The 3rd-grade session, held at Minden Elementary School, focused on the Three Reads Math Language Routine. The training was co-led by Carly Strauss, DCSD’s Professional Learning Facilitator, and Holly Young, a mathematics teacher and trainer based in Sparks, and founder of the Making Mathematicians website. Holly is passionate about unlocking every student’s inner mathematician through engaging strategies like using storytelling, writing, and hands-on activities to process mathematical concepts.

During the session, teachers worked together to plan lessons, observed Julie Gillen’s classroom in action, and reflected as a group to refine their instructional practices.

The 4th-grade session at Gardnerville Elementary School followed a similar structure. Teachers collaborated in planning, observed Jess Wood’s class to see their ideas in action, and wrapped up with a debrief to discuss how to bring these strategies into their own classrooms.

These sessions are part of a district-wide math initiative, where all DCSD K-5 teachers and 6-8 math teachers are working together to implement math language routines in their classrooms. 

These sessions highlight DCSD’s commitment to ongoing professional growth and collaboration. Partnering with experts like Holly Young, who provides customized training for educators nationwide, and leveraging the expertise of our professional development team ensures that teachers have the tools and support to create meaningful learning experiences for all students.

For more about Holly Young and her work, visit MakingMathematicians.com.