Reimagining Middle School Math: Inside Our Digital Math Conference – June 9, 2026
What does powerful math instruction look like in today’s classrooms? On June 9, 2026, educators from across the country will come together for our 2026 Digital Middle School Math SUMmit to explore that very question. Through four engaging session blocks—each offering choice and flexibility—participants will dive into strategies that center student thinking, voice, and understanding.
All sessions are recorded, so teachers can access the content anytime—no need to attend live to gain the full benefit of the conference.
10:00 – 11:15 AM | Building Foundations for Thinking & Perseverance
The conference kicked off with two impactful sessions focused on classroom culture and communication.
Promoting Mathematical Discourse with Math Language Routines (MLRs) highlighted how structured talk moves can elevate student thinking. Educators explored how to make math more accessible by helping students explain, justify, and build on ideas—creating classrooms where every voice matters.
At the same time, Fostering Mathematical Grit challenged teachers to rethink struggle. Instead of rescuing students, participants discussed how to create environments where persistence is expected, mistakes are valued, and confidence grows alongside competence.
11:30 AM – 12:45 PM | Deepening Understanding Through Student Thinking
The second block shifted focus to how students develop meaning in mathematics.
In The Importance of “Math-ish” Answers, educators examined how approximations and informal reasoning can strengthen number sense. Rather than rushing to precision, this session emphasized the value of students making sense of quantities first.
Meanwhile, Planning for Inquiry-Based Learning offered practical strategies for designing lessons where curiosity leads the way. Teachers explored how to pose better questions, facilitate exploration, and shift from telling to guiding.
1:00 – 2:15 PM | Tools & Routines for Meaningful Problem Solving
After lunch, participants chose between two sessions grounded in instructional practice.
Using Visual Models to Solve Real-World Problems focused on helping students make sense of complex situations through diagrams, representations, and modeling. The session reinforced how visuals can bridge gaps in understanding and support all learners.
In Intro to Problem String Routines, educators were introduced to a powerful instructional routine that builds fluency through connected problems. By sequencing tasks intentionally, teachers can help students uncover patterns and develop deeper strategies.
2:30 – 3:45 PM | Creating Classrooms That Think Critically & Collaborate
The final block brought the day full circle, focusing on community and critical thinking.
Data Isn’t Just a Picture pushed educators to go beyond graphs and charts, helping students analyze, question, and interpret data in meaningful ways. The session emphasized developing critical consumers of information—an essential skill far beyond math class.
At the same time, Setting the Stage: Building a Mathematical Community explored how to establish norms, relationships, and routines that support risk-taking and collaboration. Because without a strong community, even the best tasks fall flat.
A Day of Connection, Reflection, and Growth
While the conference is digital, the impact is anything but distant. Educators will walk away with practical strategies, fresh perspectives, and a renewed commitment to student-centered math instruction.
And with all sessions recorded, teachers can revisit any session at their own pace—making it easy to fit professional learning into busy schedules.
From discourse to data, grit to inquiry, one message is clear:
When we create classrooms where students think deeply, talk openly, and persevere through challenges, math becomes meaningful.
