse, and positive mathematical identities.
Session description: Effective mathematics instruction requires more than identifying the standards—it requires understanding the mathematics within them and how ideas develop across grade levels. In this session, participants will deepen their mathematical content knowledge, explore learning progressions, and examine student thinking. Strategies for translating standards and curriculum into meaningful instruction that builds conceptual understanding and supports purposeful mathematical discourse will also be shared.
Plan Ahead - Summit Schedule
8:00–8:20
8:30–9:50
9:50–10:05
10:05–11:25
11:30–12:20
12:25–1:45
1:45–2:00
2:00–3:20
3:25–3:45
Kickoff & Welcome
Rotation One
Break
Rotation Two
Lunch
Rotation Three
Break
Rotation Four
Prize Drawings & Closing Remarks
in the Math Resource Studio
Math Resource Studio
The Math Resource Studio is an integrated learning experience—
not a traditional exhibit hall.
Participants will have dedicated time to:
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Explore high-quality instructional resources.
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Engage directly with carefully selected educational partners.
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Experience hands-on mathematics materials.
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Discover classroom-ready resources and implementation ideas.
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Build relationships with organizations supporting mathematics education.
Exclusive Manipulative Partner
Additional Resource Studio partners will be announced soon!
Interested in becoming a Resource Studio partner? Learn more and apply →
Register for The Math That Counts Summit
Registration Includes:
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Three immersive professional learning sessions.
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One dedicated Math Resource Studio experience.
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Breakfast and lunch.
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Exclusive Summit swag.
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A copy of Building a Positive Math Identity: A Brain Science Approach by Liesl McConchie.
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A copy of Teaching Mathematics Through Problem Solving: K–8 (Expanded Edition) from NCTM.
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Door prize eligibility.
Experience a premium professional learning event designed for meaningful collaboration, not choice overload. With just 75 participants, you'll engage in four connected learning experiences led by nationally recognized mathematics educators, explore an integrated Math Resource Studio, and connect with peers who share your role and grade-level focus.
You'll leave with high-quality resources and practical, classroom-ready strategies you can implement right away.