Engaging Every Learner: Strategies to Boost Math Motivation

Dr. Melissa Dandy Walker is an experienced educator and Digital Learning Specialist with nearly 30 years in education. She has served as a Teacher Support Specialist for over 25 years, providing mentorship, coaching, and professional development to educators. With a strong background in mathematics instruction and digital learning, she is passionate about empowering teachers with innovative strategies that enhance student engagement and achievement. Above all, Melissa is dedicated to creating learning environments where both teachers and students feel seen, valued, and heard, ensuring that every learner has the opportunity to succeed.

Dr. André R. Denham is an Associate Professor of Instructional Technology in the Department of Educational Leadership, Policy, & Technology Studies at The University of Alabama. He is also the Associate Dean for Graduate Academic Affairs in the Graduate School. His research focuses on the design, development, and integration of games—both analog and digital—as a means of transforming how we teach and learn mathematics. His research addresses interrelated strands of inquiry that contribute to the growing knowledge base surrounding using games as an instructional tool: the design and development of games, the integration of game-based learning in the mathematics classroom, and the identification of effective methods for increasing the game-based learning knowledge of mathematics teachers. Dr. Denham has presented over 35 conference papers, roundtables, and poster sessions at national and international professional conferences. In addition, he has given 20+ invited talks, keynotes, and workshops.

Scott Woller is a 3rd grade teacher at Medford Elementary School in the Medford Area Public School District in Wisconsin. Scott has 32 years of teaching experience and is a graduate of University of Wisconsin and Viterbo University. In his classroom, which his students lovingly refer to as “WollerVille”, Scott believes in ensuring that his students engage in meaningful and authentic practice with learning content that will lead them to mastery. He also has a huge passion for music both inside and outside of the classroom.