The Mathematics Education Leadership Training (MELT) Program was established to provide support and professional development for K-12 mathematics teachers in North Carolina and the other states.
Join us in celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Mathematics Education Leadership Training Summer Institutes
For a quarter of a century, Mathematics Education Leadership Training (MELT) has been at the forefront of empowering educators with innovative strategies and resources to enhance mathematics teaching. This milestone year promises to be extra special, featuring a series of enriching workshops, inspiring keynote speakers, and opportunities to connect with fellow educators passionate about mathematics education.
To celebrate, we are setting the Tuition Cost for each Summer Institute at only $25. Don't miss out on this unique chance to be part of a legacy of excellence and innovation. Register, beginning in January 2025, and be a part of the MELT community as we continue to shape the future of mathematics education together!
Summer 2025 Schedule
Each institute provides up to 3 continuing education credits (CEUs). See course descriptions for more details on credit and delivery modes. Registration opens January 1, 2025.
Institutes held on the Boone campus are in person Monday through Thursday in Walker Hall.
MELT Institutes
Week 1: June 23-26
- Using AI in Mathematics Teaching and Assessment (K-5);
- Teaching and Learning with Math Manipulatives (K-8);
- Looking Deeper into Geometry (9-12);
- Teaching Math to Special Education Students (Grades K-12)
Week 2: July 7-10
- Building Thinking Classrooms (K-5);
- Mathematics Teaching to Emergent Multilingual Learners (K-12);
- Deeper Investigations into Integers, Fractions, and Decimals (6-8);
- Using AI in Mathematics Teaching and Assessment (6-12);
- Looking Deeper into Algebra I & II (8-12)
Week 3: July 14-17
- Numbers, Fractions, Operations, & Application (K-5);
- Games, Curiosities, and Anomalies (K-8)
- Building Thinking Classrooms (6-12);
- Probability & Statistics (9-12)
Credit
Continuing Education Credits (CEUs)
Each institute provides a maximum of 3 Continuing Education Credits (CEUs), depending on the participant selection and the level of participation by each registrant.
Graduate Credit
Participants who wish to receive academic credit for graduate courses associated with the MELT institutes (2 credits per institute) must be enrolled as a graduate student at App State. In addition to attending the institute, participants will be required to complete several graded assignments under the supervision of the MELT Director.
If you have additional questions or need assistance with the process for academic credit, please contact Dr. Quinn Morris, Mathematics Graduate Program Co-Director, morrisqa@appstate.edu.
Contact
For more information regarding the MELT Program and MELT Institutes, contact
Michael J. Bossé, Distinguished Professor of Mathematics Education and MELT Program Director
melt@appstate.edu
Phone: (828) 262-2862
Registration
Early registration will open January 2025.
Participants are limited to one session per week. Registrations will be accepted until Institutes are filled.
Cost and Cancellation
25th Year Anniversary Celebration Fee: $25.00. per person per institue.
Tuition is non-refundable. Cancellations received in writing will receive credit for the MELT program in the following year.
The MELT Program reserves the right to cancel Institutes no less than three weeks before the first day of the Institute. If Institutes are cancelled, affected registrants will receive 100% reimbursement for their MELT Registration fees or be allowed to attend an alternate Institute.
Program History & Outcomes
Since MELT's inception, nearly 1,000 teachers and mathematics educators have attended summer workshops and earned either continuing education units or graduate credits, and more than 60 teachers have received funding to assist them in obtaining their Master's Degree in Secondary Mathematics Education. Other benefits to participants and their students have been found to be invaluable.
Outcomes
Since 1998, MELT participants have reported the positive impact that involvement in MELT has had on them as professionals and on their students; among others, these include:
- Gaining an understanding of how to purposefully and appropriately use technology to help students learn mathematics more meaningfully;
- Becoming more excited and energized about teaching, in some cases providing the support necessary to remain in a teaching career;
- Students' improved test scores, including North Carolina End Of Course (EOC) exams (prior to the implementation of the CCSSM);
- Being provided financial support to complete a Master's Degree;
- Developing a network of professional colleagues; and
- Extending their reach as mathematics education professionals beyond their classroom, with MELT participants making presentations in their districts, in the region, at state conferences, and, in some cases to include presentations at national and international conferences.
