About this Event
Students in urban settings often experience mathematics as disconnected from who they are, where they live, and the critical issues facing their communities. A study from the YouthTruth Math Learning and Identity Project revealed that only 57% of the nearly 31,000 K-12 students surveyed felt it was important to learn mathematics. In this talk, Dr. Nicole Fonger will address this disconnect with a culturally and historically responsive literacy model, redefining meaningful mathematics learning while sharing research, sample curricula, and classroom practices. She will model how beginning with locality identity—our sense of belonging to place—opens up rich opportunities for hands-on data-visualization activities, expanding typical views of teaching and learning through multiple representations. Dr. Fonger will share relevant tools and resources across K-12 mathematics, with some science applications as well. All are welcome.
Dr. Nicole L. Fonger (she/her) is an Associate Professor of Mathematics and Mathematics Education at Syracuse University and a mathematics educator for over 20 years. Her research advances meaningful, equity-centered mathematics learning through community-engaged, participatory design that links research and practice in urban public schools. She is the author of Making Algebra Meaningful: A Visual Approach to Math Literacy for All, has authored and co-authored over 50 peer-reviewed publications, and is the recipient of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Linking Research and Practice Outstanding Publication Award. Dr. Fonger currently serves as a 2025–2027 Lender Center for Social Justice Faculty Fellow. As co-founder of the Data Warriors program, a multi-institutional youth participatory action research initiative, she collaborates with Syracuse teachers and mentors student researchers to support youth mathematical reasoning, data literacy, geospatial awareness, and civic action. Originally from Minnesota, Nicole lives with her husband and three school-age children in Syracuse, NY.
REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS & DETAILS
- You must be 18+ to attend this event
- Registration will close at 5:00 PM the day before the event
- Please only register yourself and use your complete first and last name as it appears on your photo ID when filling in the form
- If you have a guest you would like to bring with you to this event, please send them the link to register so they can sign up on their own
- By registering to attend this event, participants agree to follow the
- Please note that Math for America will never ask for credit card information or require payment for registration to our free public events.
BUILDING ENTRY PROTOCOL
- All attendees must be pre-registered and walk-in entry will be denied
- Provide a valid photo ID upon entry
- Admittance to the event closes at 5:30 p.m.
Please note that by entering the Simons Foundation buildings, you are attesting that you are not experiencing COVID symptoms and are not knowingly positive for COVID.
EVENT SCHEDULE
- 4:30 - Doors Open
- 4:30-5:15 - Dinner - Dumplings, Salad, Noodles (GF/Vegetarian/Vegan options available)
- 5:15 - Dinner Service Closes
- 5:30 - Start Time: Welcome and Introductions
- 5:40-6:30/6:45 - Movie Screening
- 6:45-7:30 - Reception (and Dinner Reopens)
- 7:30 - Goodbye and See You Next Time!
Please arrive early if you'd like to eat dinner. Dinner service will close at 5:15 p.m.
Event venue & nearby stays
Math for America, 160 5th Ave, New York, United States
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