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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion a Professional Learning Community
Are you interested in working with OCTM to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in our organization, in mathematics education, and in mathematics-related careers? If so, please complete this brief form, and/or contact Charissa Hunt or Dawn Williams, our Directors of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, at charissa.hunt@ohioctm.org or dawn.williams@ohioctm.org. The PLC is responsible for the Town Halls described below, and new work is initiated on an ongoing basis. We need YOUR voice and passion in these efforts. Currently, DEI focuses its work in these three areas:
- Antiracism in mathematics education
- Supporting LGBTQ+ mathematics: students & educators
- Supporting mathematics students & educators who are disabled
Town Hall Series
OCTM has been holding a series of public, online Town Halls since June 2020 to address and challenge racism, social injustice, and other oppressive forces in our schools and communities. We focus on what we can do as mathematics educators to promote antiracist, anti-oppressive policies and practices in schools and classrooms.
DEI Connector Newsletter
Spring 2023 DEI Connector Newsletter is now available! The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Team has been hard at work. Check all of the exciting things to come!
Mathematics is, and should be, for all. If you would like to be involved in the OCTM Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion PLC, please see the information below.
The OCTM Mission Statement states that our aim as an organization is to "Engage, Inspire, Empower with Mathematics", and we do this by:
- Supporting the growth of mathematics educators
- Promoting diversity and equity through inclusive structures and practices that promote access to mathematics for all students and educators
Our Vision Statement, which is also the NCTM Vision Statement, expresses our desire for the future:
We envision a world where everyone is enthused about mathematics, sees the value and beauty of mathematics, and is empowered by the opportunities mathematics affords.
We acknowledge and are deeply disheartened by the fact that too many students have not been served well in school mathematics. Too frequently, this has resulted from a lack of diversity, equity, and inclusion in school structures and practices. This also reflects historic injustices in our society, and as educators we can work together toward anti-oppressive, transformational change that supports all students and educators in equitable ways.
The OCTM Executive Board endorsed and shared this statement from the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics regarding the events of January 6, 2021, as well as this statement from American Educational Research Association leaders regarding anti-Asian violence. Please see below for ways that you can be involved in OCTM's work to promote equitable policies and practices that support all students and educators.
OCTM strives to:
- Value, welcome, and seek out diversity among our leadership and membership of our organization
- Promote participation in meaningful interest-based mathematics programs and courses
- Work to challenge and abolish structures that have oppressed certain groups of students historically and currently (e.g., tracking)
- Encourage underrepresented and marginalized populations of students to pursue careers in mathematics and mathematics teaching
- Collaborate with colleges and universities to seek out, recruit and support a diverse group of prospective teachers to enter mathematics education
OCTM is an affiliate of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.
