"It is important to dream beyond what we are fighting against,
to what we are fighting for."
-Robin D. G. Kelley
What is MATHing?
Simply put, "mathing" can be used to describe the act of doing mathematics.
Here, that definition extends to say that "mathing" is the act of doing and using mathematics to
actively understand the world around us and communicate that understanding with others.
Build a collaborative network of educators committed to transforming education and empowering learners in recognizing and fighting against social, economic, and environmental injustices, using mathematics as their tool.
Foster collective agency to create and amplify systems that uplift our marginalized groups and
provide access to opportunities.
Mission
engagements and projects
Exploring SES and Standardized Test Scores (Nov 2022)
Dr. Kyndall Brown and I are back at it again! (see past engagements)
At CMC-S in Palm Springs, we will be sharing how groups of high school students participated and made sense of real data. We urge participants to consider centering social issues and using data to position students as mathematical sense-makers and change agents in their communities. How can lessons such as this help students engage in their world with a critical lens?
Join us on Friday Nov 4, 3:30 - 5pm in the Hilton Tapestry. Session #457
Wealth Inequalities (Nov 2022)
Jennifer Hagman and I are excited to share this preview into our Hidden Statistics Program through the UCLA Math Project.
At CMC-S in Palm Springs, we will engage participants in tasks exploring number sense, proportional reasoning, and statistical centers of data, all while developing a critical examination of the increasing wealth gap and inequalities dominating our country. We urge teachers to consider centering social issues and using data to position students as mathematical sense-makers and change agents in their communities. How can lessons such as this help students engage in their world with a critical lens?
Join us on Saturday Nov 5, 10:30-12pm in teh PSCC Smoketree F, Session #668
Navigating as a Female STEM Teacher of Color (year 2)
In 2021-22, I co-created and hosted an affinity space with PhD student Socorro Cambero to support CalTeach family members who identify as women of color in (STEM) education. Our inaugural group comprises of pre-service teachers and recent graduates in their first years of in-service teaching. Together, we unpacked the challenges that come with our shared intersectionality and how we navigate such challenges like "imposter syndrome" and microaggressions.
In the 2022-23 school year, I will be supporting 3 WOCE members as they facilitate the space, embracing both returning and new members. Creating opportunities as such, for members to strengthen their leadership capacity, is an intended outcome of this community.
Navigating as a Queer STEM Teacher/Student (year 1)
In this 2022-23 academic year, I am supporting an affinity space with PhD student Socorro Cambero to support CalTeach family members who identify as queer folks in (STEM) education. As we work to shape this space and recruit members, I am cognizant of the experiences and expertise of those around me. As we prepare for our inaugural launch, I will be supporting a CalTeach student (name removed for privacy) as she embraces their identity and sources it for strength to support others. Creating opportunities as such, for members to strengthen their leadership capacity, is an intended outcome of this space.
An Educator's Guide to OC Diversity (upcoming)
I am proud to be part of this amazing team of local educators from around Orange County, CA as we create a collection of lessons that center on our local history, grounded in antiracist and culturally sustaining pedagogy. Made possible by funding by National Writing Project, we are working to provide teachers with resources and professional development. Stay tuned!
Meanwhile, grab this book! There is more to Orange County than Disneyland!
AAPI Studies Across the Curriculum (year 2)
I am proud to be part of the TFJ planning committee as we work to bring Asian American studies into classrooms. In collaboration with Educate to Empower, UCI Teacher Academy and UCI Center for Educational Partnerships, we launched the inaugural Teaching for Justice Conference in April 2022. Educators from across the country joined virtually, as local educators joined in person to explore how Asian American Studies can and should be embedded across the k12 curriculum.
We will continue to spotlight AAPI Studies, focusing year 2 on supporting teachers in implementing into practice. We are excited to bring a new format to our TFJ community and create spaces for celebration and joy. Stay tuned!
testimonials
"You have opened our eyes to how we can bring equity and inclusion into math...Please have more sessions available. I would love to attend! Your work is appreciated and valued!"
-participant
K12 District Program Specialist
"I am so grateful to Naehee for the books, lessons, and ideas shared in these workshops!!! I am also so appreciate of the community of educators that are being built through these workshops - it is heartening to see others doing the work in their classrooms across the state!"
-participant
Classroom Teacher in Northern California
"I feel energized to bring important questions to my class that will 1) make them want to find the answers and 2) see that math is a tool to help view the world and effect change....I am the dept chair and at our next meeting, I will share the article we read and discuss how and why we can/should build relevant social justice lessons into our classes."
-participant
K12 District Teacher and Dept Chair
"These workshops are a lifeline at a time when I am feeling discouraged and disheartened. They matter, this work matters, and you matter - as excellent facilitators who put in the work and time to make these spaces useful, effective, and valuable for all participants"
-teacher participant
"The presentation was both insightful and inspiring. First, Naehee and Kyndall opened my eyes to the inequities that persist today. But more important, they inspired me to use math to help students examine issues of social justice. It was amazing to see how their students responded to the lesson on reparations and their presentation serves as an example for what all math teachers can do to inspire their students."
Professor at California State University, Northridge
"As educators, we are often in search of lessons that will make an impact on students that lasts after they have walked out the door. Naehee Kwun, along with Dr. Kyndall Brown, demonstrated that we can have hard conversations with students that deepen both their mathematical understanding, as well as their understanding of the world we live in, during their session, "Social Justice in a Virtual Environment: The Case for Reparations."
Naehee's attention to care and community building was evident in the student responses she shared with us, and the care she gave to answering our questions and concerns. I feel very fortunate to have learned so much from this session."
-participant, teacher leader