Growing math minds... Changing math mindsets
Save the Date
Early Math Symposium
June 21, 2024 from 9 am to 1 pm (PST)
Welcome and
Masters of Ceremonies Introduction
Welcome to the sixth annual Early Math Symposium.
The Early Math Project team would like to express our gratitude to the California Early Math Initiative Partners, Matilda Soria, Jim Yovino, Brooks Allen, Lisa Constancio, Jessica Holmes, and Judy Cias for their support of early math and this symposium.
Many free resources and ideas will be shared. Please reach out if we can be of support or if you have questions. We are always interested to hear your ideas for future symposiums and appreciate hearing from you (email: earlymathca@gmail.com).
Download Available:
Presenters:
Carolyn Pfister is an education administrator for the California State Board of Education and coordinator of the Early Math Project. Her interests include family and community engagement, advocacy for early math, and developing resources that promote children’s mathematical development. Prior to her involvement with the Early Math Project, Carolyn taught elementary and middle school math and was the principal of a K-8 Montessori School.
Carolyn Pfister
Jon is the Director of STEM Education for the Office of the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools. He works with teachers and administrators to build programs that promote a worthwhile and optimistic view of math and science. He has worked in preschools, TK-12 schools, and at the secondary level. Jon enjoys talking about numbers with young children.
Jonathan Dueck
Dr. Michele Cantwell-Copher
Dr. Michele Cantwell-Copher has been a Fresno County educator for more than 30 years. In her current capacity with the Office of the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools (FCSS), she is the Superintendent Elect, inclusive of the role of Executive Director of The Foundation @ FCOE, formed in 2009. Dr. Copher provided direction and oversite for the successful implementation of the 2008 Voluntary Preschool Master Plan and Transitional Kindergarten in 2010. In 2015 she organized the efforts of the GradNation Summit, which addressed increasing graduation rates in Fresno County, and in 2016, she guided the opening of the Lighthouse for Children Child Development Center. Since 2019, Dr. Copher has been significantly contributing to the work of the DRIVE Community Investment Plan that focuses on economic development, human capital, and neighborhood development. She is an integral part of FCSS’ successful expansion of business-education partnerships and collaborative work with nonprofit, community-based organizations, and civic groups, leading to better educational and health outcomes for students. Dr. Copher is active in the community, serving on numerous boards and volunteering at Valley Children’s Hospital. She has been recognized as a Top 10 Business Woman of the Year. Dr. Copher is married to John, a Correctional Lieutenant with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Department, and together they have two children, Claire, a second-year law school student at McGeorge School of Law, and Quaid, serving at the United States Navel Academy.