Critically Conscious Math Mentoring: Work With Future Teachers to Advocate for Equitable Classrooms

Sheila Orr is a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Tennesse-Knoxville, a Knowles Senior Fellow, and Co-Founder of ProgressED Pathways, LLC. Her work in mathematics education focuses on disrupting systems of exclusion by positioning teachers, students, families, and communities as co-creators of knowledge. Her work spans critically conscious mathematics mentoring, equity-oriented project-based learning, and humanizing pedagogies.

Sarah DiMaria is a secondary math teacher and founding staff member at Cedars International Next Gen HS in Austin, TX, specializing in PBL STEM education. She coordinates professional development and instructional coaching for her campus. She co-founded ProgressED Pathways, an educational consulting group supporting teachers to enhance STEM access for all students. Sarah holds an undergraduate degree in mathematics and teaching certificate from Michigan State University, along with a Master of Arts in Teaching and Curriculum with an Administration focus. She contributed to rewriting the NAEP Mathematics exam in Washington, DC in 2019 and furthers her expertise through programs like Knowles Teaching Initiative and Teach Plus TX. Awarded the National Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) in 2021, Sarah was named Outstanding TX Educator 2022 by the Texas Academy of Sciences. She presents at national conferences and trains educators globally in PBL.