INDIANAPOLIS, IN—The world's largest single-day spectator sporting event, the Indianapolis 500, will mark its centennial this May. On April 13, one of the largest gatherings of math educators was also held in Indianapolis. "The NCTM Annual Meeting could be considered the 'Indy 500' for math educators," says Nancy Kane, who attended the event representing Suntex International, makers of the First In Math® Online Program.
Secretary of Education Arne Duncan addressed attendees on opening day, calling them America's nation builders. Suntex President and CEO, Robert Sun, talked with visitors to the First In Math booth, including NCTM President-Elect Linda Gojak, who stopped by for a chat. "The NCTM annual meeting always attracts the most dedicated math educators in the country," explains Sun, who says he is committed to constant improvement of the program. "Many improvements and upgrades to the site have come directly from suggestions made by educators and students."
NCTM President-Elect Linda Gojak and Robert Sun, both pictured here, met for lunch with Suntex VP Barbara Asteak, FIM Ohio Rep Mike Hughes and Math Coordinator Annmarie Mockler, whose Greenview Upper ES is home to the 2011 #1 FIM player in the country.
The popular First In Math® booth incorporated several iMac computers, allowing educators to take a few laps around the First In Math site. "Once they try it for themselves, we often get a 'wow' reaction—that's when they realize what a great addition to their curriculum FIM will be," explains Kane. The 2011 conference marked the introduction of the first-ever NCTM Conference "app" for iPhone, Android and Blackberry users, and Suntex was among a handful of companies to create a Profile within the app.
This year's theme was 'Geometry: Constructing and Transforming Perspectives.' The three-day exposition featured more than 650 presentations, covering hot topics like Differentiated Instruction, Common Core Standards, Intervention, Technology, and more.