Western Region Candidates

Candidates for Western Region Vice Presidents

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Elementary: Meghann Fairchild and Laurie Fazio

Meghann Fairchild

Meghann Fairchild is a proud graduate of Appalachian State University, now in my 23rd year as an educator in North Carolina. I have been a NBCT since 2006, and received my masters degree from Pfeiffer University in 2009. The majority of my classroom years was spent teaching third and fourth grade at Woodland Heights Elementary in Mooresville. It’s during this time I found my passion for teaching math.

In 2022 I was part of the inaugural Math Learning Leaders Cohort at NCCAT. This opportunity became a launchpad for what has become my true passion: teaching math at a conceptual level using research-based strategies. Since my experience at NCCAT, I was named the 2022 elementary teacher of the year in Iredell-Statesville Schools and have presented both as part of a group and independently at the annual NCCTM conference. Currently, I am the Instructional Facilitator at Woodland Heights Elementary School where one of my roles includes coaching teachers and modeling best practices for teaching K-5 math.

Laurie FazioLaurie Fazio currently serves as the K-5 District Math Specialist for Cabarrus County Schools. She began her career as an early childhood teacher and Reading Resource Specialist in Broward County, Florida & relocated to the Charlotte area in 2006, where she fell in love with Math! With 30 years experience as an educator, she has taught Kindergarten, First, Third, Fourth, & Fifth grades and has also served as a Math Facilitator & Curriculum Resource Teacher (CRT) for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. As the CRT for the South Learning Community in 2009, Ms. Fazio led elementary teachers as the district shifted to a standards-based approach to teaching Mathematics. She has been named Teacher of the Year in 1999 & 2019, and in 2019 was also named Most Outstanding Elementary Mathematics Teacher for Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools. As a lifelong learner, Laurie is passionate about her own professional growth and has earned four Math Badges through NCAAT as a Math Learning Leader. She has presented and volunteered at the NCCTM State Math Conference for the last 3 years and this year led a breakout session in Chicago at the NCTM National Conference. She is dedicated to supporting teachers in making positive shifts in math practice and promotes the use of multiple strategies & math tools to build conceptual understanding. Because she very much values collaborating with and learning from other math leaders, Laurie is now running for Vice-President of the Western Region for NCCTM. It is her hope to support the organization to continue promoting best practices in the teaching of mathematics

Middle Grades: Tierra Fender and Amanda Gerken

Tierra Fender

Tierra Fender is in her 13th year as a math educator across middle and high school levels in four states. In addition to North Carolina, I have taught and coached in Arizona, California, and New York. My experiences across these states have given me insight into diverse educational systems and allowed me to see a range of possibilities in teaching and learning mathematics. While pursuing my B.A. in Mathematics, I was encouraged to further my studies, eventually earning a Master’s in Math Education. Early in my career, I became an active member of the Center for Recruitment and Retention of Mathematics Teachers in Tucson, Arizona, where I volunteered, attended Math Circles, mentored student teachers, and presented at local conferences. The mentorship I received there was pivotal in shaping my commitment to equity and inclusion in math education, and it continues to fuel my vision: that all students are mathematically brilliant and that learning is strengthened through active participation and social connection. Since then, my career has evolved to encompass not only teaching but also leading professional learning and supporting other educators in both middle and high schools.

In San Francisco, I immersed myself in Complex Instruction, lesson studies, video analysis, and strengths-based coaching while earning a second Master’s in Educational Administration. These experiences enabled me to develop strategies for fostering collaborative, equitable classrooms, which I applied in New York City and continue to use in my current role in Charlotte. Throughout these roles, I have presented at both local and national conferences, always focusing on dismantling status hierarchies and elevating student voices through rich, challenging tasks. For the past five years, I’ve worked in Charlotte as both a math teacher and specialist, while pursuing a doctorate in Urban Math Curriculum and Instruction. My current role involves developing curriculum resources, designing and facilitating professional development, and coaching educators to enhance classroom and PLC practices. I believe that mathematics is a web of connections and that our responsibility as a community is to strengthen and sustain collective knowledge, working together with high expectations for every student and educator.

If elected as NCCTM Western Vice President, I would bring my commitment to fostering professional connection and knowledge-sharing across the region, supporting the diverse talents of our educators. I am passionate about creating spaces for innovative ideas, developing strategies that promote student-centered learning, and supporting equitable practices. It would be an honor to serve, to learn from, and to collaborate with the inspiring educators in our state.

Amanda Gerken

Amanda Gerken currently serves as the K-12 Curriculum Coordinator and Advanced Learning & Gifted Education Coordinator for Hickory City Schools. With extensive experience across various educational levels, Amanda has taught and tutored mathematics from elementary through high school, as well as at the community college level. She has contributed to professional development and presented at several state conferences, including the North Carolina Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCCTM) this year.

Amanda’s professional journey began as a Teaching Fellow graduate at Western Carolina University in 2000, where she earned her Bachelor's degree in Middle Grades Mathematics. She continued her own professional education journey by earning a graduate certificate in Gifted Education and a Master’s degree in Curriculum Specialist. Over her 17-year career as a middle grades mathematics teacher, Amanda has demonstrated a strong commitment to both mathematics and gifted education. In 2016, she was honored with the Hickory City Schools NCCTM Secondary Mathematics Teacher of the Year award. In addition, she received the 2023 NCCTM Math Contest Coach's Award for her commitment to offering middle school students the opportunity to attend and compete in the NCCTM Level 1 and Level 2 contests held in the Western Region for several years. Beginning in 2017, Amanda took on a dual role within her district, focusing on supporting gifted education and advancing mathematics education. In this role, she has provided support, professional development, and advocacy for middle grades math teachers.

Amanda is passionate about middle grades education and is dedicated to enhancing support for teachers and students throughout the region and state. If elected as the NCCTM Western Region Middle Grades Vice President, she aims to work with others from the Western Region to establish a mathematics conference tailored to the needs of teachers at all stages of their careers—from newcomers to veterans—offering valuable and personalized professional development opportunities..

Secondary: Alicia Conklin and Ingrid Rockhead

Alicia ConklinAlicia Conklin currently works as a High School Math Teacher at the Agriculture and Science Early College in Iredell-Statesville Schools in Iredell County. Alicia began her career as a High School Teacher for 9 years then transitioned to a Math Content Coach for 10 years serving Middle and High Schools in Iredell County. This summer she decided to go back into the classroom where all the fun began! She has been a part of NCCTM for a number of years through presenting and attending State Conferences and Leadership Seminars. If elected as the Western Region Office of High School VP Alicia would like to continue the NCCTM work to expand the networking and professional development opportunities for all North Carolina counties to promote high quality math instruction

 Ingrid Rockhead

Dr. Ingrid Rockhead is the Math Instructional Facilitator for Gaston County Schools in North Carolina, where she provides tailored support to secondary math teachers, focusing on grade-level standards, rigor, and data-driven instruction. Originally from Jamaica, she moved to the United States in 2005 and brings over 20 years of experience in education, including roles as a high school physics teacher, middle school math and science instructor, and labor administrator before becoming a curriculum specialist. In addition to holding a Bachelor of Science in Physics, a Master of Science in Mathematics Education, and a Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction, Dr. Rockhead is a licensed curriculum specialist and a National Board Certified Teacher in Mathematics. She is also among the first cohort of NCCAT Math Learning Leaders and has the distinction of leading math badge sessions on behalf of NCCAT. Dr. Rockhead is a member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), the North Carolina Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCCTM), and the American Statistical Association (ASA).

A strong advocate for inclusive mathematics education, Dr. Rockhead's work is grounded in the constructivist model, dedicated to reshaping perceptions around mathematics and ensuring that all students feel they belong in math classrooms and communities. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, reading, and traveling.

College: Madelyn Colonnese and Jennifer Williams

Madelyn ColonneseMadelyn Colonnese currently teaches elementary mathematics methods to pre-service teachers at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Her research focuses on eliciting and interpreting elementary students’ mathematical thinking. Throughout her career as an educator she has been an active member of NCTM and a member of NCTM’s affiliate organization in Connecticut – both presenting and volunteering at conferences. Once joining the faculty at UNC at Charlotte Madelyn became a member of NCCTM. Since joining NCCTM, she has been involved in the organization by presenting and volunteering at the state conference and serving as a judge for the Western Region Math Fair. Madelyn also supports mathematics educators in the state by co-hosting a regional elementary mathematics leaders group. Madelyn seeks to increase her involvement in NCCTM by running for the Western Region Vice-President for Colleges and Universities. If elected to this position, Madelyn would like to contribute to the mission of the organization by supporting and helping to further develop efforts to promote high-quality mathematics teaching across the state.

Jennifer Williams

Jennifer Williams currently teaches in the Department of Mathematical Sciences at Appalachian State University. Jennifer is a Desmos Classroom Fellow and has taught at the middle school, high school, and university levels - teaching mathematics, statistics, and mathematics education courses for pre-service elementary teachers.  NCCTM was the first ever professional organization Jennifer was ever part of during her time as a graduate student and during her early years of teaching. She has been involved in NCCTM through being the student representative of the Western Region, presenting at the state and regional conferences,  judging and coordinating judges at the Western Region Math Fair, volunteering at the State Math Fair, and being an active member of the NC2ML as a part of the 4th Level Math Courses team as well the VISIONS project.

Jennifer enjoys being a part of NCCTM because it offers opportunities to math educators in North Carolina to learn from and share experiences with each other. Jennifer would like to continue the work of the organization to allow teachers an opportunity to collaborate and share resources to improve mathematics education in the state, while being intentional to invite and support all of the math teachers in North Carolina. Equipping every teacher is the linchpin to meeting the ultimate goal of seeing every student be successful in math

 

A Message From Our President

Karen McPherson
High School Mathematics Coach
Buncombe County Schools

You have the power to change the future of Mathematics Teaching in North Carolina.

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NCCTM Statement on Equitable Access to Quality Mathematics Instruction

Students need to experience mathematics in ways that allow them to be successful and that give them the power to change the world. This experience needs to be delivered with both excellence and equality while resonating with the lives of Black, Latinx, Indigenous, Asian, and all marginalized peoples. Racism cannot be tolerated, and we as teachers must be vigilant that we do not tolerate nor contribute to racism, bias, hate, or violence in our classrooms.

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