Southern Nevada Mathematics Council
NV MATH SUMMIT MIDDLE SCHOOL TEAM (14)
DONNA WILLIAMS (Team Lead)
This is my 31st year in education – WOW – I cannot believe it! I love Math and being able to share that love with students and other teachers. After teaching for 28 years, I became a project facilitator first at CPD and now in ELL. I’m looking forward to a great weekend of working with other math teachers at the SUMMIT!
CAROL LONG
I have completed 40 years in education - 2 years teaching 3rd grade at St Joseph's in Las Vegas, 21 years at Brinley Middle School and 17 years at SNRPDP. I mostly taught 7th and 8th grade and Algebra at the MS level. I love teaching Algebra and developing a love of mathematics in my students. I look forward to being part of the Summit!
CANDICE MEIRIES (Team Lead)
I have been teaching for almost 20 years. I began as a preschool educator and moved my way up to middle school math. I'm a Secondary MathTrainer for SNRPDP where I work with and support teachers. I feel this is where my true passion lies. My husband and I love to travel. I am excited to be part of the summit to share ideas and learn new ones!
JUDY KRAUS
Judy Kraus has traveled and taught wherever the Navy has stationed her husband - from Ohio, South Carolina, and Florida to Cuba and Guam. Eventually, choosing to make Nevada home. This is her 18th year in CCSD and 12th year at Hyde Park Middle School. Her role as a teacher has expanded to that of a facilitator, coach, and advocate for STEM.
Favorite Ice Cream: CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER
RICK PARINA
I have been teaching math for 15 years: 9 years in CCSD and 5 year in Dubai at an American school. I have taught Math 7, Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, Algebra II, and IB Math Studies. I have a YouTube channel with 40+ videos for IB Math Studies (just search Rick Parina on YouTube). I am looking forward to not only presenting, but learning as well.
Favorite Ice Cream: COOKIES & CREAM
ERIN KIPP
I have taught in CCSD for 12 years. For most of my teaching career, I have taught middle school math. I enjoy the middle school setting and all of its challenges and celebrations. Currently, I am a project facilitator for the ELL Division. I feel fortunate to be a part of the Summit team and am excited to learn from and collaborate with others.
Favorite Ice Cream: MINT CHOCOLATE CHIP
GAIL SABBS
This is my third year as a middle school teacher: 6th and 7th grade math. I taught fourth-grade for a year in Los Angeles & moved to Las Vegas in 2006 and taught fifth-grade for nine years. I love teaching math and incorporating outside activities, when possible, and technology! I have a 2 yr old daughter who I call my "forever wish come true."
Favorite Ice Cream: ANYTHING BUT MINT!!
CYNTHIA SPENCE
I have been teaching for 15 years after a 30 year career in finance and gaming. All of my educational career has been in CCSD. I taught 4th and 5th grade for five years. I love math because math geeks are cool and we understand there is strength in numbers. I look forward to the Summit because Math Rocks!
Favorite Ice Cream: SUPERMAN
MARCIA KLINK
MONICA GONZALES
2° 0' S 77° 30' W was the location of my first teaching job. The last ten years of teaching has lead me to live in four states, with one area code being 314. I currently teach 8th grade and Algebra I. I love being a part of professional learning communities and all the networking that occurs. Please stop me when you see me so we can collaborate!
This is my 4th year teaching 7th grade math at J.D. Smith Middle School. Even though this age group is one of the toughest, it is by far my favorite. In a addition to loving math, I love memory planning and journaling. I am very excited to be part of the Summit and looking forward to all there is to learn from each other.
DANA DYER
I am in my 26th year of teaching, 24 at the middle school level. During my time I have taught mostly Algebra and Pre-algebra. I have been a mentor for new teachers, taught lesson studies for IDPL, and have been a department chair. I am looking forward to sharing my knowledge with others during this Summit.
SUSAN L. JOHNSON
I have taught grades 4-8 for 12 1/2 years with a focus on math and science. For the past 1 1/2 years I have been coaching and training teachers with a focus on English Language Learners. I love using constructivist approaches and manipulatives in my teaching, no matter the grade. I hope teachers look forward to the Summit every year!
Favorite Ice Cream: COOKIES & CREAM
JOSPEH LAWSON
I have been with CCSD for 21 years and I am being paid like it's been only 17! I teach Computers, Math, and TV Production. I love coaching youth sports and I love taking long strolls on the beach with my wife of 24 years. Famous for LIP SYNC BATTLE performance that rocked or shocked the internet!
Favorite Ice Cream: Cookie Dough
MARIA CIESLAK
"Growing up as an English Language Learner, Math was my favorite content area in elementary, middle school, and high school. As a bilingual and ELL classroom teacher for 20 years, I loved assisting my students develop the language of mathematics. Now, I'm looking forward to learning from all the participants attending this first Math SUMMIT."