Creating an Engaging Learning Environment: Improving Our Aim in Math 6-8

Math is a social subject. It was never meant to be learned by sitting and watching someone else do it, then copy them till you can regurgitate it perfectly, or until you give up crying. Math is something we learn by exploring, experimenting, doing, discussing, and debating. This workshop is for teachers who want to get more participation and engagement from their students resulting in higher student achievement. Alice Keeler said, "Whoever is doing the work is doing the learning." Let's get your students working harder than you are. Join us for a day of flipping the switch and getting students to take an active, engaging role in their own education. We will be employing some of the strategies from Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics, by Peter Liljedahl.

Workshop Details:

• Date: March 23, 2027

• Time: 9:30 am - 2:30 pm EST

• Location: SIEC, 1102 Tree Lane Drive, Jasper, IN 47546

• Fee: SIEC Member - $175/Non-member $245

• Other Details:

  • Please bring a laptop computer so online resources can be accessed.

  • A catered lunch will be provided.

  • Participants will receive Professional Growth Points.

  • Deadline to register is 2 weeks before each workshop.

  • See the embedded registration form below.

Presenter Information: Jeff Harker

Jeff Harker is a 32 year veteran of public secondary mathematics education in Indiana.  During his tenure he cultivated his role as teacher leader in the classroom and out of the classroom as a cross country coach for 30 years.  He was also a literacy coach for 5 years during his career.  He has presented at the school, district, state and national levels on topics such as struggling learners, questioning, grading, reading strategies, differentiation, and self-direction.  He has always enjoyed his role as teacher, both for students and adults.  

Jeff obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Ball State University.  (Chirp chirp!)  Then went on to receive a Master’s degree in Secondary Education from Indiana University.  After spending a year teaching in North Carolina, he returned to his roots in Northern Indiana at Warsaw Community Schools and a short stint teaching for Ivy Tech, finally ending up in the Indianapolis area in Lawrence Township where he spent the last 25 years.  After retiring from teaching he found his way back to his passion for professional development and helping teachers at CIESC.

As a Professional Learning Specialist with Keep Indiana Learning and CIESC, Jeff is focused on helping teachers hone their craft and helping their students become independent, successful learners