Election 2021: Kristin Lesseig

Participation in AMTE and/or AMTE Affiliates(s)

I joined AMTE as a graduate student and AMTE has been my professional home ever since. I have consistently attended and presented at the annual AMTE conference and participate in professional development opportunities AMTE provides throughout the year. As a 2012 STaR scholar, I benefitted from the mentorship provided to early career MTEs and I have sought to give back in multiple ways—including serving on mentor panels and manuscript review teams for new scholars. My recent service on the Emerging Issues/Advocacy committee (2018-2021) coupled with the opportunity to work with the current AMTE president and panel to plan the opening session of the 2021 conference gave me a more comprehensive understanding of AMTE structures and priorities. The personal and professional satisfaction I received from these volunteer opportunities has reinforced my commitment to the organization and fueled my desire to serve in other ways.

Participation in Related Organizations

I am a member of several related organizations (e.g., NCTM, NCSM, PME and AERA), many for over 10 years. Within these organizations I regularly attend national conferences and have served as a journal and conference proposal reviewer, discussant, and in other roles. I was a member of Volunteer Committee for the 2018 NCTM Regional Conference held in Seattle and am currently a member of the planning and visioning committee for the 2022 Northwest Regional Math Conference. I also currently serve as the Associate Director for the Southwest Region of the Washington State Mathematics Council. These volunteer opportunities have allowed me to stay up to date on relevant issues in mathematics education at the national level as well as remain connected to educators and various constituent groups within my local community.

Qualifications for the Position

My 15 years as a K-12 mathematics teacher and longevity with AMTE have given me perspective and knowledge needed for this AMTE board position. I stay abreast of mathematics education research through avid reading and participation in national and international organizations. But I remain grounded in the real work that is going on in classrooms through partnerships with mathematics leaders across Washington State and with local teachers and school communities. In addition to organizational knowledge and connections, I bring several personal qualities important to this position. Most critical, are my commitments to “presume positive intentions” and to consider multiple perspectives. I am quick to listen and slow to speak. As a board member I would consider how others, both in and outside of AMTE, might interpret and be affected by organizational decisions and actions, and I would follow through on commitments in a timely and professional manner.

Three Goals AMTE should make a Priority

•  Partner with other organizations to advocate for anti-racist policies and practices in mathematics education.

• Stay relevant and responsive to the needs of members at various stages in their careers - especially scholars from groups typically marginalized in mathematics. 

• Strengthen efforts to build community among MTEs both within and outside formal AMTE events.

This past year laid bare the egregious faults in our educational systems that have disenfranchised students and educators. We saw MTEs grappling with uncertainties and unimaginable situations. AMTE responded quickly with technology-focused professional development and targeted sessions that foregrounded equitable practices, but we need to do more. This is a pivotal time to re-examine priorities and ensure that all members feel seen and heard and view AMTE as their professional home—we truly are stronger together.

 

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