Experience the
Math Culture Shift

Building a Culture of Deep Mathematical Thinking @ MELS

November 5-6, 2026
Queens, New York

Join us for a two-day, site-based institute at Metropolitan Expeditionary Learning School designed to ignite a shift in how educators think about, teach, and lead mathematics (grades 6-12).

🔎 What We’ll Explore

The defining characteristics of Math Culture and how to build it intentionally
How to plan for inquiry-based lessons in secondary math
How to use vertical whiteboards to boost student collaboration, engagement, and agency, while improving your ability to monitor and respond to student thinking
How to structure mathematical discussions that help students make and express key conceptual connections
How to increase access and engagement using contextualized tasks, active protocols, and models, without reducing the cognitive lift

🛠️ How We’ll Explore

Visit model classrooms and participate in a labsite, where you'll co-anticipatory plan, observe, and debrief a live lesson alongside the labsite host.
Hear directly from students about the impact of learning through inquiry.
Experience instructional best practices as a learner with professional development sessions designed to reflect the same engagement, challenge, and discourse we seek for our students.
Collaboratively plan for your own classroom and leave with ready-to-use resources to support a shift toward a stronger math culture.

Who should attend?

Teachers, coaches, and school or district leaders for grades 6-12 who believe everyone can thrive in math, and are ready to build a culture that proves it.

This workshop builds the capacity to enact NYCPS Math Shifts, including: