Math coordinator outlines teacher professional development emphasizing mathematical habits of mind

Jerry Sansom, Lincoln County Schools’ math coordinator, told the board Tuesday that a countywide professional development series for teachers will focus on the state content standards and eight “mathematical habits of mind.”

The PD, scheduled later this week, will bring teachers together by grade band — K‑1, 3‑4, 5‑6 and 6‑8 — for hands‑on activities that model classroom practices. Sansom said the first professional development session emphasizes “making sense of problems and persevering in solving them.” He described an in‑room activity using a single die, chips and a scorecard called a “race to 10,” and invited board members to participate during the demonstration.

“They don't even realize that they're learning because they think they're just playing the game,” Sansom said, describing how manipulatives and play can build understanding of mathematical properties and vocabulary for young students.

Why it matters: the PD is intended to align classroom instruction with state content standards while explicitly teaching problem solving, precision and use of mathematical tools. Board members observed the demonstration and asked clarifying questions about classroom implementation.

Details provided - Grade bands: K‑1, 3‑4, 5‑6, 6‑8 will have separate sessions. - Focus habit for this session: making sense of problems and persevering. - Instructional tools: manipulatives (die, chips, scorecards), vocabulary (equations) and teacher-led modeling in early grades. - Demonstration: Sansom led a short “race to 10” exercise and explained connecting play to formal equations and the commutative property (example: 4 + 6 = 6 + 4).

Boardmember participation and next steps: Board members were invited to participate in the PD activity; the district will run the sessions later in the week and provide materials to teachers. No vote was required.