Department of Mathematics and Philosophy

71st Annual Western Mathematics Teachers Conference


TAG: You’re It!  Tasks, Activities, And Games to Increase Student Engagement and Understanding

  • Friday, April 11, 2025 from 8:30 a.m. - 2:50 p.m.
    • Check-in/Registration and Continental Breakfast: 8:00-8:30 a.m.
  • WIU's Macomb campus - Horrabin Hall. All PK-14 math teachers, coaches, and other leaders are invited.

Keynote Speakers

Kyle Harlow

Opening Speaker: Kyle Harlow

Opening Presentation: Unplan Your Lessons

What’s the difference between planning and preparation in our classrooms? The former begins with an answer—a learning objective—and sculpts everything else to serve its purpose. The latter starts with a question—a task or game—and expects that learning will occur in unforeseen ways. Let’s explore how being prepared, rather than planned, can offer new joy and freedom in teaching math.

Bio: Kyle Harlow is a math teacher and department chair at Herrin High School in Herrin, IL. He serves as a Grades 9–12 Director on the Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics Board of Directors and manages ICTM’s digital communications. He is the Program Chair for the ICTM Southern Section Conference on Teaching Mathematics and a doctoral student in Teacher Leadership at SIU Carbondale.


Howie Hua

Featured Speaker: Howie Hua

Presentation: Sparking Curiosity

Mathematics class is about more than just receiving information. How can we foster curiosity in students? In this talk, we will explore specific tasks, as well as general strategies, that inspire curiosity and engagement in this beautiful subject.

Bio: Howie Hua is a mathematics instructor at Fresno State, where he teaches math to future elementary school teachers. He is passionate about demonstrating that everyone is a math person. In 2019, he received the Outstanding Lecturer Award from Fresno State’s College of Science and Mathematics, and in 2024, he was honored with the university’s Provost Award for Outstanding Lecturer.

Howie has delivered talks to organizations across more than 20 states and four countries and was the closing keynote speaker at the 2024 NCTM Annual Conference. You can find him on social media sharing math explainer videos, teaching tips, and math-related humor.


Annie Forest

Closing Speaker: Annie Forest

Presentation: Math and Games: Both Have Rules and Fun!

Playing by the rules is part of playing games. But even with the constraint of rules, games are fun! Math also has rules, but it shouldn’t feel like an endless rulebook of unconnected things to memorize. Let’s explore how much math and games have in common, including that they are both FUN!

Bio: Annie Forest has been in math education for over 20 years. She is passionate about bringing curiosity to math learning and teaching. Anything that allows her to work with students or teachers brings her joy, including her current work as a math consultant and adjunct professor.

Registration

  • $90 for regular attendees
  • $20 for full-time students

Each registered person receives a box lunch.

Mail payment to:

Western Illinois University
Department of Mathmatics and Philosopby
1 University Circle, Morgan Hall 476
Macomb, IL 61455-1390

Conference Contact

Malinda Harris
Phone: (309) 298-1054
Email: MA-Harris6@wiu.edu

Call for Speakers

Do you have ideas for teaching math that you would like to share? We are looking for breakout session speakers and are accepting proposals for 2025. If you'd like to be a speaker email Dr. Bob Mann - RR-Mann@wiu.edu or complete the proposal form .

Professional Development Hours

You will receive a form to fill out on the day of the conference. Details about electronic submissions will be sent via email. Attendees will earn 5.5 PD hours for this conference.

Parking

Participants can park in the Horrabin Hall lot (big lot south of Horrabin Hall). Parking Services is aware of the conference and won't be ticketing. If the Horrabin Hall lot is full, try the Currens Hall lot (lot west of Currens Hall and NW from Horrabin).

Resources

Sponsors

  • Western Illinois University
  • Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics
  • West Central Council of Teachers of Mathematics