History
The Mathematics Education Leadership Training (MELT) Program was established in 1998 through a grant from the Cain Foundation to provide support and professional development for high school mathematics teachers throughout North Carolina and the greater Appalachian region of the United States.
Over the years, support for the MELT Program has come from multiple sources:
- Gordon and Mary Cain Foundation
- The ASU Mathematics and Science Education Center
- The ASU Mathematical Sciences Department
- The ASU Hubbard Center for Faculty and Staff Support
- Teachers Teaching with Technology (T³)
- Texas Instruments, Inc.
- The University of North Carolina Mathematics and Science Education Network
- The Shodor Education Foundation
- The National Science Foundation
- The Mathematical Association of America
- Individual Philanthropic Donors
Accommodations & Activities
Hotels
Book your accommodation through hotels with special rates for institute participants. (Special Rates will be posted once accomodations are confirmed).
Things to do
Find activities, attractions and deals while you're in the High Country. There's something for everyone!
Course Descriptions
Institutes held on the Boone campus are in person Monday through Thursday in Walker Hall.
Week 1: June 23-26
Using AI in Mathematics Teaching and Assessment (K-5) (3 CEUs, math, digital literacy, or general).
Unlock the future of elementary mathematics education and reclaim hours of valuable time. This Institute will revolutionize your approach to teaching by using Artificial Intelligence (AI). This immersive experience is tailored for K-5 educators, focusing on AI tools and strategies to enhance foundational math skills. Through interactive labs, thought-provoking panels, and real-world case studies, you will uncover strategies to make content development more efficient, differentiate instruction and assessment, streamline assessment workflows, dramatically cut grading hours, and elevate student performance. Seize this chance to harness AI to create a more dynamic, efficient, and rewarding educational environment for you and your students. Don't miss this opportunity to become a trailblazer in leveraging AI for more efficient and effective teaching and learning.
Teaching and Learning with Math Manipulatives (Grades K-8) (3 CEUs, math or general).
Physical and virtual manipulatives for teaching and learning math are arguably underused and often improperly employed. This Institute investigates teaching and learning through physical and virtual manipulatives and their respective representational determinism. Investigations will also consider the mathematical practices commonly recognized in North Carolina standards (problem solving and perseverance, abstract and quantitative reasoning, constructing and critiquing arguments, modeling with mathematics, strategically using appropriate tools, attending to precision, and finding and using structure).
Looking Deeper into Geometry (9-12) (3 CEUs, math or general).
Unlock the world of high school geometry with strategies that go beyond formulas and proofs. This institute will investigate engaging approaches, encouraging students to explore geometric concepts and theorems with curiosity and rigor. Participants will learn techniques for fostering spatial reasoning, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, enabling students to see geometry as both practical and beautiful. Through dynamic activities and real-world applications, educators will leave with a toolkit to make geometry accessible, relevant, and exciting for all learners.
Teaching Math to Special Education Students (K-12) (3 CEUs, math or general).
Mathematics teachers of students with learning disabilities need support regarding content, pedagogy, and learning associated with this population of students. This Institute covers common scenarios among special education and learning-disabled students who struggle to learn math and navigates the relationship between cognitive function and acquiring mathematical understanding and skills. Participants will analyze common research-based mathematical errors made by students with math disabilities regarding numerous mathematics domains and topics and interventions at the Tier 2 and Tier 3 levels of an MTSS framework.
Week 2: July 7-10
Building Thinking Classrooms (K-5) (3 CEUs, math or general).
Are you ready to transform your math classroom into a hub of critical thinking, problem-solving, and active engagement? In this institute, designed specifically for grades K-5 math teachers, participants will explore research-based strategies and pedagogical approaches to cultivate a thinking-centered math classroom. Instruction and learning will include rich mathematical tasks, group discussions, and collaborative planning sessions. The institute will equip educators with the practical tools and techniques needed to create a learner-centered environment that nurtures critical thinking, fosters collaborative problem-solving, and enhances overall mathematical proficiency.
Mathematics Teaching to Emergent Multilingual Learners (K-12) (3 CEUs, math or general).
Dive into the world of mathematics teaching with a fresh perspective that brings learning to life for K–12 emergent multilingual learners. This institute empowers educators with cutting-edge strategies, innovative tools, and creative approaches to make math meaningful, engaging, and deeply relevant to this population of learners. Participants will explore the latest in math education research and gain practical insights to address common challenges, overcome deficit perspectives regarding multilingual learners, and consider language as a rich and vibrant source and resource for learning. Participants will discover how to inspire students’ curiosity, encourage critical thinking, and support diverse learning needs in the classroom. Join us to transform math instruction and empower every student to thrive in mathematics, from building number sense to fostering problem-solving skills.
Deeper Investigations into Integers, Fractions, and Decimals (6-8) (3 CEUs, math or general).
Explore integers, fractions, ratios, and proportions in a way that goes beyond the basics and engages students in meaningful investigations, discussions, and real-world applications. This course empowers educators to make these foundational math concepts relatable and dynamic, sparking curiosity and deeper understanding. Through inquiry-based methods, participants will dive into hands-on activities, problem-solving scenarios, and modeling techniques that expand upon and illuminate the connections among these concepts. Participants will leave with creative tools and strategies to help students not only grasp these ideas but also apply them in practical contexts, fostering a strong mathematical foundation in grades 6-8.
Using AI in Mathematics Teaching and Assessment (6-12) (3 CEUs, math, digital literacy, or general).
Transform your approach to secondary mathematics education and take back your personal time. This specialized institute dives deeply into integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) to teach and learn grades 6-12 mathematics. This curated experience is designed to meet the diverse needs of middle and high school educators. Through interactive labs, thought-provoking panels, and real-world case studies, you will uncover strategies to make content development more efficient, differentiate instruction and assessment, streamline assessment workflows, dramatically cut grading hours, and elevate student performance. Seize this chance to harness AI to create a more dynamic, efficient, and rewarding educational environment for you and your students.
Looking Deeper into Algebra I & II (8-12) (3 CEUs, math or general).
Algebra forms the foundation of advanced mathematics, and this institute equips educators with powerful tools to make algebraic concepts come alive. Covering essential topics in Algebra I and II, participants will explore methods to build students’ confidence and competence in variables, functions, equations, and complex problem-solving. With a focus on real-world applications and engaging teaching practices, this course will help teachers make algebra meaningful and accessible, inspiring students to embrace the logical beauty of algebra and develop the skills they need for future success in mathematics.
Week 3: July 14-17
Numbers, Fractions, Operations, & Application (K-5) (3 CEUs, math or general).
Explore numbers, fractions, operations, and applications in a way that goes beyond the basics and engages students in meaningful investigations, discussions, and real-world applications. This course empowers educators to make these foundational math concepts relatable and dynamic, sparking curiosity and deeper understanding. Through inquiry-based methods, participants will dive into hands-on activities, problem-solving scenarios, and modeling techniques that expand upon and illuminate the connections among these concepts. Participants will leave with creative tools and strategies to help students not only grasp these ideas but also apply them in practical contexts, fostering a strong mathematical foundation in grades K-5.
Games, Curiosities, and Anomalies (K-8) (3 CEUs, math or general)
This course explores the playful and unexpected side of mathematics for elementary learners, focusing on games, mathematical curiosities, and intriguing anomalies that captivate K-5 students. Through interactive activities, participants will investigate puzzles, logic games, and counterintuitive math problems designed to foster curiosity, critical thinking, and mathematical reasoning. Participants will learn how to integrate engaging resources and activities into their classrooms, creating memorable learning experiences that inspire young students to see math as a fun and accessible subject. Emphasis is placed on developing number sense, problem-solving skills, and conceptual understanding through unconventional approaches.
Building Thinking Classrooms (6-12) (3 CEUs, math or general)
Are you ready to transform your math classroom into a hub of critical thinking, problem-solving, and active engagement? In this institute, designed specifically for grades 6-12 math teachers, participants will explore research-based strategies and pedagogical approaches to cultivate a thinking-centered math classroom. Instruction and learning will include rich mathematical tasks, group discussions, and collaborative planning sessions. The institute will equip educators with the practical tools and techniques needed to create a learner-centered environment that nurtures critical thinking, fosters collaborative problem-solving, and enhances overall mathematical proficiency.
Probability & Statistics (9-12) (3 CEUs, math or general)
Data, probability, and statistics play an increasing role in many of today’s state standards and are woven throughout high school courses. This Institute investigates and connects probability and statistics through problem solving, mathematical modeling, and inquiry-based instruction. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of these topics and tools through which to instruct their students.